So you want to explore a career field before committing to college or a career path? Smart move. High school internships are one of the best ways to test-drive a career, build real-world skills, and stand out on college applications. But here’s the thing: finding and landing an internship as a high school student can feel like trying to break into a secret club where nobody tells you the rules.
Good news, you’re about to get the inside scoop. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about high school internships, from finding opportunities to crushing your interview and making the most of the experience.
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why internships are worth the effort. Beyond the obvious resume boost, internships give you something that no classroom can: real-world insight into whether you actually want to pursue a career.
You might think you want to be a marine biologist until you spend a summer cleaning fish tanks and realize the day-to-day reality isn’t what you imagined. Or you might discover that graphic design, which seemed like just a hobby, could actually be your calling. Internships let you fail fast and pivot early, which is way better than spending two years (and thousands of dollars) on a college major you end up hating.
Plus, internships help you:
Timing is everything. Most high school students wait until the last minute and then wonder why all the good opportunities are gone. Here’s the realistic timeline you should follow:
Fall (September – November) Start researching and making a list of companies, organizations, or fields you’re interested in. This is exploration mode. Cast a wide net and see what’s out there.
Winter (December – February) Begin reaching out to companies and submitting applications for summer internships. Many competitive programs have deadlines in January or February, so don’t sleep on this.
Spring (March – May) Follow up on applications, schedule interviews, and finalize your summer plans. If you haven’t found anything by April, don’t panic, there are still opportunities, but you’ll need to get creative.
Summer (June – August) Actually do your internship and soak up every bit of experience you can get.
Pro tip: If you’re a sophomore or junior, start this process even earlier. The best internships are competitive, and early birds really do get the worm.
Not all internships are created equal, and understanding your options will help you find the right fit.
These are structured programs specifically designed for high school students. They often include training, mentorship, and sometimes even stipends. Examples include programs at hospitals, tech companies, research labs, or government agencies. The upside? They’re well-organized and high-quality. The downside? They’re competitive and usually have specific eligibility requirements.
These are opportunities you create yourself by reaching out to local businesses or professionals. Maybe you email a local marketing agency and ask to shadow their team, or you approach a veterinarian’s office about helping out. These are less structured but often more accessible and flexible.
Welcome to the post-pandemic world, where you can intern for a company across the country without leaving your bedroom. Virtual internships are perfect if you live in a rural area, have transportation challenges, or want to work with organizations outside your geographic region.
Let’s be real: paid internships are better. But unpaid internships can still provide valuable experience if the learning opportunity is strong. Just make sure any unpaid internship complies with labor laws (they should be primarily educational, not replacing regular employees).
Some schools offer programs where you can earn academic credit for internships. Check with your guidance counselor to see if this is an option, it’s a great way to make your internship count toward graduation requirements.
This is where most students get stuck. They search “high school internships” online, get overwhelmed by the results, and give up. Here’s a better approach:
The easiest internships to land are often right in your backyard. Think about businesses, nonprofits, hospitals, law firms, or creative agencies in your community. Small and medium-sized businesses are often more willing to take a chance on a motivated high school student than large corporations.
Make a list of 20-30 places in your area that align with your career interests. Then start reaching out (more on that in a minute).
Several websites specifically connect high school students with internship opportunities:
This is huge. Tell everyone—your parents, teachers, coaches, neighbors, friends’ parents—that you’re looking for an internship. You’d be surprised how many opportunities come through personal connections. That friend’s mom who works at an architecture firm? She might be willing to take you on as a summer intern.
Here’s something most students don’t do: proactively reach out to companies even if they don’t have posted internship opportunities. Draft a short, professional email explaining who you are, what you’re interested in, and why you’d love to learn from their organization. Many companies will create an internship position if they meet the right candidate.
More on how to write that email below.
Organizations like NASA, the Smithsonian, local museums, environmental groups, and government agencies often have internship programs for high school students. These are typically well-structured and look amazing on college applications.
“But I don’t have any experience!” I hear you. Most high school students feel this way. Here’s the secret: you have more experience than you think, you just need to frame it correctly.
Contact Information Your name, phone number, email (make sure it’s professional, no “[email protected]”, and LinkedIn profile if you have one.
Education List your high school, expected graduation year, GPA (if it’s good), and any relevant coursework or honors.
Activities and Leadership Were you in student government? Did you volunteer somewhere? Captain of a sports team? Member of a club? All of this counts. Focus on leadership roles and time commitments.
Skills List both hard skills (software you know, languages you speak, technical abilities) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving). Be honest, don’t claim you’re fluent in Spanish if you’re not.
Relevant Projects or Coursework If you took a computer science class and built an app, mention it. If you wrote a research paper on climate change and want an environmental internship, include it.
Work Experience Babysitting counts. So does mowing lawns, tutoring, or working at a restaurant. Any job shows responsibility and work ethic.
Cover letters can feel painfully awkward to write, especially when you’re 16 and haven’t done much yet. But here’s the thing: a good cover letter can make you stand out, especially when you’re competing against students who just send generic applications.
Paragraph 1: Hook them Open with why you’re interested in this specific organization or field. Show you’ve done your homework. “I’ve been fascinated by sustainable architecture ever since I toured the LEED-certified community center in my town” is way better than “I am writing to apply for your internship.”
Paragraph 2: Show what you bring Highlight 2-3 relevant skills or experiences. Connect them to what the internship needs. “Through my role as editor of the school newspaper, I’ve developed strong writing and deadline-management skills, which I believe would be valuable in a communications internship.”
Paragraph 3: Show enthusiasm and close strong Express genuine excitement about the opportunity and thank them for their consideration. End with a call to action: “I’d love the chance to discuss how I could contribute to your team.”
