Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work for a record label or to be a lifeguard at the local pool? Would you like to learn some new skills and make some money? Or is there a company or research organization that aligns with your academic interests and welcomes high school students as interns? Summer is the perfect time to gain valuable experience outside the classroom. And now is the right time to begin applying for internships and job opportunities. This blog post can help you get started.
Reasons to line up an internship: Dreaming about what it would be like to work at NASA or Microsoft? Thinking that you might want to report local news or become a lawyer? Internships offer a look at real-world companies, while providing mentoring connections, industry knowledge, and a new skill set. For high school students, many internships are unpaid; instead of compensation, you will gain invaluable experience and grow your professional network. You might also find opportunities to build on academic interests you have already started exploring.
Many nationally known companies and organizations have competitive internship programs and hire summer interns. Local companies are also looking for help. Your local newspaper, municipal office, and political campaigns are all places to consider.
Resources to help you: Start by looking online and talking to people you know, including your teachers and guidance counselors. Institutions like the Smithsonian, Kaiser Permanente, NASA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Fred Hutch Cancer Center have their own application portals. Websites like internjobs.com, indeed.com, LinkedIn, and Teens in Public Service have search engines designed to help you locate internships.
Reasons to find a job: Summer jobs are a great way to earn money and gain some hands-on experience. Being accountable for your time and building relationships with your coworkers are only two of the many things you will learn on the job. Depending on your role, you will also have opportunities to gain new skills, try out a career path, or deepen your knowledge of your chosen industry. Whether scooping ice cream at the local ice cream parlor, answering phones for a local business, or stocking shelves at a food market or skate shop, you will find yourself working hard and earning a welcome paycheck.
Resources to help you: As with internships, many jobs can be found by word of mouth or targeted internet searches. Sites like Teens4Hire.org are a good place to start, along with indeed.com, Craig’s List, and LinkedIn. Depending on where you live, you may want to reach out to local hotels, restaurants, summer camps, movie theaters, or amusement parks.
Remember that how you spend your summers is something college applications will ask about. Finding a job or internship that challenges you and gives you some personal satisfaction along the way will allow you to learn more about yourself and make you an even more appealing applicant.
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