Identify Your Interests:
Determine which industry or field you’re interested in. Whether it’s science, technology, business, or the arts, knowing your passion will help you target the right opportunities. You should take the Skills, Interests, and Values test in The Kuder Work-Based Learning Navigator. It will help you frame where to start if you are still uncertain.
Research Opportunities:
School Resources: Ask your school's Internship and Apprenticeship Teacher, career center, or counselor if they know of any local opportunities or have partnerships with local organizations.
Online Searches: Use internship websites and job boards to look for positions specifically for high school students.
Local Businesses & Organizations: Check the websites of local companies, nonprofits, or government agencies. Many may have internship programs or be open to creating one for an enthusiastic student.
Kuder Work Based Learning Navigation System - New platform for MCPS.
Networking:
Teachers & Mentors: Talk to your teachers, coaches, or any mentors who might have connections in the field you're interested in.
Family & Friends: Sometimes personal connections can lead to opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised. What do your parents do and where do they work? Do they have connections that could help you? What about your friends' parents?
Prepare Your Application Materials:
Resume: Create a resume that highlights your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any relevant projects or skills. Your school Internship Coordinator, Mrs. Stroot, and Ms. Brown are happy to review it for you and provide feedback! Check out a sample resume here and here, and this article provides great tips!
Cover Letter: Write a tailored cover letter for each application. Explain why you’re interested in the internship and what you can contribute—your enthusiasm and willingness to learn are valuable even if you don’t have prior work experience. Check out a sample cover letter here and here.
Apply Early and Follow Up:
Many organizations have early deadlines for summer internships. Once you’ve submitted your application, consider sending a follow-up email after a week or two to express your continued interest.
Prepare for Interviews:
If you’re invited for an interview, be ready to talk about your interests, skills, and any experiences that make you a good fit. Practicing common interview questions with a friend or mentor can boost your confidence. Click here to review a list of common interview questions.
Be Persistent:
We cannot stress this enough! It might take time to find the right opportunity, so don’t be discouraged by initial rejections. Keep refining your approach and applying. Follow up after you apply by calling or emailing the contact and asking if they have had a chance to review your application. Ask for an interview!
By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing a rewarding summer internship experience. Good luck!
More Resume Writing Tips
ASVAB Career Exploration - Tips on how to craft the perfect resume.
Big Future/College Board - The anatomy of the resume
More Interview Tips
The Balance - Tips on how to prepare, what to bring with you, common questions, and how to make the best impression
The Three Rules of an Interview - How to prepare, behave, and follow-up.
Snag a Job - A playlist of videos about the job search, interviewing, and other helpful tips