Through paid internships, high school students have a unique opportunity to gain valuable industry experience. Students are able to develop professional skills, explore career options, and earn some income while still attending high school thanks to these positions.
If you’re planning ahead, a paid internship is a chance to make your mark when applying for colleges or jobs.
Key Takeaways
Paid internships offer high school students both skill-building and income opportunities.
Popular fields for internships include STEM, media, finance, healthcare, and public service.
Bank of America Student Leaders and NASA’s SEES Internship are examples of programs that offer paid opportunities for high school students.
Professionalism, curiosity, and proactive networking are necessary for successful internships.
Paid internships can be a game-changer for high school students, setting the stage for lifelong learning and career success.
What makes Paid Internships Important for High School Students
High school students can gain early career exposure and financial compensation through paid internships. High schoolers who are starting to explore their future options may find real-world experience to be both eye-opening and transformative. Paid internships are valuable because of these reasons:
- Professional Experience: Understanding workplace culture and expectations is made easier for students by working alongside industry professionals.
- Skill Development: Students can develop valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through paid internships.
- College and Job Applications: The impressive appearance of an internship on applications shows future colleges and employers that a student is proactive.
- Earnings: By earning income, these internships are accessible to students, which allows them to save for college or personal expenses.
Popular Fields for High School Internships
High school students are frequently offered internships in a few specific industries, but there are many fields that are hiring young interns for different types of roles. These are some popular fields that offer paid internship opportunities for high schoolers:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- With many STEM programs encouraging young talent, some companies provide paid internships in fields like engineering, IT, data science, and research. Programs like NASA’s SEES Internship and the Google Computer Science Summer Institute cater specifically to high school students.
- Media and Communications
- For students who are interested in journalism, media production, or marketing, media companies frequently have openings for content creation, social media, or basic editing positions. High school students can receive paid internships from local news stations, publishing companies, and even some digital marketing agencies.
- Finance and Business
- Finance companies and business firms sometimes hire interns to support data entry, customer service, and administrative tasks. These internships introduce students to corporate settings and offer experience in accounting, investment, and consulting environments.
- Healthcare and Medical Research
- Some hospitals and research centers offer paid internships to high school students interested in healthcare fields. Working in laboratories, supporting research teams, or participating in health education programs are all possibilities.
- Government and Public Service
- Public service internships, like those at local government offices or community centers, provide students with knowledge about government operations. These are invaluable for students interested in law, policy, or public administration.
Examples of Paid Internship Programs for High School Students
Numerous businesses and organizations have established programs to allow high school students to obtain paid work experience. Here are some examples:
Bank of America Student Leaders Program
- This program selects high school juniors and seniors from all over the United States to work at local nonprofits while gaining valuable leadership and workplace skills. This is a great way to get started in business and community service, and it comes with a paid stipend.
NASA Internships
- NASA offers paid internships for high school students interested in space, technology, and science. By working with scientists and engineers, students can gain exposure to research and development projects.
Microsoft High School Internship Program
- This tech internship allows high school students to engage with professionals in the technology field. Participants gain exposure to real projects in software development and project management, making it ideal for aspiring software engineers.
Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
- CSSI is a paid summer program for high school seniors planning to pursue computer science degrees. Students learn about Google’s projects and work with mentors on coding challenges, which can be valuable for tech-focused students.
How to Find Paid Internships for High School Students
Finding a paid internship as a high school student takes some research and persistence. Here are some tips to get started:
Use Job Search Websites
Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn have listings for high school internships. Using search terms like “high school internship” or “paid high school internship” can narrow down your options.
School Career Centers
Many high schools have career counselors who can guide students in finding internships. Career centers frequently collaborate with nearby businesses and may even advertise job openings that are specifically tailored to students.
Local Community and Nonprofit Organizations
Some local community centers, youth programs, or nonprofit organizations offer paid internship opportunities. These can provide valuable experience, especially in fields like education, public service, or environmental studies.
Networking
Students can find internships through networking, such as attending career fairs, connecting with alumni, or asking family and friends. Many people in the workforce have connections or know of companies that provide paid internships to high school students.
Companies’ websites
Large companies that frequently hire interns, such as Google, Microsoft, and NASA, frequently post internship details directly on their websites. A good way to keep up with application windows and requirements is to visit these websites.
Tips for a Successful High School Internship
Once a student has secured a paid internship, it’s time to make the most of the opportunity. Here are some tips for succeeding:
- Be Punctual and Professional: Showing up on time and dressed appropriately makes a positive impression. Punctuality and professionalism help students gain the respect and trust of colleagues.
- Ask Questions and Seek Feedback: Internships are meant for learning, so students should ask questions whenever they encounter unfamiliar tasks. Seeking feedback helps them improve and shows they’re eager to learn.
- Network with Coworkers and Supervisors: Interns should make an effort to get to know the people they work with. Building a network can help open doors to future opportunities and provide guidance on career paths.
- Take Initiative: Instead of waiting to be assigned tasks, interns should look for ways to help and contribute. Showing initiative demonstrates a strong work ethic and commitment to the job.
Benefits of Paid Internships for High School Students
For high school students, paid internships offer more than just an income; they provide a head start in personal and professional growth. Key benefits include:
- Exploring career interests: Internships allow students to test out careers and learn what fields they might want to pursue.
- Building Work Experience Early: Many jobs require previous work experience. Internships help students overcome this by providing real-world experience they can add to their resumes.
- Financial Independence: Earning their own income provides students with financial freedom and teaches them budgeting skills.
- Laying the Groundwork for College and Scholarships: Internships stand out on college and scholarship applications, showing initiative and a commitment to career development.
Final Thought
From STEM fields to business, media, and public service, there are diverse internship options for high schoolers to choose from. By performing research, networking, and applying early, students can discover the perfect paid internship that aligns with their interests and goals. And once they’re in, taking full advantage of the experience will set them up for success in whatever path they choose next.
