In my experience, this step is the toughest, especially for a high schooler. Counselors and advisors at schools will always say there’s plenty of opportunities available, but it’s key to find something that matches your potential career field.
Some ways to find find internships may be:
- Networking (ask friends, family, or classmates)
- School resources (counselors often have a job board on school websites with a list of companies looking for potential high school interns or employees)
If you don’t have the opportunity to network in person, there’s plenty of online resources as well!
- Indeed
- Idealist
- LinkedIn
- Chegg Internships
Application Process
Once you’ve found an opportunity you like, what’s next?
Some companies have pages where you apply through a form, others may require an email or a call. Some may expect resumes, cover letters, recommendation letters, or just a brief paragraph of interest written by you.
In order to make sure you get through the original screening, you want to be on top of the competition. This means having a resume on hand at all times, knowing what you want out of your position, and researching the company/role prior to your initial contact with the organization.
Here are some resources on how to get through the application process successfully!
- How to make a resume
- How to write a cover letter
- How to write a professional email
Interviews
You’ve made it through the initial screening, and you’ve been asked to conduct an interview. How do you prepare?
Some companies like to hold a phone interview before a face to face one. Typically, they ask general information about your timings, wage expectation, and interest in the role. They tend to be very short; about 5 minutes.
- Phone interview tips
If you’ve passed the phone interview, it’s on to the face to face interview.
Make sure you ask the company what their attire expectation is if they don’t specify beforehand. If they ask for business casual or business professional, check out the link below!
- A quick guide to professional dress
Some tips on getting through an interview:
- 21 job interview tips x Indeed
- Career one stop interview tips
- 30 best tips to prepare for a job interview
Acception or Rejection
If you’ve been sent an offer letter by the company, be sure to accept the offer within the customary 2-3 day period. If you choose not to accept, they will offer the position to another intern.
Be sure to send an email whether or not you got accepted or rejected. It will prove beneficial for you to receive professional advice on how to improve your application and interview skills!
- How to accept a job offer
- How to decline a job offer
- How to respond to a job rejection
Personal Opinions and Advice
I began to look for an internship from March of my junior year, and it took 4 months to secure a position I loved. The time it takes to secure an internship depends on what opportunities you’re looking into, the area you’re located, and job competition.
Some things I wish I knew before I started my job hunt are:
- I would use online resources as a last resort. The best opportunities come from connections through the school or through people you know in person, as it gives you the best picture of what your role as an intern will be like.
- Usually, it should be easy to pick up on the company’s expectation of attire, but better overdressed than underdressed!
- If you feel that you’re not good enough for a role, remember: companies look for interns ready to learn and grow. Emphasize your interest in the role and your willingness to be a part of their organization.
- Doing an internship in senior year is for the best. You’ll have the most free time and employers like working with high schoolers on the older side (16-18).
- As a high schooler, the salary shouldn’t matter as much as the experience. If you like an unpaid opportunity more than a paid one, don’t take the paid just for the money.
- Companies are VERY relaxed with the high school intern hiring process. They won’t be as strict with requirements, but they will take their own time with correspondence. Be proactive in communication, because you’re the one that wants the internship
I hope this page helps whoever comes across it! My inbox and DMs are always open for questions, and I’m always happy to help <3
Disclaimer: I’m from the US, and I am not informed on the matter of secondary school / high school internship programs in other countries
