Getting an internship as a high school student might feel pretty scary at first, but honestly, it’s something you can definitely do. Lots of students grab awesome chances that not only look great on their resumes but also help them figure out what they really want to do in the future. Whether you’re dreaming of working at NASA, shadowing doctors, or diving into the business world, there’s probably an internship out there for you.
The thing is, internships aren’t just about looking good on college applications (though they definitely help with that). They’re your chance to get real-world experience, meet professionals in fields you’re curious about, and sometimes even earn some money while you’re at it. Plus, you’ll develop skills that your classmates who spent their summer scrolling through social media won’t have.
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What is an Internship in high school?
Let’s start with the basics. An internship in high school is basically a short-term work experience where you get to dip your toes into a professional environment. Think of it as a trial run for a potential career path. You’re not going to be running the company or making life-changing decisions, but you’ll get to see what it’s really like to work in that field.
Most high school internships are pretty straightforward. You might be doing things like organizing files, helping with research, shadowing professionals, or assisting with simple projects. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a software developer, you might help test websites or learn basic coding skills alongside experienced programmers. If medicine is your thing, you could shadow doctors, help with administrative tasks, or even assist with basic research.
The cool thing about internships is that they’re designed to be learning experiences. Nobody expects you to know everything going in. Your supervisors understand you’re there to learn, ask questions, and figure out if this field is something you want to pursue further.
What makes internships stand out from regular jobs is that you usually have a mentor, someone who shows you the ropes, explains what they do, and helps you see how everything fits together in the bigger picture. This is super helpful because you get real inside info about the industry that you just can’t find by googling or reading stuff online.
Another important thing to understand is that internships come in different shapes and sizes. Some are super formal programs run by big companies or organizations, while others might be more casual arrangements with local businesses. Some pay you (which is awesome), while others are unpaid but offer great experience and connections.
How do you balance an internship with school?
Here’s the good news: most high school internships take place during summer break, so you don’t have to juggle work and school simultaneously. Summer internships typically last one to three months, providing you with ample time to fully engage in the experience without worrying about homework or tests.
But what if you get an internship that occurs during the school year? Don’t panic. Most organizations that offer internships to high school students understand that school comes first. They’ll usually work with your schedule, maybe having you come in after school for a few hours or on weekends.
If you do end up with a school-year internship, time management becomes super important. You’ll need to get really good at planning ahead, staying organized, and maybe saying no to some social activities. But honestly, the experience is usually worth it.
Here are some practical tips for balancing both: First, talk to your parents and school counsellor about your plans. They can help you decide if an internship is worthwhile given your current course load and extracurricular commitments. Second, be clear with potential employers about your availability. It’s better to be honest about your limitations than to overpromise and underdeliver.
Third, consider online or virtual internships if you find a cool opportunity that doesn’t fit your geographic location or schedule. The pandemic has made remote internships much more common, and they can be just as valuable as in-person experiences.
Remember, your grades shouldn’t suffer because of an internship. If you struggle to keep up with schoolwork, it might be time to talk with your internship supervisor about adjusting your schedule.
How are summer internships different from summer programs?
This is a great question because a lot of students get confused about the difference. Summer internships and summer programs might both happen during your break from school, but they’re quite different experiences.
Summer internships are all about real-world work experience. You’re actually contributing to a workplace, even if it’s in small ways. You might be working alongside professionals, helping with actual projects, and getting a genuine taste of what that career field is like day to day. The focus is on practical, hands-on learning in a professional environment.
Summer programs, on the other hand, are more like extended classes or camps. They’re usually more academic or educational in nature. You might attend lectures, do research projects, or participate in structured activities, but you’re not necessarily getting the same kind of workplace experience.
Here’s another big difference: many summer internships actually pay you. Not all of them, but a good number do, especially the more competitive ones. Summer programs, however, often require you to pay tuition or program fees. From a college admissions perspective, both can be valuable, but internships often carry more weight because they show initiative and real-world experience. College admissions officers tend to prefer to see students dive deeper into an area rather than having a series of unrelated, one-off experiences.
Don’t let go of summer programs, as some are incredibly prestigious and selective, offering experiences you can’t get anywhere else. The key is to choose according to your interests and goals, not just what you think will look impressive.
How to find internships for high school students
Alright, this is where the rubber meets the road. Finding internships as a high school student takes some effort, but there are several strategies that work really well.
Start with formal internship programs. Many organizations specifically create internship programs for high school students. These are great because they’re designed with your age and experience level in mind. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement paid internships allow high school and college-level students to contribute to the agency’s mission, and there are tons of other similar programs out there.
The downside? These programs can be super competitive. The best place to start when looking for an internship is typically your local community, so don’t overlook local opportunities while you’re aiming for the big names.
Use online job boards, but be strategic. Sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn do have internships that accept high school students, but you’ll need to dig a little. Search for terms like “high school intern,” “student intern,” or “entry-level intern.” The challenge here is that most postings are aimed at college students, so you might have to sift through a lot of irrelevant listings.
