Internships are often seen as the gold standard for students to gain professional experience, but are they really the best option for high school students?
Many students (and parents) assume that an internship is necessary to stand out in college admissions. But in reality, a high school internship may not provide the kind of experience students are hoping for.
If you're considering an internship, it’s important to think about what you want to gain from the experience and whether an internship is really the best option for you.
Let’s break down:
The limitations of internships
Alternative ways to gain experience
How to make an internship worthwhile if you do pursue one
The Limitations of High School Internships
There’s no doubt that internships can provide valuable insight into a career field. We strongly recommend internships for college students exploring their area of study! But for high schoolers, reality doesn’t always match expectations.
Lack of Experience = Limited Responsibilities
Most high schoolers don’t have the skills or background knowledge to contribute meaningfully in a professional setting. Companies hiring college or graduate-level interns expect them to have some level of specific expertise. High school students, however, are typically still learning the basics.
Because of this, many high school internships involve low-level administrative work like filing paperwork, organizing supplies, or doing busywork. While there’s nothing wrong with starting at the bottom, students should ask themselves: Will this internship actually help me develop skills and explore a future career?
Workplace Restrictions
Certain industries (like medicine, law, finance, and engineering) have strict regulations that prevent minors from handling confidential information, working directly with clients, or doing specialized work
If you’re hoping for hands-on experience in one of these fields, an internship might not be the best route for a high schooler.
Alternative Ways to Gain Experience
Colleges aren’t scanning applications and resumes looking for the word “intern.” Instead, they are looking for traits like initiative, curiosity, contribution, and drive. There are plenty of ways to build these skills without an internship
The best experiences help students develop real skills, explore their interests, and gain insight into a potential field.
Here are some valuable alternatives:
Job Shadowing
Job shadowing allows students to observe a professional in their field for a short period of time, often for a day or a few weeks. Shadowing can be more insightful than an internship because you get to see what a job actually looks like on a daily basis.
We also like job shadow opportunities because they are purely about learning. There’s no added pressure for students to perform. Instead, you are there to absorb as much as possible.
It’s also easier for professionals to say yes to shadowing requests since they don’t have to create tasks that a high school student can successfully complete.
Why job shadowing is a great option:
No long-term commitment
Offers an authentic look at what a job is really like
Easier to arrange than an internship
Research Opportunities
Research isn’t just for college students! We have an entire blog post on how high school students can get involved in research.
Whether you are interested in assisting a professor with their research, pursuing independent research, or even working with a credible research company, working on a research project provides hands-on experience that is often more academic and skill-based than a traditional internship.
Why research is a great option:
Develops analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Prepares students for research-heavy college majors, like STEM, social sciences, and other data-driven fields
Summer Programs & Pre-College Courses
Many of our students participate in summer programs where they can engage in hands-on learning in their area of interest. These programs range from residential experiences on college campuses to virtual courses or local community-based opportunities.
That said, not all summer programs are created equal. Programs vary widely in cost, selectivity, and structure. And just because a program is expensive or hosted on an Ivy League campus doesn’t mean it’s a good fit or will make a difference in college admissions.
What to keep in mind:
Price and location are not indicators of quality. Many excellent programs are free or low cost!
Look at programs offered by local colleges, nonprofits, or government organizations!
Be cautious of programs that promise increased admission chances to a specific college
School Extracurriculars & Leadership Roles
While most high school students think of internships as a summer activity, there are ways to gain experience during the school year too!
Clubs like DECA, FBLA, robotics, Model UN, student government, and many others allow students to develop skills like leadership, public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving—all of which are highly valuable in any career path.
High schools also have (or give students the ability to create!) clubs based around academic interests like the arts, sciences, creative writing, medicine, and more.
Why extracurriculars are a great option:
Demonstrates long-term commitment and growth, which colleges love to see!
Leadership roles (even informal ones) can be just as valuable as an internship
Passion Projects & Independent Work
Entrepreneurial and creative students can often gain more relevant experience by starting something on their own than by interning at a company.
Many of our students have:
Started a small business (pet sitting, car detailing, tutoring, real estate photography, Etsy shops, and more!)
Created blogs or social media projects on topics they’re passionate about
Launched community initiatives (fundraising, organizing donation drives, mentoring younger students, starting a local nonprofit)
Colleges love to see students who take initiative. Remember, it’s not about the title you have! It’s about developing meaningful experiences and making an impact.
Part-Time Jobs
Students (and families) often underestimate how much a traditional job can strengthen a college application!
A part-time job teaches students communication, problem-solving, and time management. Holding a job for an extended period, especially if you take on more responsibility over time, also demonstrates work ethic, reliability, and leadership.
Why part-time jobs are a great option:
Teach real-world professional skills
Show colleges you can balance work and academics
Help students gain independence
Let you earn extra cash!
What If You Really Want an Internship?
Okay, you’ve heard our take, but you still really want that internship. What do you do?
For students set on pursuing an internship, here’s how to make sure it’s worth your time.
Finding the Right Internship
Start with your network: Ask parents, teachers, club advisors, or family friends if they know about opportunities in your areas of interest. A personal connection can help get your foot in the door!
Look for small businesses: Larger corporations may not take high school interns, but local organizations may have more opportunities for high school students to get directly involved.
Be proactive: Instead of waiting for companies to list an internship on a job website, reach out and ask about potential opportunities.
Making the Most of Your Internship
Once you land an internship, how do you ensure it’s a valuable experience and not just busywork?
Ask for meaningful work: Don’t be afraid to communicate your interests! Ask if you can sit in on meetings or help with projects.
Seek mentorship: Ask professionals about their career paths, their college experiences (what did they major in?), and what they wish they had known at your age.
Take initiative: If you have downtime, look for ways to contribute! Ask questions, request to learn new skills, or volunteer to help.
Final Thoughts
Do high schoolers need internships? No!
While an impactful internship can be valuable, they aren’t the only way—or even the best way—to gain experience. Many students will find that job shadowing, summer programs, extracurriculars, or independent projects provide more meaningful learning opportunities.
If you do choose to pursue an internship, be intentional about finding one that provides real experience.
Remember that colleges care more about the skills you develop and the impact you make than whether you have an “official internship” on your resume.
Instead of chasing an internship just to have one, focus on building experiences that align with your goals and interests. The best opportunities are the ones that help you grow!