What are some good summer jobs or internships for high school students?

I'm currently a junior in high school and looking ahead to summer 2025. I'd love to find a job or internship that could give me some real-world experience. Any suggestions for students like me?

There are a plethora of summer opportunities available to high school students that can help them explore their interests and gain real-world experience.

You might want to start looking at local businesses. Retail stores and fast-food restaurants often hire students for summer jobs. Getting a job in a store related to your interest could also give you industry-specific experience. For instance, if you're interested in books, try applying to a bookstore.

Skills-based internships could also be a great choice. For example, if you're interested in technology or coding, companies often offer summer internships or workshops for high school students. (just be careful to avoid non-selective and expensive programs like NSLC)

Check out your local community, as there are often seasonal job and internship opportunities with local government, parks, and recreation departments, or nonprofit organizations. These positions can range across various fields, providing hands-on experience.

Programs such as HOBY and RYLA can provide valuable leadership experiences and might be worth looking into, as they are selective and either free or low-cost.

If you're interested in a career in healthcare, you could volunteer at a local hospital or join a summer program like Camp Med, which is a program that allows students to learn about the wide variety of careers available in health care.

Keep in mind, if you show initiative and persistence, don't be afraid to ask for an internship even if one isn't advertised. Reach out to businesses or organizations that you're interested in and propose how you can be of help to them. It's also a good idea to craft a resume that outlines any relevant coursework, activities, volunteer roles, or prior work experience.

Don't forget online opportunities, too. With the digital age, remote internships and jobs have become more prevalent, offering you flexibility and the chance to work with organizations you might not have otherwise been able to due to location.

Remember to apply early and to as many positions as you can, to increase your chances of getting hired. Good luck!