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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. 

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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? What industries will you explore? Where do your interests and passions 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. 

Finding Internship 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.

High school students should leverage 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.   

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. 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 stand out 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 Prepare for Interviews

If your application stands out to the hiring manager, you’ll likely be invited for an interview. 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, strengths, 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. 

Finding Your Career Path with InGenius Prep 

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.

Schedule a free consultation call today with an admissions expert to learn about our Application Counseling and Professional Mentorship programs. Take the first step toward your admissions journey!