As I'm heading into the second half of my senior year, I'm looking ahead to finding an internship right out of high school. How should I start looking, and what kinds of intern jobs are usually available for recent grads? Any insights would be appreciated!
Finding an internship right out of high school can be a great step towards gaining job experience and developing a better understanding of your future career. Here are a few steps you can take to start your search:
1. Identify Your Interest Areas: Rather than applying to internships indiscriminately, it may be useful to identify your areas of interest. This will narrow your focus and help ensure that the internships you apply for align with your career goals.
2. Leverage Your Network: Share your plans with teachers, family, friends, and acquaintances. They might have connections or opportunities that you wouldn't ordinarily come across. Remember, sometimes opportunities come through word-of-mouth.
3. Research Companies and Organizations: Research different companies and organizations within your interest area, not only to see if they offer internships, but also to understand their mission and values. This will help you craft a targeted application and cover letter.
4. Utilize Job Listing Sites: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor can be a good starting place for internship listings. There are also websites specifically for high school internship opportunities like Internships.com.
5. Prepare a Resume and Cover Letter: Ensure your resume is updated with any recent achievements, volunteering, or part-time work experience. A well-drafted cover letter can give you an edge over other candidates by explaining why you're interested in the internship and what skills you can bring to the table.
6. Practice Interview Skills: Having strong interview skills can significantly improve your chances of an offer. Practice common interview questions and develop a list of questions to ask the employer.
Regarding the types of internships available, many companies offer entry-level internships in fields like business administration, marketing, information technology, and even in non-profits. Given the rise of remote work, you may also find opportunities that aren't location-specific.
In summary, finding an internship right out of high school requires clarity on what you're looking for, diligent research, a well-prepared resume, and strong interview skills. Best of luck as you explore these opportunities!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.