Leverage your personal network. This is honestly one of the most effective strategies. Talk to your parents, relatives, family friends, teachers, and anyone else in your circle about your interest in finding an internship. You’d be surprised how many doors can open through personal connections.
Reach out directly to businesses you’re interested in. This takes some courage, but it can be incredibly effective. For a successful cold-outreach strategy, aim to send at least 50 emails to potential internship providers. Make a list of companies or organizations in your area that work in fields you’re curious about, then send them a professional email explaining who you are and what you’re looking for.
When you’re doing this, be prepared with a one-page resume that highlights your academic achievements, volunteer work, and any relevant skills. Don’t worry if you feel like you don’t have much experience; everyone starts somewhere.
Create your own opportunity. Sometimes the best internships are the ones you create yourself. Is there a local business owner who might benefit from help with social media? A nonprofit that could use assistance with research? A government office that might welcome an extra pair of hands? Don’t be afraid to propose your own internship arrangement.
The key to all of these approaches is to start early. Don’t wait until May to start looking for summer internships. Many applications open in January or February, and some even earlier than that.
Top internships for high school students
Let me share some of the best internship opportunities out there for high school students.
STEM and Research Opportunities
NASA Internship Programs offer students an opportunity to gain practical work experience while working side-by-side with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and individuals from many other professions. These are paid positions and are available to students who are at least 16 years old and U.S. citizens.
The Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program is another fantastic STEM opportunity. It’s a full-time summer program where you work directly with AFRL scientists and engineers on actual research projects. You need to be at least 16, have good grades, and be genuinely interested in science, technology, engineering, or math.
For those interested in brain science, the Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences offers 5-8 weeks of hands-on research experience. They have both in-person positions for Baltimore area students and virtual opportunities as well.
Business and Finance
The Bank of America Student Leaders program connects community-minded students with local nonprofits. It’s perfect if you want to combine business experience with making a positive impact. You need to be a junior or senior in high school, and the program pays participants while they gain real-world experience.
Microsoft’s Discovery Program is a four-week paid internship focused on design and product development. It’s available to graduating seniors near Redmond, Washington, or Atlanta, Georgia. You’ll work directly with Microsoft employees and develop foundational tech skills.
Healthcare and Medicine
Kaiser Permanente’s LAUNCH Program offers seven weeks of exposure to healthcare careers. It’s specifically designed to increase diversity in healthcare by supporting students from underserved communities. Participants get hands-on experience in various healthcare administrative and support roles.
The Indiana University Cancer Center has several summer research programs for high school students interested in medical research. These include the Future Scientists Program for juniors and programs for graduating seniors interested in cancer research.
Museums and Arts
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York runs a High School Internship Program that helps students develop professional skills while working with creative professionals. It’s available to juniors and seniors in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area.
The Smithsonian offers multiple internship opportunities across its various museums and research centers. The programs vary in focus, but all provide chances to participate in real research and museum work.
Government and Public Service
The Library of Congress High School Summer Internship is an intensive four-week program where students help develop content for new exhibition spaces. It’s unpaid but offers incredible experience for students interested in libraries, museums, or public service.
The United States Secret Service Pathways Program provides opportunities to work in government agencies and explore federal careers. Students who complete the program successfully may be eligible for permanent civil service positions later.
How to Stand Out in Applications
When you’re applying for these popular internships, keep in mind that they want students who really care about the field, not just people trying to make their resumes look better. In your essays, share stories about what got you interested, what questions you want to learn more about, and how the internship fits with what you want to do in the future.
And don’t try to pretend to be someone you’re not. Just be yourself!
If you’re applying for a medical research internship, they don’t expect you to have already cured cancer. They want to see curiosity, dedication, and a willingness to learn.
Application Timelines
Most of these programs have early deadlines. NASA internships have rolling admissions with sessions throughout the year. Bank of America Student Leaders typically have a January deadline. The Air Force Research Laboratory usually closes applications in early to mid-January. Microsoft Discovery Program applications are typically due in mid-March.
Start working on your applications at least two months before the deadline. This gives you time to get letters of recommendation, write thoughtful essays, and polish your resume.
How Rostrum can Help you in Getting an Internship in High School
Rostrum has helped plenty of students get into their dream careers by helping them get an internship. Rostrum will help you figure out whether you should be targeting competitive national programs, local business opportunities, or maybe even creating your own internship experience.
Our Rostrum team knows exactly what program directors and hiring managers are looking for. We can help you present your experiences, interests, and potential in the most compelling way possible.
Rostrum helps by giving you practice interviews so you can get comfortable with the common questions and learn how to present yourself in the best way. We have good connections with lots of organizations that can help open doors for you. We can help you think about how your internship experience will strengthen your college applications, inform your choice of major, and set you up for future opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Getting an internship in high school is totally possible, so start looking early, be honest about what really interests you, and don’t let rejections get you down; they’re just part of the journey. Whether you end up at NASA, a local charity, or even make your own chance, the experience will teach you stuff and give you skills that will help you for years.
Remember, it’s not just about landing any internship; it’s about finding one that really excites you and helps you figure out what you might want to do later on. Your future self will be super thankful you took this step toward real-world experience and growing professionally.
