Pre-college internships can pay off in many ways
Real-world professional experiences aren’t just for college students. Many pre-college students have found that internships can deliver multiple benefits — some even come with a paycheck, housing or travel allowances, and access to scholarships.
One of the most important benefits of internships is the practical work experience. Interns get a chance to go behind the scenes in a workplace, learn new things, and if they are lucky, see what goes on in a professional setting in a field that interests them. But even if you don’t score an internship in an office or lab in your target field, you will still gain the experience of showing up on time and working productively on a team of supervisors and colleagues.
An internship will also look good on your college applications because it shows admissions officers that you are serious about your future and your prospective major.
The work experience will look good on your resume, but there’s more. Being in a workplace means you have the opportunity to get to know people. This is a great chance to network and make connections with professionals who can guide you on your path. Embrace the “informational interview,” which simply means that you ask for 15 minutes of someone’s time to talk about their background, how they got started, what their job entails, and how they like it. Tell them about your hopes and ambitions and ask their advice. You may be surprised at how willing people are to help you.
An internship will also look good on your college applications because it shows admissions officers that you are serious about your future and your prospective major. As a bonus, internship experience means you are a curious learner who can take responsibility.
Convinced? Here’s how to land an internship in high school.
Find internships. There are many places to look, starting with AISES, which can connect you to opportunities at organizations like the Smithsonian Institution. Also check out online aggregate sources like internships.com and idealist.org. Or go directly to companies that interest you.
Create a resume. It should summarize your goals, any work experience (volunteering counts), what you are interested in, some of your courses and skills, and your outside activities. It should also be error free — no typos. An online resume builder may be helpful in layout and formatting.
Write a cover letter. Accompany your resume with a letter that tells the hiring manager why you are excited about working at that organization and a bit about what you have to offer.
Stand out in the interview. Come with thoughtful questions about the organization and the opportunity. Be clear that your focus is on learning and contributing. Bring fresh copies of your resume and look sharp with business casual clothes and neat grooming.
Follow up. Thank the interviewer with a letter or email that summarizes why you want the opportunity and would be great in the job.
For helpful tips on navigating virtual interviews, read our Paths to Opportunities newsletter here.
