High school internships: Where to find and apply?

Hey peeps, I'm a high school junior looking for internships this summer. Could you please share some resources or tips on how to find and apply for internships suitable for high school students? Much appreciated!

Hey there! It's awesome that you're considering internships during your high school years. Internships can provide valuable experience and help you explore your interests. Here are a few resources and tips to help you find and apply for suitable internships:

1. Start by identifying your interests: Consider the subjects and fields that you're passionate about or could see yourself pursuing in the future. Having a clear focus will guide you through the search process and increase the odds of landing an internship that you'll enjoy.

2. School resources: Speak to your school's guidance counselor, or to the teachers of your favorite subjects, as they may have access to internship opportunities or connections with local organizations. Many schools have relationships with local businesses and may offer work-study or internship programs.

3. Online resources: There are several websites that focus on internships for high school students, such as Internships.com, WayUp, and Chegg Internships. Additionally, consider joining LinkedIn, as it has a job search function that allows you to filter by internships - just keep in mind that many of them will be for people who are at least enrolled in college already. Job search websites like Indeed and Glassdoor also sometimes list internship openings for high school students.

4. Networking: Reach out to friends, family, and other connections in your network who may have information about internship opportunities. You never know who might have a connection with a company that's looking for interns.

5. Local opportunities: Research local businesses and nonprofit organizations in your area that align with your interests. Visit their websites and look for internship or volunteer opportunities. You can also reach out to them directly via email or phone, expressing your interest in interning and inquiring about potential openings. Sometimes, local organizations may be more open to hosting high school interns, as they are invested in the growth of the young members of their community.

6. Create a polished resume and cover letter: Since you're just starting on your professional path, your resume may not be filled with work experience. However, it's essential to emphasize your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and soft skills. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific internship you apply for by highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences.

7. Be persistent: Finding and applying for internships can be challenging, so don't get discouraged if you don't receive immediate responses or offers. Stay persistent, pursue multiple opportunities, and continue networking to increase your chances of securing a position.

Finally, if you have a particular area, in terms of either geography or interest, that you're looking out, consider checking out CollegeVine's blog, which has a range of posts on internships for high schoolers in fields like medicine, fashion, or computer science, and in certain states and cities as well: https://www.collegevine.com/category/extracurricular-activities/internships.

Good luck in your internship search! And, remember, even if you don't land an internship, there are plenty of other ways to gain experience and explore your interests, such as volunteering, job shadowing, or starting a personal project, so don't get discouraged!