Unique Internship Opportunities for High School Students

Researchers in 2020 found that only 2% of high school students completed internships. Internships can help jumpstart your future career, but not everybody understands what's available to them. The good news is that you don't always have to take a traditional route.

Let's explore some of the most unique internship opportunities for high school students.

What Is an Internship?

An internship is a period of work experience in a chosen field.

It's a great way to gain real-life knowledge, skills, and understanding of the industry you're interested in. Internships can range from short-term summer programs to year-long placements. Most internships require commitment, but they provide valuable training and career development opportunities.

When handled correctly, an internship can be a great stepping stone to success.

Non-Traditional Opportunities

Many high school students don't have the schedule flexibility to accommodate a traditional internship. There are plenty of unique opportunities out there, though.

Listed below are some of the most notable.

Virtual Internships

These are becoming increasingly common in the digital age. Virtual internships allow you to gain real-life experience without having to step foot in an office.

You'll receive online guidance from professional mentors and work on tasks related to your career interests. Virtual internships are also more flexible when it comes to scheduling.

For this reason, they are great for students who have heavy course loads, part-time jobs, etc.

Non-Profit Internships

This is an amazing way to gain experience while helping your local community. Non-profit internships can be found in almost any field.

You'll be able to hone your skills while making a substantial impact on the people around you. Be sure to keep this in mind when moving forward.

Professional Development Programs

For those unfamiliar, this is a program that helps high school students develop career-related skills. These programs can be found at universities and companies alike. You'll gain access to mentors, workshops, etc. while learning from industry pros.

These are highly similar to traditional internships, but they often provide more targeted learning opportunities.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships come in many forms, but they are most commonly found in trades like plumbing and carpentry. As an apprentice, you'll work with a professional mentor who can teach you the ropes of the industry.

This type of internship is ideal for those interested in pursuing a hands-on career path. Other types of apprenticeships include those in the medical, legal, and financial fields.

Mentoring Programs

Working directly with a mentor can be a great way to gain insight into your chosen career. You'll have the opportunity to ask important questions and receive guidance from someone who has been in your position.

Mentoring programs are often available for high school students of all ages, so be sure to research what's out there.

Deciding the Right Time

The best time to start your internship search is during the summer. This will give you ample time to find and apply for opportunities that are suited to your interests.

You should also consider applying for internships at least six months in advance, as some companies have long application windows. If you aren't a senior in high school yet, don't worry. Many companies and organizations will consider younger applicants with the right credentials.

For instance, someone who is younger than the typical applicant but has stellar academic performance or a portfolio of high-quality work could still be a competitive candidate. Above all, just remember to have an idea of what you want to find and stay persistent in your search.

Internship Benefits

As you might guess, there are plenty of benefits that you can't overlook.

One of the most common is the ability to build a resume. Internships are a great way to gain experience and demonstrate your skills to potential employers. They also provide an opportunity for networking within the industry.

Internships can be used to explore different career paths and gain an understanding of what it's like to work in that field. This is great for those who are unsure of what career they want to pursue.

Common Requirements

In general, most internships will require you to have a certain GPA or academic qualifications.

It's also important to make sure that your references are in order and that you can provide letters of recommendation. Some companies may require an interview before offering an internship.

Stay prepared so you can handle any obstacle that comes your way.

Paid Vs Unpaid

The debate over paid and unpaid internships is ongoing.

While some may argue that all internships should be paid, you should consider the situation from both sides. An unpaid internship can provide invaluable experience for those just starting out in their career. On the other hand, a paid internship can be a great way to make money while gaining experience.

Ultimately, the decision between paid and unpaid will depend on your individual needs and goals.

For those who graduate high school, there's often a chance that an unpaid internship leads to an employment opportunity. This is something to keep in mind.

Internship Opportunities For High School Students

As long as you consider the above information about internship opportunities for high school students, you'll be sure to take advantage of the amazing opportunities that come your way. From here, you can move forward knowing that you have valuable real-world experience on your resume.

Looking for more information on how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.