If you’re reaching out to a company that doesn’t have a formal internship program, here’s a template you can adapt:
Subject: High School Student Interested in [Field] Internship
Dear [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [sophomore/junior/senior] at [Your High School] with a strong interest in [specific field]. I’ve been following [Company Name]’s work in [specific area], and I’m incredibly impressed by [specific project, value, or accomplishment].
I’m reaching out to see if there might be an opportunity for me to intern with your team this summer. I’m eager to learn more about [specific aspect of the field] and would love to contribute in any way I can, whether that’s assisting with projects, conducting research, or supporting your team’s daily operations.
A bit about me: [1-2 sentences about relevant skills, interests, or experiences]. I’m a quick learner, highly motivated, and excited about the possibility of gaining real-world experience in this field.
I’ve attached my resume for your review. Would you be open to a brief phone call or coffee meeting to discuss potential opportunities? I’m flexible with timing and would be grateful for even 15 minutes of your time.
Thank you so much for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
You sent out applications, and someone actually wants to interview you. Congrats! Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also your chance to show why you’re worth taking a chance on.
Research the organization obsessively Know what they do, their recent projects, their values, and who will be interviewing you (LinkedIn is your friend). Come prepared with intelligent questions.
Practice common questions
Prepare questions to ask them This is critical. Asking questions shows you’re engaged and serious. Good questions include:
Dress appropriately When in doubt, business casual is safe. It’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Show up early Arrive 10-15 minutes early. If it’s virtual, test your tech beforehand and log on 5 minutes early.
Make eye contact and smile Basic but important. You want to come across as confident and friendly.
Use the STAR method for behavioral questions Situation, Task, Action, Result. This structure helps you tell clear, compelling stories about your experiences.
Be honest If you don’t know something, say so. “I haven’t had experience with that yet, but I’m eager to learn” is way better than making something up.
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours Short, sincere, and specific. Reference something from your conversation to show you were paying attention.
Not everyone lands a structured internship, and that’s okay. There are other ways to gain valuable career experience:
Spend a day (or several days) following a professional in your field of interest. It’s lower commitment than an internship but still gives you insight into what the job is really like.
Find a nonprofit or organization related to your career interests. Want to be a teacher? Volunteer as a tutor. Interested in environmental science? Join a conservation organization. Volunteering shows initiative and builds skills.
Interested in web design? Build websites for local nonprofits. Want to be a journalist? Start a blog or podcast. Passionate about business? Launch a small side hustle. Self-directed projects can be just as impressive as formal internships if you execute them well.
Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer free courses in everything from coding to graphic design. Earning certificates shows you’re proactive about learning.
Reach out to professionals and ask to interview them about their career path. Most people are happy to share their experience, and you’ll learn a ton while expanding your network.
Congratulations, you landed an internship! Now here’s how to make sure it’s actually valuable (and that they want to write you a glowing recommendation letter).
Be on time (or early). Dress appropriately. Meet deadlines. Follow through on commitments. These basics will set you apart from other high school interns.
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or help. It’s better to ask questions than to mess something up because you didn’t understand.
If you finish your assigned tasks, ask what else you can help with. Volunteer for projects. Show that you’re eager to contribute.
Get to know your coworkers. Ask them about their career paths. These connections can turn into mentorships, recommendation letters, or job opportunities down the road.
Keep track of projects you worked on, skills you developed, and accomplishments. You’ll need this information for your resume, college applications, and future job interviews.
Toward the end of your internship, ask your supervisor for feedback on your performance. What did you do well? What could you improve? This information is gold for your professional development.
Before you leave, ask your supervisor if they’d be willing to write you a recommendation letter for college or future opportunities. Make it easy for them by providing bullet points of what you worked on.
Let’s talk about what NOT to do:
Being too casual Texting your supervisor “hey can’t make it today lol” is not okay. Treat this like a real job, because it is.
Complaining about tasks Yes, you might have to do some boring work like filing or data entry. Do it with a good attitude. Everyone pays their dues.
Being on your phone constantly Unless your job requires it, put your phone away during work hours. This is a major pet peeve for employers.
Not taking notes If someone explains something important, write it down. Don’t make them repeat instructions.
Being invisible Don’t hide in the corner and hope nobody notices you. Engage. Participate. Make an impression.
Your internship doesn’t end when your last day is over. Here’s how to maximize its long-term value:
Add your internship experience immediately while it’s fresh. Be specific about what you did and what you accomplished.
College applications often ask about meaningful experiences. Write about what you learned from your internship while it’s still fresh in your mind.
Connect with your supervisor and coworkers on LinkedIn. Send occasional updates on what you’re up to. These relationships can open doors later.
Reflect honestly on whether this experience confirmed or changed your career interests. Both outcomes are valuable.
One internship often leads to another. Use the skills and connections you gained to pursue even better opportunities next summer.
Here’s the truth: most employers don’t expect high school interns to show up with a ton of experience or expertise. What they’re looking for is curiosity, coachability, work ethic, and enthusiasm. If you bring those qualities, you’re already ahead of most candidates.
The hardest part is just getting started. Send that first email. Fill out that first application. Reach out to that family friend who works in your dream field. The worst thing that can happen is someone says no and even that’s not really that bad, because you’ll just move on to the next opportunity.
Every professional you admire started exactly where you are: inexperienced, a little nervous, and trying to figure it all out. The difference is, they took the first step. Now it’s your turn.
Ready to explore which careers might be the best fit for your internship search? Orchard can help you discover hundreds of career paths and get an inside look at what professionals actually do day-to-day. Start exploring your options and finding the perfect internship match today.
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