3 answers
Emma
Student
Mesa, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
1304 views
What job can a 16 year old in college in Mesa, Arizona have that can help them gain lab-related work when they’re not in a science degree?
I’m 16 years old and attend MCC and my current degree is in Communications, and I’m graduating next semester, and afterwards I want to study biology or something that involves being in a lab. I’ve been wanting to start gaining experience now before I make this decision when I graduate. Does anyone know any good internships or jobs that a teen can do to gain experience in Mesa, Arizona?
Login to comment
3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Emma !
I will provide some advice but I want to repeat what you've stated here. You will be graduating Mesa Community College next semester and you are 16. That would mean that you've entered the college at age 14, but MCC does not admit 14 year olds. You say you have a current degree in Communications but you haven't graduated yet. Although you'd be getting a degree in Communications, you want to work in a Laboratory connected to science without any life science path or degree. Okay, so this is unusual and I just wanted to run it by you to make sure I understand what you wrote.
As for Internships, they are for students in their Junior and Senior year of college. For one in a Lab, you would have had to get your Associates degree in something such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics etc. You would need a couple of years education in the sciences to have a foundational understanding of the work that takes place in a Lab. Although you would learn new things during an internship in addition to what you'd already know from your first two years in a Science, you'd have to already know the basic workings of lab work and be able to follow directions for different projects, already be familiar with the basic equipment and a Communications path does not prepare one for that.
You would have to go for a Bachelors Degree in one of the sciences connected to lab work. You'd be two years behind as you've majored in Communications for two years and you'd have to take some prerequisites in order to take other upper Tier science classes.
It is not usual for laboratories to hire or intern people that are not experienced or credentialed for working with specimens, slides, microscopy, and all the other activity that takes place in a Science Lab. There are strict requirements and regulations to be hired for Lab work. You can verify this information by contacting some Labs near you. Some of these labs are Any Lab Test Now, Labcorp, GetLabs, Quick Test Services, Quest Diagnostics and the science labs at your nearby colleges and Universities.
I hope this information is helpful and I wish you all the best !
I will provide some advice but I want to repeat what you've stated here. You will be graduating Mesa Community College next semester and you are 16. That would mean that you've entered the college at age 14, but MCC does not admit 14 year olds. You say you have a current degree in Communications but you haven't graduated yet. Although you'd be getting a degree in Communications, you want to work in a Laboratory connected to science without any life science path or degree. Okay, so this is unusual and I just wanted to run it by you to make sure I understand what you wrote.
As for Internships, they are for students in their Junior and Senior year of college. For one in a Lab, you would have had to get your Associates degree in something such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics etc. You would need a couple of years education in the sciences to have a foundational understanding of the work that takes place in a Lab. Although you would learn new things during an internship in addition to what you'd already know from your first two years in a Science, you'd have to already know the basic workings of lab work and be able to follow directions for different projects, already be familiar with the basic equipment and a Communications path does not prepare one for that.
You would have to go for a Bachelors Degree in one of the sciences connected to lab work. You'd be two years behind as you've majored in Communications for two years and you'd have to take some prerequisites in order to take other upper Tier science classes.
It is not usual for laboratories to hire or intern people that are not experienced or credentialed for working with specimens, slides, microscopy, and all the other activity that takes place in a Science Lab. There are strict requirements and regulations to be hired for Lab work. You can verify this information by contacting some Labs near you. Some of these labs are Any Lab Test Now, Labcorp, GetLabs, Quick Test Services, Quest Diagnostics and the science labs at your nearby colleges and Universities.
I hope this information is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Start by looking for labs, healthcare centers, research institutions, and school science departments. Don't forget smaller organizations or community programs that offer hands-on experiences. Check out places like BIO5 Institute, SARSEF, STAR Lab, Arizona Science Center, and SciTech Institute for volunteer, mentoring, or early research opportunities. Connecting with professors, lab managers, and classmates can lead you to hidden opportunities and helpful referrals.
Begin with simple tasks like organizing supplies, labeling samples, preparing equipment, helping with specimen processing, or shadowing others. These activities teach you how labs work, how to stay safe, and how to use equipment properly. Taking short courses in lab safety, sterile techniques, or basic bioscience, along with getting certifications like CPR, shows that you are responsible, ready, and eager to learn.
Keep a lab journal to record your tasks, what you learn, and any questions you have. Over time, ask for slightly more challenging tasks under supervision to gain more experience. Seek advice from mentors, reflect on your progress, and use what you've learned when applying for internships, research programs, or future lab jobs. By practicing techniques carefully and exploring different lab environments, you can make the most of your early experiences and build a strong foundation for a future in biology, while also using your communication and organizational skills.
Begin with simple tasks like organizing supplies, labeling samples, preparing equipment, helping with specimen processing, or shadowing others. These activities teach you how labs work, how to stay safe, and how to use equipment properly. Taking short courses in lab safety, sterile techniques, or basic bioscience, along with getting certifications like CPR, shows that you are responsible, ready, and eager to learn.
Keep a lab journal to record your tasks, what you learn, and any questions you have. Over time, ask for slightly more challenging tasks under supervision to gain more experience. Seek advice from mentors, reflect on your progress, and use what you've learned when applying for internships, research programs, or future lab jobs. By practicing techniques carefully and exploring different lab environments, you can make the most of your early experiences and build a strong foundation for a future in biology, while also using your communication and organizational skills.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Emma,
It's great that have found an interest in science! Are you also in high-school, like in a dual enrollment program that lets you earn an associates while you are still in school? Don't you have any science classes at school? Can you take a science class at your Community College?
You won't be able to find a "job" without any background, knowledge or skills in science and in the lab. Even for internships, a minimum level of education in the field is usually expected. That's what school/college is for.
You can look for summer programs or work-readiness programs to get some exposure.
Check out these:
https://azyouthforce.org/
https://www.mesaaz.gov/Activities-Culture/Parks-Recreation-and-Community-Facilities/Volunteers-and-Internships
https://scienceprepacademy.com/programs/professional-internship/
https://azmesa.arizona.edu/stem-opportunities
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's great that have found an interest in science! Are you also in high-school, like in a dual enrollment program that lets you earn an associates while you are still in school? Don't you have any science classes at school? Can you take a science class at your Community College?
You won't be able to find a "job" without any background, knowledge or skills in science and in the lab. Even for internships, a minimum level of education in the field is usually expected. That's what school/college is for.
You can look for summer programs or work-readiness programs to get some exposure.
Check out these:
https://azyouthforce.org/
https://www.mesaaz.gov/Activities-Culture/Parks-Recreation-and-Community-Facilities/Volunteers-and-Internships
https://scienceprepacademy.com/programs/professional-internship/
https://azmesa.arizona.edu/stem-opportunities
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Thank you Karin! I am a dual-enrollment student, but I only take college courses. I have previously taken a science course and next semester I will be taking another one.
Emma
You are very welcome! You can learn lab skills when you are in college for biology, but do check with universities you are interested in what their admission citeria are and if they have any pre-science courses for students who come in without much of a science background.
Karin P.
@Emma - Just for my own knowledge, what high school do you attend that starts dual enrollment in 9th grade since you'd be getting your degree next semester and you are 16 now ?
Michelle M.