How Do Internships Work for High School Students?

I'm a junior in high school trying to figure out what internships are and how they could benefit me. I know they're a great way to gain some work experience, but I'm not really sure what kinds of internships are available to someone with my level of education.

Do companies even offer internships for high schoolers, or are they mostly for college students? And if they do, what kind of internships should I be looking out for, especially if I'm interested in fields like business or engineering? Any advice on how to apply for these experiences would be super helpful!

Internships, simply put, are usually short-term work positions offered by companies and organizations to help individuals gain work experience, potentially in their field of interest. As a high school student, you are absolutely eligible for internships, though they might be less traditional or formal than those offered to college students.

For high school students like you, internships serve as a platform to explore career interests before heading off to college, demonstrating that you're proactive and willing to get hands-on experience in your field of interest. It's also an opportunity to build valuable skills, professional relationships, and can often provide substance for your college application essays.

Companies and organizations absolutely do offer internships to high school students. However, these opportunities might come in a variety of formats such as shadowing professionals, summer programs, or part-time internships during the school year.

In terms of fields like business or engineering, you might consider reaching out to local businesses, startups, or engineering firms to inquire about potential opportunities. Don't restrict yourself just to firms explicitly related to your field of interest – even working at a small local business can give you valuable experience in understanding how businesses work.

A good starting point could be your school's guidance counselor or career center, if you have one. They often have information on local opportunities. While some internships have formal applications similar to a job, others may take on more of an informational interviewing or networking approach.

It's also a good idea to reach out directly to companies or organizations that catch your interest. You can send an introduction email, stating who you are, why you're interested in their company, and ask if there are any internships or shadowing opportunities available. Be sure to attach your resume or portfolio if you have one, and highlight the relevant skills or experiences that would make you an eligible candidate.

Finally, remember that internships are just one way among many to gain business or engineering experience in high school. You might also consider joining relevant clubs, participating in competitions, taking related classes, starting a small business, or even teaching yourself new skills online.

Good luck with your search! It's great that you're starting to think about all of this now. With persistence, it's definitely possible to find an internship as a high school student.