High school students are increasingly finding that the real-world experience of an internship can offer a significant boost to their college and career success.
There are challenges inherent in anyone finding and excelling in an internship, but high school students face an additional challenge, in that they are not typically considered the target audience for internships.
The benefits, though, can be profound in starting early, and businesses are increasingly realizing that they too can benefit from building relationships with high school students who are motivated enough to seek them out. Here are some tips on how to find these internships in high school.
1. Identify your interests: Finding the right internship often means focusing on possibilities that suit your long-term interests. If you know that you would like to work in science, for instance, you might try searching for openings with environmental monitoring agencies. If you have an artistic nature, you might choose to work with a marketing or product design firm.
It is perfectly fine if you are not yet sure about exactly what you are looking for. Still, aim to create a short list of topics that you find appealing, brands that you like or stores that you enjoy shopping in.
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High school students will have limited time and availability to pursue these opportunities. You will need to plan for at least 10-15 hours per week to devote to an internship.
Think about if you can you realistically fit this in during the school year. That answer depends on how you balance your other obligations, as well as what kind of commute is required and which types of transportation are available to you. You may need to wait for the summer, when you will have more time easily available.
2. Inquire with personal connections: Personal connections can be a great source for internship opportunities, and chances are you have a wider network than you realize. Your high school teachers, your friends’ parents or your sports coaches are all examples of people that are likely to know of an internship that might suit you.
Start asking several months before you hope to start, since it will take some time to do research, follow leads and arrange interviews.
You can also use social media in your search. LinkedIn, for example, includes a bevy of searchable information on local companies, and it allows you to optimize your existing connections.
Don’t forget your Facebook connections as well. You can even get creative and start looking for Instagram, Vine or Twitter accounts managed by more connected local businesses. Follow and interact with them to get their attention.
3. Search online: Many internship programs post their information online. InternMatch and Internship Programs both have databases that are searchable by interest and location.
Use Google or Yelp to find local businesses that meet your interests, and consider contacting them directly to ask about internship opportunities. Sometimes, the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding opportunities are with companies that do not have formal internship programs. For a small company, getting your foot in the door may be as simple as filling out the contact form on its website.
[Find out four reasons high schoolers should build strong teacher relationships.]
Do not forget academia, either. Certain colleges and universities now offer experiences that permit high school students to participate in research projects.
Your best bet is to contact individual professors whose websites look interesting to you. Make sure you can explain why you’re contacting this person. Many professors would love to teach a young scholar who shares their passion.
4. Craft your elevator pitch: Before you approach a company, you should have a short introductory message in mind. In business, this is often referred to as an elevator pitch — this means that you are able to explain your objectives in the 30 seconds or so that you might spend with a stranger in an elevator.
One example might be, “I am looking for internship opportunities that will help me learn more about online marketing. I have a little experience with web design, but I hope to expand on that by assisting with a marketing campaign for a real-world company. I am currently a junior in high school and I am hoping to find a position during the school year.”
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You might also include something about why they should consider a high school student. Unless you’re applying for a position specifically targeted at your age group, and those are rare, your target may require some convincing. Think about what you can offer, such as a flexible schedule, social media savvy or related class experience. Be honest, but be creative.
5. Remain cautious when evaluating opportunities: It is worth noting that some internship positions take advantage of high school students. Be especially careful of internships with vague descriptions and responsibilities, as well as sales positions that request small initial investments on your part.
If you are seeking a sales-based position, look for one that offers proper training. In general, rely on common sense. Search for openings that explicitly spell out what you will be learning, as well as how you will be helping.
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Take 5 Steps to Find an Internship During High School originally appeared on usnews.com
