Navigating intern jobs for high school students

I'm starting to explore internship opportunities as a high school junior and I'm curious about what types of internships are generally accessible for students like me. Are certain fields more open to high school interns? Any personal experiences would be great!

It's good to see you proactively exploring internship opportunities! High school internships can be a great way to gain hands-on experience. Internships can vary widely depending on your location and your interests, and some industries might be more likely to have high school internships than others.

Typically, nonprofits, local businesses, government agencies, and startups may have more open opportunities for high school students. Even within these categories, you can find a range of fields to investigate, from public policy to arts and media, to tech and coding, to scientific research.

Nonprofits, for example, often seek short-term assistance for program delivery and organizing events. In local businesses, like a local marketing firm or independent bookstore, you might find opportunities to learn about operations, marketing, and customer service. On the other hand, startups are often looking for interns who are eager to learn and contribute, allowing you to dip your toes into the world of entrepreneurship.

While it is sometimes more difficult to find internships in certain industries such as finance or high-tech companies as a high school student, there are still possibilities if you're interested in these fields. For example, you might consider reaching out to smaller local businesses in these sectors, or even asking a connection if there's any way to job shadow or help out to gain exposure.

Internships specifically tailored to high school students may not be as comprehensive or pay as high as internships designed for college students, but they can still provide valuable experience. When looking for an internship, try to find ones that align with your career interests to maximize the benefit.

Remember, too, that even internships that might not be directly related to your future career can still provide valuable experience. For instance, working in a customer service role can help you develop communication and problem-solving skills, both of which can be valuable in many different careers.

When you're searching for internships, start by considering your interests and fields you might want to explore. Sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Appily can be useful tools to search for internships, and you might also want to consider reaching out to your school's guidance counselor or career center. Good luck on your search!