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What should I do the summer before senior year?
Hello! I'm currently a junior in high school looking for strong activities to fill my summer but it's proven difficult. I've researched dozens of possible summer research programs, however most come with a hefty price tag that I have no interest in paying. The high school internships I looked at are extremely limited in the Greater Seattle area or not related to my career of interest which is business, so I'm wondering if it's best to cold email business (maybe non-profits) in hopes of a response to volunteer/intern with them or to find a generic summer job and stick with that. If anyone has advice on the best course of action, it would be greatly appreciated!
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Eddy’s Answer
It’s absolutely amazing that you’re starting to think about your career as a junior in high school already, because getting an early start like this really puts you ahead of the curve. It’s also great that you’re taking the initiative to research different programs and opportunities instead of just waiting for something to come along. Based on my experience, a summer job is actually incredibly helpful, even if it feels unrelated to business at first. Jobs that might seem mundane, like working as a grocery clerk or in retail, teach you how to show up consistently, build strong work ethic, and become someone that employers can rely on, while also giving you exposure to basic business operations and helping you develop budgeting and financial skills. Learning how to manage your own money before college is something that pays off in a big way, and it’s a skill many people wish they had picked up earlier.
At the same time, it’s worth remembering that your summer doesn’t have to be entirely about building your resume, and you should make space for things you genuinely enjoy, whether that’s developing a hobby or spending time with friends, because you never know what interests might turn into something meaningful down the line. Overall, whether you choose to reach out to local organizations or take on a part time job, you’re on a great path, and I’m hoping you all the best.
At the same time, it’s worth remembering that your summer doesn’t have to be entirely about building your resume, and you should make space for things you genuinely enjoy, whether that’s developing a hobby or spending time with friends, because you never know what interests might turn into something meaningful down the line. Overall, whether you choose to reach out to local organizations or take on a part time job, you’re on a great path, and I’m hoping you all the best.
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Rachel’s Answer
If you are interested in business, you could definitely cold email some businesses that seem like they would be open to having an intern. I would recommend getting some sort of job since it will show initiative (even if you cannot find one that is related), and it may be worthwhile to start some small business in your free time (even if it something simple or just an idea). When starting your small business, you can learn about the business model canvas, design thinking process, and maybe you could even prototype some small product then get user feedback. This would show you have creative initiative and give you a jumpstart on learning business concepts that you will learn at college. Would also recommend the books "How to Read a Financial Report: Wringing Vital Signs Out of the Numbers" and "The Lean Startup" for a jumpstart learning about business/entrepreneurship.
It may also be worth investigating if any community colleges in your area have summer business classes that you could enroll in. Not always possible for high school students, but worth a shot.
It may also be worth investigating if any community colleges in your area have summer business classes that you could enroll in. Not always possible for high school students, but worth a shot.
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Katlynne’s Answer
Hi Eileen!
Great question! Being proactive about your education and career is a fantastic start toward success in college.
Getting into research can be challenging until you have more education, but college will offer many chances to join research projects. You can volunteer to assist graduates and professors, making their research run more smoothly. Then complete your own research project in your graduate year.
Right now, volunteering or getting a summer job can really make your college applications shine. As Martha mentioned, following your interests can help you gain industry experience and learn more about yourself. It will also prepare you for future research opportunities.
Whatever you choose to do, keep your curiosity and proactive spirit alive. These qualities will serve you well in your education and career journey. Best of luck!
Great question! Being proactive about your education and career is a fantastic start toward success in college.
Getting into research can be challenging until you have more education, but college will offer many chances to join research projects. You can volunteer to assist graduates and professors, making their research run more smoothly. Then complete your own research project in your graduate year.
Right now, volunteering or getting a summer job can really make your college applications shine. As Martha mentioned, following your interests can help you gain industry experience and learn more about yourself. It will also prepare you for future research opportunities.
Whatever you choose to do, keep your curiosity and proactive spirit alive. These qualities will serve you well in your education and career journey. Best of luck!
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Martha D.’s Answer
Yours is a good question, Eileen. As Liam infers, the key is to do something that is meaningful to you.
If you need money for college (who doesn't?) and want to learn about business, take a job. You can learn about your work preferences as well as the industry there.
If you are interested in entrepreneurship, hire yourself out for gardening, baby-sitting, social media work or whatever your interests are.
If you are interested in non-profit work, volunteer to see more of what it is like. Similarly, helping an elderly or infirm person in your network could be good for you or them.
You get the point; if you stay curious, you could learn from any experience and incorporate those insights into your college applications. Wishing you good luck!
If you need money for college (who doesn't?) and want to learn about business, take a job. You can learn about your work preferences as well as the industry there.
If you are interested in entrepreneurship, hire yourself out for gardening, baby-sitting, social media work or whatever your interests are.
If you are interested in non-profit work, volunteer to see more of what it is like. Similarly, helping an elderly or infirm person in your network could be good for you or them.
You get the point; if you stay curious, you could learn from any experience and incorporate those insights into your college applications. Wishing you good luck!
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Cherie’s Answer
Hi Eileen,
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and feel good about helping others. You can also have a summer job, which is always a good idea. Plus, there are free online courses, like those in project management, if you're interested in learning more about the industry.
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and feel good about helping others. You can also have a summer job, which is always a good idea. Plus, there are free online courses, like those in project management, if you're interested in learning more about the industry.
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Liam’s Answer
If your career path has you taking care of people or working in a very public space like a big company, volunteer.
If your career path has you in business or sales, start a small business.
Either way, take notes about what you did, make it public (social media, blogging, etc) and then use that to showcase what you did for college or job applications later on.
You are already thinking about doing something so that's great in itself!
If your career path has you in business or sales, start a small business.
Either way, take notes about what you did, make it public (social media, blogging, etc) and then use that to showcase what you did for college or job applications later on.
You are already thinking about doing something so that's great in itself!
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Rafael’s Answer
Hey Eileen, I recommend doing both—any real-world experience will help you stand out, and you don’t need a paid program for it to be valuable. Cold emailing is definitely worthwhile, especially with non-profits or smaller businesses, since many are open to giving motivated high schoolers a chance if you show genuine interest. From my own experience, some of the most important lessons came from simply putting myself out there, whether it was studying abroad, taking on consulting roles, or earning certifications outside of school. My first job as a purchasing analyst wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me a lot about how businesses operate, which helped me later on when I was designing strategies and improving processes. Even a generic summer job is good—it shows work ethic and reliability, and you can highlight what you learned and how you grew in your applications. My advice is to send concise cold emails explaining who you are, what you’re interested in, and what value you bring, even if it’s just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. While waiting for responses, take a summer job to stay active, because those who keep busy, stay curious, and aren’t afraid to start somewhere humble end up in the best positions.
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