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How do I gain experience or internships while in school?
I am currently a junior in high school
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4 answers
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
I would reach out to businesses that interest you to see if they have any opportunities for an internship or shadowing. I would also reach out to your school guidance counselor to see if he/she has any recommendation on internships. Some high schools during your senior year will give you the opportunity to do in internship as an elective.
Updated
Denise’s Answer
Hi Pei,
Gaining experience and internships as a high school junior is a smart way to prepare for your future career and build skills early. Here’s some guidance to help you get started:
Explore Local Opportunities:
- Look for internships or job shadowing programs in your community. Local businesses, nonprofits, or school programs might offer positions or volunteer roles.
- Check with your school’s career center or guidance counselor for any partnerships or resources.
Join Clubs and Competitions:
- Participate in clubs, teams, or groups at school in areas you are interested in pursuing. These provide hands-on experience and can sometimes connect you with mentors or internship leads.
Online Courses and Certifications:
- Take free or low-cost online courses in areas you are interested in pursuing a career in.
- Earning certifications shows initiative and can set you apart when applying for internships.
Network and Reach Out:
- Connect with local professionals through LinkedIn, community events, or family and friends. Politely ask if they know about internship openings or if you can shadow them for a day.
- Attend local meetups, workshops, or career fairs, even virtual ones.
Apply Early and Prepare:
- When applying for internships, tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and personal projects.
- Practice interviewing and be prepared to explain why you’re passionate about the area of work you are applying for and eager to learn.
Consider Remote Internships:
- Many companies offer virtual internships, which can broaden your options beyond your local area. Look for remote internships that welcome high school students.
Volunteer Your Skills:
- Volunteering is valuable experience and expands your portfolio.
Starting early and being proactive will give you a strong advantage and clearer direction as you continue toward building your career. Keep learning, practicing, and reaching out—opportunities will come!
Gaining experience and internships as a high school junior is a smart way to prepare for your future career and build skills early. Here’s some guidance to help you get started:
Explore Local Opportunities:
- Look for internships or job shadowing programs in your community. Local businesses, nonprofits, or school programs might offer positions or volunteer roles.
- Check with your school’s career center or guidance counselor for any partnerships or resources.
Join Clubs and Competitions:
- Participate in clubs, teams, or groups at school in areas you are interested in pursuing. These provide hands-on experience and can sometimes connect you with mentors or internship leads.
Online Courses and Certifications:
- Take free or low-cost online courses in areas you are interested in pursuing a career in.
- Earning certifications shows initiative and can set you apart when applying for internships.
Network and Reach Out:
- Connect with local professionals through LinkedIn, community events, or family and friends. Politely ask if they know about internship openings or if you can shadow them for a day.
- Attend local meetups, workshops, or career fairs, even virtual ones.
Apply Early and Prepare:
- When applying for internships, tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and personal projects.
- Practice interviewing and be prepared to explain why you’re passionate about the area of work you are applying for and eager to learn.
Consider Remote Internships:
- Many companies offer virtual internships, which can broaden your options beyond your local area. Look for remote internships that welcome high school students.
Volunteer Your Skills:
- Volunteering is valuable experience and expands your portfolio.
Starting early and being proactive will give you a strong advantage and clearer direction as you continue toward building your career. Keep learning, practicing, and reaching out—opportunities will come!
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
I recommend starting with resources like your school’s career or guidance center. They often have lists of local job opportunities or companies that like to hire students from your school. This can give you ideas about what you might enjoy and help you begin building experience. These early roles also make it easier later when you’re working on your resume and preparing for interviews.
If you live near a college or university, check whether they offer summer programs for high school students. These programs can help you learn new skills and give you meaningful experiences to talk about when applying for future internships.
And remember, as a high school junior, you don’t need a “perfect” job or internship. What matters most is gaining experience in any form. Babysitting, lifeguarding, tutoring younger students, working at a summer camp, or helping at community events all build responsibility, communication, and time‑management skills. Those strengths will serve you well when you apply for internships later on.
If you live near a college or university, check whether they offer summer programs for high school students. These programs can help you learn new skills and give you meaningful experiences to talk about when applying for future internships.
And remember, as a high school junior, you don’t need a “perfect” job or internship. What matters most is gaining experience in any form. Babysitting, lifeguarding, tutoring younger students, working at a summer camp, or helping at community events all build responsibility, communication, and time‑management skills. Those strengths will serve you well when you apply for internships later on.
Updated
Miko’s Answer
Joining after-school clubs or sports is a fantastic way to learn new things. They offer chances to become a leader and help you discover what you really enjoy. The clubs I joined in high school helped me figure out what I might want to do more of in the future. Plus, they are great experiences to add to your resume or future applications!