Should You Do an Internship in High School?
An internship may not even have crossed your mind, or probably sounds like something that you do during — or after — college, not high school. As a high school student with big ambitions for your academic future, you’ve probably been focused on AP classes and the SATs more than anything.
Let’s talk more about what an internship entails, and why doing an internship while you’re still in high school could be a great step toward achieving your goals.
What Is an Internship?
An internship is a short-term (probably unpaid) job in a particular field that allows you to get a sneak peek into the inner workings of a profession.
Internships are generally brief, lasting only a few weeks or months. Typically, you’ll work under the guidance of a mentor or supervisor while you’re there, and the tasks are usually geared toward an entry-level employee.
What Are the Benefits of an Internship?
Why bother with an internship when you still have a year or two of high school left and a whole college career ahead of you? Here are the top reasons:
- You Add Interest to Your College Application
The university admissions process for top-tier schools has become more competitive than ever, but an internship can help set you apart from the crowd.
An internship, particularly when it relates to your chosen field of study, shows initiative and drive on your part — and that makes you a more attractive candidate for admission.
- You Gain Real-World Career Experience
What kind of real “career experience” does entry-level work at the lowest rung of an organization’s ladder really give you? Tons! While your day-to-day internship may not always be the most exciting, it allows you to gain a feel for the career you have planned ahead.
You may fall even more deeply in love with a field — or you may find out that the future you envision isn’t realistic. If that happens, you now have plenty of time to research other careers and refine (or redefine) what major you want to have in college. It’s far better to find that out now than several years down the road.
- You Gain Networking Opportunities
One huge bonus that comes with an internship is the chance to network with professionals who are already in your desired field.
If you nurture those relationships, you may be able to draw on them later for things like letters of recommendation for college, future (paid) internships that will build on your existing skills and connections that can help you land a great job after college.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Internships in High School?
Every situation is different. While internships are great for most high school students, there are a few downsides:
- The vast majority of internships for high school students are unpaid. That can be problematic if you’re counting on summer work or a part-time job to help build your education fund.
- Not all internships are worthwhile. If you’re really interested in business, for example, you want an internship that will at least let you shadow a project manager or participate in customer service. One that keeps you locked in a mailroom all day won’t have much value to you.
- An internship can be time-consuming. If you don’t have a full schedule, a summer internship isn’t hard to manage. If you’re already prepping for the SATs and ACTs and have a full load of extracurriculars on your calendar, however, an internship could be overwhelming.
What Are the Key Takeaways About Internships?
Ultimately, an internship during your high school years can be an amazing adventure and a fantastic opportunity to get your feet wet in your chosen field. It’s also a brilliant way to draw attention to your strengths and passions when it comes time to apply to college. While not right for every student, it’s definitely something you should consider.