Getting a Jump Start On Next Summer

When I say the word "internship" most people probably think of this past summer's critically panned "The Internship" starring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. An internship is a non-paying job (though there are some paying ones) or more of work-study to see if a person can handle a job.

You may think internships are only for college students and adults, but there are many companies offering summer internships for high schoolers. Sure, the last think most teenagers are thinking about is working the entire summer with no paycheck, but an internship can be rewarding and will look great on a college application. 

I know it is almost Thanksgiving, but some companies and businesses are already accepting internships for 2014. You should ask your school councilor or your local career/job center (most towns have one) about applying for an internship.

Types of internships you can find are at universities, research facilities, children's hospitals, cancer centers, sciences departments, summer school programs, libraries, city halls, government buildings, news stations, etc… If you can't find the internship job you are wanting, locate the business you’re interested in and ask them if they will take an internship student.

Some schools also have an internship program for teenagers (mostly for juniors and seniors); where instead of going to class, they go work at a local business. They don't get paid, but they do get school credit.

I grew up in an extremely small town, so an internship would have been impossible, though there were a few banks that might been interested in a high schooler internship or job shadowing. Any teenager wanting an internship for 2014 should go ahead and look into what is available in their area.