Summer is the perfect time for an internship because you don’t have to work around school hours, and you can invest more time learning about a career or industry you’re interested in pursuing. An internship allows you to take everything you learned in school and apply it to a real-world job. Internships help you narrow down and develop your career path and gain new skills for your future career.
Many companies love hiring interns because they bring new ideas and energy to their company. Interns often get hired after graduation, especially if they have an exceptional work ethic, expertise, and enthusiasm for the company. Some internships are paid, while others offer experiential opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for an internship in engineering, STEM, business, or arts, here are some of the top summer internships in the country.
NASA Internships
Goddard Space Flight Center offers summer internships to high school students over 16. Under the guidance of a NASA mentor, students can participate in experiential learning or research. Students can intern at one of their four campuses in Maryland, Virginia, New York, and West Virginia.
Google: Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
High school seniors entering a four-year undergrad program in computer science, computer engineering, or software engineering are eligible for this summer internship program. Students work with Google employees and learn about computer science.
Smithsonian Youth Programs
Students interested in history, culture, design, technology, or art should check out the summer internships at the Smithsonian. These programs prepare high school students for college and their future careers.
US Department of Education Internships
Students interested in a career in government and federal education, policy, and administration should check out internships at the US Department of Education. They offer internships in the following areas:
- Human Resources Management
- Education Policies
- Data Analytics
- Project Management
- Training and Development
- Grants Management
- Communications
- Information Technology
Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
This paid summer mentoring program teaches high school students about fisheries science and management. The American Fisheries Society sponsors this program and provides experts in the field to mentor students.
Ways to Find a Summer Internship
Here are some of the best ways to find a summer internship.
Internet Search
A simple Google search is an easy way to look for an internship. Start by searching “summer internships for high school students.” You can also start your search on Indeed.com or LinkedIn.
Research Specific Companies
If you already have a company in mind, try connecting directly with them through their website. Before you call, email, or send your resume, do your research. Companies like to see that you took the time to learn about them, their mission, and their purpose.
Network
Ask your teachers, counselors, family, and friends if they know of any summer internships. Many companies do not have official summer internship programs but are open to working with an intern in their office or remotely.
You gain so many life skills from internships. You not only learn about a particular company, you learn skills like teamwork, organization, professionalism, and written communication. Internships also prepare you for leadership roles in high school, college, and out in the world!