As a high school student, you may be wondering if internships are worth your time. After all, there are so many creative ways to get ahead in your career, such as using a master’s degree diploma makers or going into the trades, becoming a freelancer and more.
The answer is a resounding yes! Internships provide a unique opportunity to learn new skills, network with professionals in your field, and gain experience in the workforce.
All of these things will help you as you begin to look for jobs after graduation. And, in some cases, internships can even lead to full-time employment opportunities. So, if you’re thinking about applying for an internship, here’s everything you need to know.
How to find internships
There are a few different ways to find internships. You can start by contacting your school’s guidance counsellor or visiting your local library’s career centre. Many schools also have internship programs that can help connect you with opportunities in your area.
Another great way to find internships is by searching online. Websites like Indeed and LinkedIn are great resources for finding open positions. You can also try searching Google for internships in your area of interest.
For example, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in fashion, you could search for ‘fashion internships near me’. Once you’ve found a few possibilities, it’s time to start applying!
What to include in your application
When applying for an internship, you will likely be asked to submit a resume and cover letter. If this is your first time applying for a job, don’t worry! There are plenty of resources available to help you craft the perfect application materials.
Your resume should include your contact information, work experience (including any internships or volunteer work), education, and skills. If you don’t have any formal work experience, that’s okay! Just focus on highlighting the skills that make you the best candidate for the position.
Your cover letter gives you an opportunity to elaborate on your qualifications and explain why you’re interested in the position. Be sure to proofread both your resume and cover letter before submitting them; typos can be a major turnoff for employers.
How to prepare for your interview
If you’re offered an interview for an internship position, congratulations! This means that your resume and cover letter made a good impression on the employer and they would like to learn more about you.
- The best way to prepare for your interview is by practising ahead of time with a friend or family member. Have them ask you common interview questions so that you can get comfortable answering them out loud. You should also take some time to research the company ahead of time so that you can ask informed questions during your interview.
- You can also request a meeting with your school’s career counsellor to help you prepare for your interview. They may be able to provide you with additional resources or mock interview questions. Practising will help you be more confident and comfortable during your internship interview, which will make it more likely that you’ll be offered the position.
What to expect during your internship
If you’re offered an internship, congrats! Of course, your experience will be unique to the company and position you’re interning with. However, there are a few things you can generally expect during your internship:
- You will likely be asked to complete a variety of tasks, including some that are outside of your comfort zone. This can be daunting at first, but it’s actually a golden opportunity to learn new skills and grow as a professional. Embrace the challenge. If you’re having difficulty, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your supervisor.
- You will typically be treated like a real employee. That means expecting you to show up on time, follow the company’s dress code, and take your responsibilities seriously. In return, you can expect to receive feedback on your performance and have opportunities to learn and grow.
- You might not love every task you’re assigned. And that’s OK! Not every job is going to be glamorous. Internships are meant to give you a taste of what being in the workforce is like. And in many cases, the tasks that are the most mundane can teach you the most important skills. For example, if you’re interning at a marketing firm, you might be asked to do things like make copies or run errands. These might not be the most exciting tasks, but they will teach you important skills like time management and attention to detail, which will be invaluable in your future career.
Final thoughts
At the end of your internship, you should have a good understanding of what it’s like to work in your chosen field. You will also have gained valuable experience and skills that will help you in your future career.
Enjoy the experience, document everything for your requirements, and don’t forget to ask for a letter of recommendation from your supervisor.
Simona LeVey did her degree in psychology at Tel Aviv University. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
