Last Updated on September 30, 2026
Quick answer: To learn how to get an internship in high school, start with a career plan tied to your interests, then build a one-page resume, research companies, universities, and local organizations, and ask your network for leads. Send tailored applications, prepare for interviews, and follow up. An internship shows initiative and commitment to your field.
Having an internship as a high school student can be a game-changer for your college applications. Students often lack experience, so listing an internship on a resume not only provides you with valuable experience but also demonstrates initiative and commitment to your field of interest. To help students achieve their academic goals, here is InGenius Prep’s guide on how to get an internship as a high school student.
Creating a Career Strategy
The first step in achieving any significant accomplishment is to create a strategic plan with concrete goals, tasks, and deadlines. Throughout high school, students should explore their academic interests, participate in extracurricular activities, and build their student profile.
Before beginning your search for internships, you should have a general idea of where your career is headed. What major will you study? [1] What industries will you explore? Where do your interests lie? Students interested in pursuing a STEM degree will likely have a different career trajectory than those studying the humanities.
Start by consulting with your school counselors for insights into potential career paths. When creating a plan, the goals should be to seek opportunities that align with your interests and values and provide knowledge that will help in the future.
How to Get an Internship in High School: Finding Opportunities
Once a student has a general idea of the field they want to explore, the next step is to actively seek out opportunities. This requires networking, researching, and being prepared to capitalize on opportunities as they arise. [2]
High school students should use the connections and networks they already have. Talk to counselors, ask teachers, and join clubs that will introduce you to new people in your field of interest. Many high schools and universities have career centers or counselors that specialize in providing information on available internships and job opportunities. High schools also host career fairs where students can network with working professionals directly.
Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. These digital tools offer numerous opportunities for networking and gaining experience. Create a professional profile, browse listings, and reach out to companies even if they don’t have a position that perfectly suits your interests. If you find a company that aligns with your field, a well-crafted message expressing your interest and background may open doors to unexpected opportunities.
Types of High School Internships
- Company internships: Local businesses, law offices, marketing agencies, and tech startups sometimes take high school interns, especially over the summer. Smaller organizations are often more open to a well-written email than large firms.
- University research programs: Many universities run lab or research programs for high school students, and professors occasionally take on motivated students directly. Explore our list of research opportunities for high school students.
- Government programs: Federal agencies, state offices, and local governments offer some openings to students. Check eligibility rules carefully: the NIH Summer Internship Program, for example, accepts high school seniors only if they are at least 18. [5]
- Nonprofits and hospitals: Community organizations frequently need help with events, outreach, and research, and they tend to welcome reliable student volunteers who may grow into intern roles.
- Virtual internships: Remote roles in writing, design, coding, and social media widen your options beyond your hometown.
Know the Rules for Working Under 18
Federal child labor rules affect what you can do. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 14- and 15-year-olds may work no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week, and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day). Students aged 16 and 17 can work unlimited hours but cannot perform jobs classified as hazardous. [6] States may add their own rules, so ask the employer how they handle interns who are minors.
Applying for Internships
Once you’ve identified promising internship opportunities, it’s time to prepare your application materials.
To apply for a position, you will need several documents. Typically, your resume and cover letter will be two of the most vital aspects of a job application. [3] A well-crafted resume highlighting your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and other relevant skills and experiences will be the first, and often last, chance to make an impression on the hiring manager. Cover letters also give applicants the opportunity to get noticed by speaking directly to hiring managers. In a cover letter, you can affirm your interest in the company and highlight personal details that wouldn’t be present on your resume, such as personal experience, unique qualifications, and reasons why you would be a good fit for the role.
Avoid using the same generic resume for every application. Make separate resumes and customize each one for the position you’re applying for. A resume tailored to a specific role has a greater chance of receiving a callback than a general-purpose one.
Additionally, have any other required documents ready, such as your transcript, letters of recommendation, or references.
How to Write a Cold Email for an Internship
Many high school internships are never posted. They come from a short, specific email to the right person. Keep yours under 200 words and follow this structure:
- Subject line: Make it clear, such as “High school student interested in a summer research role.”
- Who you are: Your name, grade, school, and the field you are exploring, in one or two sentences.
- Why them: Mention a specific project, product, or paper of theirs that caught your attention. This proves the email is not a mass message.
- What you offer: Name one or two relevant skills, such as data analysis, writing, or design, and attach your resume.
- A clear ask: Request a brief call or ask whether they take student interns, and say when you are available.
If you do not hear back within a week or two, send one polite follow-up. Many professionals are busy, and a second note often gets a reply. Track every message in a simple spreadsheet so you know who you contacted and when.
Build a Small Portfolio
For creative, technical, and writing roles, a short portfolio can matter as much as your resume. Collect two to four samples of your best work, such as a coding project, a published article, a design, or a research write-up, and share them through a simple link. A portfolio shows employers what you can do instead of asking them to take your word for it.
How to Prepare for Interviews
If your application gets noticed by the hiring manager, you’ll likely be invited for an interview. [4] This is where your hard work and preparation pays off. Research the company and role thoroughly, and anticipate common interview questions. Be prepared to discuss your goals, abilities, weaknesses, why you applied for the position, and how the internship fits into your broader career goals. Just like with a resume, applicants should tailor their interview answers and questions to align with the role. Being a generic interviewee will make you less likely to receive a second interview.
During the interview, maintain a polite, calm, and professional demeanor. Show enthusiasm by asking thoughtful questions about the company, the internship, and its responsibilities. Regardless of how the interview goes, follow up with a thank-you email and express your appreciation for the opportunity.
Make the Most of Your High School Internship
Landing the internship is only the first step. What you do once you start is what turns the experience into something meaningful for your future and your college applications.
- Set goals on day one. Ask your supervisor what success looks like and what skills you can build.
- Keep a work log. Note projects, tools you learned, and results. These details make your resume and essays specific.
- Ask for more. When you finish a task, offer to help with the next one. Initiative is what supervisors remember.
- Request a recommendation. Before you leave, ask whether your supervisor would be willing to serve as a reference or write a letter.
- Stay in touch. A short update months later keeps the relationship alive and may lead to another opportunity.
When you add the internship to your college applications, describe what you did and what changed because of your work, not just your title. Our guide to the Common App activities section shows how to write entries that carry weight. If an internship does not come through, consider a part-time job or independent research, which can show the same initiative.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Finding opportunities and gaining experience in a competitive market can be challenging yet rewarding. Securing a high school internship can set the stage for your higher education and professional career plans. With thoughtful planning, searching for the right opportunities, and effective applications, students can gain valuable insights into the job market and potentially discover opportunities that lead to a fulfilling career.
For expert guidance on college applications and finding top opportunities as a high-performing high school student, InGenius Prep’s counseling programs are here to give you every advantage in college admissions and your career beyond.
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