Hello everyone! I am a high school student in California and I'm trying to find a local summer internship. However, it seems like most jobs are tailored to college students. Any suggestions on where I can find internships for high school students in California?
Hello! I understand that finding internships for high school students can be a bit challenging, but there are definitely opportunities available. Here are a few ideas on where to look for internships in California:
1. Local organizations: Start by exploring businesses, non-profits, and government offices in your area. Many organizations, especially local ones, are open to taking on high school interns if you reach out and express a genuine interest in what they do, as they're invested in the professional development of their young community members. Prepare a resume and a cover letter, and consider tailoring them to demonstrate your skills and enthusiasm towards the particular organization.
2. School resources: Ask your school counselor or teachers in subjects related to fields you'd be interested in working in about potential internship opportunities. They often have connections or information about available internships for high school students in your community.
3. Networking: Talk to your coaches, family friends, or anyone you know who works in an industry you're interested in. Personal connections can help you discover opportunities that you may not find elsewhere.
4. Online job platforms and resources: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Internship.com can be helpful to find internships specifically for high school students. Use filters to search by location and set the educational requirement criteria to "high school." Also, keep an eye on websites and social media groups dedicated to internships and job openings in your city or region.
5. College and university programs: Check the websites of nearby colleges and universities for information about summer internship or research opportunities for high school students. These might be ideal, as they are designed specifically to introduce young minds to the world of academia and related careers.
6. CollegeVine's blog: CollegeVine had students like you in mind when they put together a list of programs in California as a whole (https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-summer-programs-in-california), as well as the Bay Area (https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-internships-bay-area) and Los Angeles (https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-internships-los-angeles) specifically. Do note that, in the California post, some of the options may be summer programs that you pay for, not internships, but there are plenty of free and even paid opportunities on there as well!
Remember to start your search early, as some internship deadlines could be months in advance of the actual program, and be open to various possibilities. Good luck with your search!
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