A Guide to Landing an Internship: 7 Tips for Highschoolers

A Guide to Landing an Internship: 7 Tips for Highschoolers
Join 10,000+ entrepreneurs and startup-builders getting ahead of the game.
Join 10,000+ entrepreneurs getting ahead.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Are you a high school student who is looking for an internship? If so, you'll want to check out these seven tips. There are lots of opportunities out there, and the process of securing one can be simple if you know what to do. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to landing an internship that is perfect for you. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Start by doing your research - learn about the different types of internships available and what companies offer them

Think about the type of position you want. Here are the factors you should consider.

  • Location. Is it virtual or in-person? If it's in-person, where is it, and what do the rent costs look like in that area. Will the company pay for your cost of living?
  • Time commitment and compensation. What do the hours look like on a weekly basis, and is it a paid or unpaid internship?
  • Future resume value. This factor is one of the most important as a high-schooler. Think about the future value this internship has on your resume later on. It's more valuable to have an unpaid internship within the industry you want to pursue over a paid job that has no future value to the skills you want to develop.

How to find internship offerings:

Take advantage of online resources - there are many great websites (like Indeed) where you can find internships opportunities. You can also use social media to connect with companies directly.

  • AngelList -  this website is a great resource for startups and tech companies
  • CareerBuilder - this website has an extensive database of internships across many industries
  • LinkedIn - you can use LinkedIn's job search feature to find internships that companies post
  • Handshake - this website is for college students and recent graduates, but it's a great resource for finding internships
  • Google Jobs -  you can use this website to find internships in specific locations and from specific companies
  • Chegg -  this website includes internships, scholarships, and jobs all in one place
  • Pomp’s Crypto Jobs - find internship opportunities within the crypto industry
  • Finternz - you can find finance internship jobs
  • Otta - apply smarter with targeted resume matching to companies
  • Remoteok - perfect to find remote jobs

Finally, don't forget to tap into your personal network. Talk to your parents, teachers, and other resources within your immediate network.

Create a resume and portfolio that showcases your skills and experience

Create a strong resume - make sure to highlight your skills and experience, as well as any relevant coursework. 75% of resumes are auto rejected by applicant tracking systems. Use a service like ResumeLab to make sure yours isn't one of them.

Create a portfolio - if you have any relevant projects or work samples, be sure to include them in your portfolio. This is a great way to show off your skills and experience.

Visit your school's career center for help finding an internship opportunity - they can guide you through the application process too!

Network with professionals - attend industry events, meet-ups, or simply chat with people in your field of interest.

Prepare for interviews - know what to expect and practice answering common interview questions.

Be patient - the process of finding an internship can take some time, but it's worth it in the end!

When it comes time to apply, make sure that you properly complete all required documentation (including contact information) so as not to be rejected by potential employers due to incomplete paperwork errors! Always follow up on any interviews or other job opportunities promptly after receiving them. This will show how interested/serious you are about getting hired there and make you stand out from other applicants.

Set up a meeting with an employer to discuss what position would best fit your interests, skillsets, and availability. If possible, try doing some volunteer work to gain experience before applying for paid jobs at places like Goldman Sachs or McKinsey. Or, if you're applying in the computer science field, companies will usually assign you a take-home project to complete as a part of your application.

When it comes to nailing the interview, remember that first impressions matter! Dress for success and arrive on time (or even early). Be prepared to answer questions about your experience and why you’re interested in the position.

High school internships are limited...better to put in more effort (quality over quantity)

Start by looking online for internship postings and searching through job boards or online career fairs.

Send out personalized applications and resumes to companies you're interested in working for - include details about why this role appeals so much!

If you have a passion for something in the field of marketing or sales but aren't sure where to start, apply to a small business within your local area first before applying to large corporations. Small businesses are typically under 15 employees and typically do not have a large social media presence. For example, you can even go in person or email the business owner and offer them to create graphics or manage their social media.

Contact local businesses directly and inquire about internships

Many small businesses are happy to take on interns, and you'll get hands-on experience in the industry of your choice.

Don't be afraid to reach out to people you know who work at interesting companies - they may be able to refer you to someone within their organization who is looking for an intern.

If all else fails, consider doing a remote internship. A growing number of jobs are going remote, and companies are looking for interns who can work from home. With the right skillset and some persistence, you're sure to find an internship that's perfect for you.

Prepare for interviews and practice answering common questions

Prepare for interviews - know what to expect and practice answering common interview questions.

For example, if you're applying for a computer science internship, send a resume that reflects your coding and programming experiences. You can practice common computer science questions on LeetCode or AlgoExpert.

If you've been searching for a while without any luck, it might be time to revisit your strategy. Here are some tips on how to land an internship that fits both your interests and skill-set:

-Research what companies offer internships in fields related to yours (e.g., marketing or sales).

-Attend industry events where potential employers may also be present - this gives them face

-While in high school, reach out to professionals working in fields you're interested in for guidance and advice on landing an internship.

-Lastly, don't be afraid to ask around - friends, family members, or teachers may know of opportunities that aren't advertised online.

With a little effort, you're sure to find the perfect internship for you! Landing an Internship That Fits Your Interests And Skillsets

Follow up with employers after submitting your application, let them know you're still interested in the position

Show your enthusiasm for the internship and be willing to put in the extra work. Going above and beyond will  make you stand out from the other candidates.

High school internships are a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience in your desired field. With a little effort, you're sure to find an internship that's perfect for you!

Lastly, don't get discouraged if you don't hear back right away. It takes time to find internships that are a good fit for both parties involved - but with some perseverance and patience, you'll land one sooner rather than later! Good luck!

In summary...

Good news: landing an internship has never been easier. With so many opportunities out there today, it's just a matter of finding the right one for your skillset and interests. The key is knowing where to look - here are some tips on how to land an internship that fits both your interests and skill-set: Research what companies offer internships in fields related to yours (e.g., marketing or sales). Attend industry events where potential employers may also be present

Landing an internship as a high schooler can feel daunting, but it is attainable with a bit of research and effort! With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to securing your first internship.

Do you want to become a true leader?
Leangap® turns ambitious teenagers like you into startup founders. Our programs help you launch an impactful startup with the guidance of mentors who have launched startups themselves. With Leangap you'll acquire real customers and engage with genuine investors, away from a classroom setting, making you a true leader. Come meet your future co-founders and launch your first of many companies!
Apply now →

Keep getting ahead