I am asked constantly about internships and many students and parents think they are easy to find. Internships are difficult to find and students who are willing to put in a lot of effort will normally have the most success.
As high school students gear up for the competitive college admissions process, standing out from the crowd becomes more challenging each year. One of the most effective ways to gain an edge is by participating in internships. These real-world experiences not only strengthen your college application but also provide valuable insights into potential career paths. Whether you're interested in medicine, dentistry, computer science, engineering, or business, internships can help shape your future.
Why High School Internships Are Important
Internships are no longer exclusive to college students; high schoolers can benefit immensely from them as well. Here’s why:
1. Stand Out in College Applications
Internships demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and dedication—qualities that admissions officers love. They show that you’ve gone beyond the classroom to actively pursue your interests.
2. Gain Real-World Experience
Internships allow you to work in professional environments, giving you firsthand exposure to your chosen field. This helps you decide if it’s truly the right career path for you.
3. Build Your Network
Internships connect you with professionals who can serve as mentors and provide recommendations for college applications, scholarships, and future job opportunities.
4. Develop Critical Skills
From teamwork and communication to problem-solving and technical expertise, internships help you build essential skills that will serve you well in any career. There is nothing like the confidence gained from real-world experiences.
5. Explore Your Passions
Whether you’re curious about medicine or drawn to business, internships offer a taste of the industry and help refine your interests.
How to Find Internship Opportunities
Securing a high school internship requires persistence and strategic planning. Here are the best ways to uncover opportunities in your desired field:
1. Tap Into School Resources
2. Leverage Online Platforms
Internship Websites: Websites like Indeed, Handshake, and Chegg Internships often list opportunities for high school students.
LinkedIn: Create a professional profile and search for internships in your area.
Specific Programs: Look for field-specific programs like Johns Hopkins' Pre-College Summer Programs (medicine) or Google’s CSSI (computer science).
3. Reach Out Directly
Cold Emailing: Research local businesses, universities, clinics, or labs and email them expressing your interest. Be professional, concise, and clear about how you can contribute. I’ll be honest, be very prepared for rejection and, most likely, to be ignored. However, all it takes is one good opportunity. A local student sent out over 50 emails to math professors getting just three responses. One turned into a two-year internship/mentorship with a Duke professor. Success really is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration!
Family and Friends: Ask your network if they know anyone working in your field of interest. Often, the best resource is Mom and Dad, who may have a network of friends.
4. Participate in Summer Programs
Many universities and organizations offer pre-college programs that include internship components. For example:
Medical: National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Summer Internship Program.
Dental: The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP).
Engineering: MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI).
Computer Science: AI4ALL Summer Programs.
Business: The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) leadership programs.
5. Join Local Organizations
Community centers, local government programs, and nonprofits often have internship or volunteer opportunities. These can serve as a steppingstone to more advanced roles.
Field-Specific Tips for Finding Internships
Here are tailored strategies for finding internships in popular fields:
1. Medical
Volunteer at hospitals, clinics, or senior care centers. While not all offer internships, they may provide shadowing opportunities.
Consider research programs at universities like Wake Forest or UPenn. There are many other programs offered around the country.
2. Dental
Reach out to local dentists for shadowing or office assistant roles. Mention your interest in dentistry and willingness to help with administrative tasks or patient care.
Explore dental school outreach programs that offer hands-on learning experiences.
3. Computer Science
Look for coding bootcamps or hackathons that can lead to internships.
Consider for tech-based summer programs like Girls Who Code or similar programs. The opportunities in CS are almost endless.
4. Engineering
Contact local engineering firms or universities with engineering labs. Many are open to mentoring motivated high school students.
Participate in competitions like FIRST Robotics or science fairs to build connections. For younger students, getting involved in your state’s science fair can lead to great opportunities including participation in ISEF.
5. Business
Intern with local startups or small businesses, offering help with marketing, social media, or customer relations.
Join business-related clubs like FBLA, DECA, or Junior Achievement, which often have partnerships with local businesses.
A Word of Caution on Paying for an Internship
Please note, this is not where the student is paid to be an intern. That is always great.
No, this is about the parent contracting with a company to help your child land an internship. I have spoken to representatives from a couple of companies (which I will not name) and came away with many concerns.
1. Internship Length: Is often short and predetermined, like a school course and almost all are virtual.
2. Cost: I’ve seen fees range from $1,900 to over $5,000.
3. Common Start Dates: How do multiple organizations magically need interns to start and end at the exact same time? Strait up, this seems fishy to me.
4. Organizations: Many companies are start-ups, and in some cases are paid to take a student as an intern.
5. Recommendations: I worry these will carry little weight from what becomes a cookie-cutter internship. It’s possible that many students will complete the exact same project for the same company.
6. Research: Some internships promise opportunities for research and possible publication, but again, I fear the same work is being done by many students.
7. Competitive Admission: Many companies boast that only 20-30% of students actually get an internship. I’m not really buying it until I hear about real kids who have been turned away.
8. Compensation: When I ask how the compensation structure works, I am told that it’s proprietary information. I have been told that I can also receive a referral fee, which is called “soft money.” Having worked in finance for many years, I detest these arrangements. I’ve never taken a dime from anyone I’ve recommended to a student, such as a tutor. Integrity is never for sale.
9. Bottom Line: Most pay to play opportunities don’t carry much weight in admissions. Colleges are seeing more students participate in these programs as they search for a way to stand out. While it is possible that a student will have an amazing experience, I am more than a little suspect about paying to be an intern. I know this seems like a bit of a rant, but I don’t want to see a parent or student waste their money.
10. Experiences: If a student does participate in one of these internships, please let me know how it went. I’d love to hear about it.
Tips for a Successful Internship Experience
Prepare a Strong Resume: Highlight your skills, coursework, and extracurricular activities relevant to the field.
Be Professional: Dress appropriately, communicate clearly, and always meet deadlines.
Ask Questions: Show curiosity and eagerness to learn from mentors and colleagues.
Document Your Work: Keep a record of projects or skills you’ve developed—it’ll come in handy for college applications.
Stay in Touch: After your internship, maintain contact with supervisors and mentors for future opportunities and recommendations.
Internships and College Applications
When it’s time to apply to college, use your internship experiences strategically:
Personal Statements: Share how the internship shaped your goals and why it inspired you to pursue a particular field.
Supplemental Essays: Highlight specific projects or skills you developed and their impact on your growth.
Resumes and Portfolios: Include detailed descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements.
Letters of Recommendation: Ask supervisors to provide recommendations that showcase your dedication and abilities.
Final Thoughts
Internships for high school students are more than just resume boosters—they are gateways to self-discovery and professional growth. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can gain a clearer understanding of your passions, stand out in college applications, and build a strong foundation for your future career.
Start searching, be persistent, and take the leap into the world of internships. Your future self will thank you!
About An Advisor for College
My name is Pirie McIndoe, and I am the founder of An Advisor for College. Having worked with over 350 colleges and universities during my 39 years in the higher education market, I bring a unique perspective to the college admissions process. I know what college admissions officers are looking for as they seek to develop a diverse student body. I’ve helped hundreds of students get admitted to their dream school. I am fully invested in each student’s success; helping them present the best version of themselves for college consideration. Contact me to learn how I can help you navigate this complex and competitive process. wwww.anadvisorforcollege.com