What are some good high school jobs for aspiring engineers?

I'm interested in engineering and in high school. Are there any jobs or internships I can do now that are good for gaining engineering experience even at this early stage?

Although finding engineering-related jobs as a high school student might be challenging due to the technical nature of the field, there are certainly a number of roles that can give you valuable exposure to the field. Plus, learning more about what type of engineering you're interested in will be valuable.

For instance, you could consider roles or internships related to computer science, if you're interested in software engineering. Learning how to code and being introduced to project management can be beneficial for a future engineering career.

Research internships at local universities or tech companies can also be relevant, especially if they're in the physical sciences or engineering departments. Reach out to professors or local businesses to see if they might have any opportunities.

Entry-level work in a maker space or a construction site could offer hands-on experience that's valuable, especially for those interested in civil or mechanical engineering.

You might also want to consider applying for engineering programs or camps specifically designed for high school students. Programs like Exploring Engineering at Johns Hopkins University allow high school students to work on engineering projects under the guidance of a mentor.

Remember, any job that allows you to solve problems, work in a team, and learn about technology will be relevant, as these are all key skills for an engineer. So, even customer service roles in a tech store, for example, can be valuable in developing these transferable skills.

Just make sure to balance any job or internship with your academic responsibilities and extracurricular involvements, as colleges will be also looking for a strong academic record and commitment to a few, meaningful activities.