Summer vacations are coming and it is a great opportunity for high school students to shape their future. Are you also wondering how to make the best use of this time? So let’s talk about summer internships.

Why do an Internship?

You might be thinking – “Hey, vacations are for relaxing!” Exactly, but do you know how much an internship can benefit you? If you give some time from your summer vacation to an internship, how it can bring growth in your career. Let me tell you in brief why you should do an internship.

Get Real-world Experience: Internships provide real workplace experience, teaching you things not found in books.

Develop Skills: You’ll learn new skills that are valuable for your future career.

Network: Internships let you meet industry professionals and make contacts, which can be helpful later on.

Explore Careers: You can take a closer look at your field of interest and find out if it’s right for you.

Boost Your Resume: Internships make your resume better and help you get a job. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 60% of those who dropped out got a job straight away. And those who just sat through their studies? Only 36.5% of them got a job. The meaning is clear – those who took a shot had almost twice the chance of getting a job! Think, a little hard work and your career is launched!

Top Summer Internships

Now that you know the benefits of internships, let’s explore the best internships available for high school students.

NASA Internship

Do you like science, technology, engineering or maths? Then NASA has a great opportunity for you! NASA runs exciting internship programs at its various centers. Here you will not just learn bookish knowledge but will work on real-world projects. These internships provide practical experience and the opportunity to work on projects with real-world applications.

Google Internship

This is for high school students who love computers and technology. Here you will learn from the people at Google and also do coding yourself. Step into the world of computer science with fun projects!

Metropolitan Museum of Art Internship

Do you love art? Then this is for you! A chance to work in the world’s largest art museum. From creating art to explaining it, here you will learn everything.

Red Cross High School Internship

If you want to help people, this internship is for you. You will learn how to prepare for disasters, how to donate blood, and how to help other countries.

How to apply for an internship?

Now that you know about these great opportunities, let’s understand how to apply for them:

Do research: Gather information about internships available in your field of interest. Company websites, LinkedIn, and internship portals are good sources.

Prepare for the application: Prepare a good resume and cover letter. Remember, this is your first professional impression.

Apply on time: Most internships have an application deadline. Don’t miss it.

Highlight your skills: In your application, mention your school projects, extracurricular activities, and any relevant skills.

Follow up: Send a polite follow-up email a few days after you submit your application. This will show your interest.

What to do During an Internship?

From the beginning of the internship to its aftermath, every moment is important for your career. During the internship, treat every day as an opportunity to learn something new.

Be eager to learn: Try to learn something new every day. Ask questions and make notes.

Build your network: Connect with your colleagues and managers. Learn from them and grow your professional network.

Be responsible: Complete every task on time with honesty and dedication, no matter how small.

Seek feedback: Ask for regular feedback on your work. This will help you improve.

Contribute: Don’t limit yourself to the given task. If you have a new idea, share it.

What After the Internship?

After the internship is over, be sure to get a good reference letter from your boss. Add your new connections on LinkedIn and update your resume with this new experience. If you feel you want to work more at this company, don’t be afraid to ask about a full-time position. Remember, the internship is the foundation of your career – build on it!

Don’t miss out on the chance to gain practical experience and valuable skills! High school students can benefit from summer internships in STEM, the arts, or community service. These opportunities can give you a competitive edge in the future and may even lead to your dream job. Take advantage of your summer break and apply for a summer internship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of summer internships are available to high school students?
Opportunities vary but may include positions in STEM, business, healthcare, and the arts.

How can I find a summer internship as a high school student?
Check out online job boards, career fairs, school resources, and reach out to local businesses or nonprofits.

Are summer internships paid for high school students?
Some offer stipends or compensation, but many are unpaid, focusing more on experience and learning.

How can a high school student benefit from a summer internship?
Summer internships provide practical skills, professional connections, and insight into career paths, helping high school students explore interests and prepare for college and future jobs.

Also Read: Want a Career in Criminal Justice? Here’s Why You Need an Internship.