Apprenticeship Programs

WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?

An internship is a short-term work experience offered by companies and other organizations for people to get some entry-level exposure to a particular industry or field. It is as much of a learning experience as it is work. Ideally, interns spend their time working on relevant projects, learning about the field, making industry connections, and developing both hard and soft skills. For high school students, most internships are non-paying experiences.

Why Intern in High School?

Work experience at a respected company or organization, especially if it is related to a field you might pursue in college, will only strengthen your college applications. It is a great way to stand out from the crowd. An internship will allow you to explore potential careers and courses of study for college. You might confirm that newspaper journalism is the career of your dreams, or find out that software programming is not exactly how you had imagined it. You may also discover other fields and positions you had not considered before. Additionally, an internship can help you understand how a professional organization operates. Within that organization, you will gain access to valuable contacts who may lead you to other opportunities as you progress through school.

Where To Find An Internship

Some organizations like Microsoft and Boeing have formal internship programs designed for high school students. Typically, these programs are limited to students in the region. Research companies in the industry that interests you and check their web sites for opportunities. CHS has identified a handful of High School Summer Programs and Internships located in the Puget Sound region. Check out these programs at least once a month for updates.

Internships are not just available with large corporations in urban areas either. Ask your parents, your friends' parents, your relatives and anyone else who might be willing to help you if they are aware of any opportunities. Contact professional organizations in your area of interest.

Job Shadow Programs

Job shadow assignments are typically a one to two hour experience but in some cases can last a full 8-hour day. Students can apply to "job shadow" with someone who has a job that interests them. Most job shadow programs are non-paid work experiences.

Report abuse