How can a high school student find engineering jobs?

I'm a high school student interested in engineering and want to gain some job experience. What engineering jobs, internships, or entry-level positions can I apply for before college?

There are several ways a high school student interested in engineering can gain hands-on experience in the field. Here are a few options you might consider:

1. Internships or Work-Study Programs: Some local engineering firms, tech companies, and utilities offer paid or unpaid internships to high school students. These can provide valuable, real-world experience in a variety of disciplines such as civil, electrical, mechanical, or software engineering.

2. Summer Engineering Programs: Universities and institutions often host summer engineering programs directed toward high school students. These programs typically include hands-on projects, research components, and opportunities to meet and learn from professionals in the field. Examples include Research Science Institute (RSI), MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science), and the Women in Engineering Program (WIEP) at Purdue.

3. High School Engineering Clubs: Building and coding student-led projects for competitions like FIRST Robotics, Science Olympiad, or CodeHS can give you hands-on engineering experience while still in high school.

4. Part-Time Jobs or Volunteering: Look for opportunities in businesses where engineering skills are needed. Even a job in a computer repair shop, a local maker space, or volunteering in a community project where you could involve some aspect of engineering can provide you with valuable experiences.

5. Start Your Own Project: This could be as simple as building a computer or as complex as creating your own robot. This not only allows you to apply your passion for engineering but demonstrates initiative and creativity to potential colleges or employers.

Remember, you may have to start with smaller roles or internships and work your way up. The key is to get your foot in the door and show enthusiasm for learning, and the rest should follow.