Top 11 Business Internships for High School Students
The world of business is constantly evolving. From advanced technology to innovative marketing strategies, the way we operate is changing faster than ever. This rapid pace creates exciting opportunities, and it’s no wonder so many high school students are interested in pursuing careers in business.
But how can you stand out in a competitive field? Business internships offer a fantastic way to gain valuable experience, develop essential skills, and get a taste of what a business career is really like. These experiences can be a game-changer when it comes to college application process and future job prospects.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 business internships for high school students. We’ll discuss the types of internships available, the skills you can gain, and how to land that perfect opportunity.
What are Business Internships?
Put simply, business internships are hands-on working opportunities in the diverse realm of business. Your stint working in a corporation could be an opportunity to work alongside industry experts and researchers as supervisors and get first-hand experience with the tasks that people in their particular domains perform regularly. You get to witness the work managers and business professionals are meant to perform, glean insights, and pick up the communication skills and interpersonal tactics these specialists employ in their day-to-day activities.
A business internship can involve work in multifarious fields like finance, consulting, marketing sales, etc. Your internship project might involve assisting with various ongoing projects, conducting market research, or simply analyzing data that could enhance decision-making.
Businesses prize people who are problem-solvers, have great communication and presentation skills, and quickly adapt to changes by adopting a learning and growth mindset. In a business internship, these skills will be put to the test and honed further.
Things to Look Out for in a Business Internship
Business internships are usually characterized by long hours of intensive work and quick and efficient decision-making on your part. Careful considerations must be made when applying for a particular internship. Some of these are mentioned below:
1. Type of company and its reputation
It is important to look into the company’s standing among its peers in the domain it operates in. Moreover, you should go after internships at companies that have a history of providing valuable experience to their interns. This information is of prime importance and should be available on professional social networking sites.
2. Roles and responsibilities
Double-check the job descriptions for the internship positions you apply to and see if they align with your career goals. Prioritize jobs that you think can give you a good overview of the domain and have the potential to endow you with transferable skills that can add to the list of your abilities. More importantly, choose work that excites you and that you might find enjoyable.
3. Networking opportunities
Internships will allow you to forge direct connections with experts and professionals. It is one of the biggest takeaways from an internship. Their guidance can be of supreme importance when you encounter crossroads in the professional sphere and need genuine and credible insights and perspectives on various fronts concerning your professional life.
4. Company culture, location, and commute
Performing to the best of your abilities will also require your workplace to align with your core beliefs and values. Go through the company’s websites and social media pages, and take a look at its vision and mission statements to get an understanding of the company’s culture and attitudes. Companies usually post blogs on their websites that might offer information about their take on certain topical matters.
Additionally, check job details like location, working hours, and transit options to see how well the internships can fit with your schedule and how feasible it is for you to restructure your life around the internship.
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11 Best Business Internships for US High School Students
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most lucrative business internships for high school students, some of which are paid, while others are unpaid or require a fee from your end. The list also features some remote and virtual internships.
1. Yocket High School Summer Internship Program
The Yocket High School Summer Internship offers an intensive 4-week virtual program designed to kickstart your journey in the exciting field of business. You will gain hands-on experience by working on real-world projects, analyzing market trends, or developing marketing strategies. Our expert mentors will be by your side throughout, providing guidance and support as you complete the project and craft a college application that highlights your newfound skills.
This internship goes beyond technical expertise. You’ll benefit from weekly mentorship sessions, practice assessments to gauge your progress, and an official letter of recommendation—all designed to strengthen your academic profile and impress colleges and potential employers. With limited spots for only 50 students and scholarship applications closing soon, this is your chance to join a global network of ambitious peers and take the first step toward a flourishing business career.
2. Building-U High School Internship
Students in high school (sophomore, junior, and senior years) can apply for the Building-U High School Internship. The internship usually lasts for about three months and sometimes exceeds that period. This is an online internship program designed by a non-profit organization, and students from across the globe can apply. The internship can offer experience in administrative work, research, and basic marketing skills related to social media. Research, writing, and communication skills will be specifically worked on.
3. Forage Virtual Work Experience Programs
Forage Virtual Experiences offer interactive online learning opportunities that provide students with a glimpse into the inner workings of leading corporations worldwide. These self-paced programs allow participants to engage in real-world projects and tasks, gaining practical skills and insights directly from industry professionals. As mentioned, these are self-paced virtual experiences and seldom require more than 5 to 6 hours to complete.
4. Meta Summer Academy
Meant for sophomore-year students in specific areas of California, the Meta Summer Academy program offers a sneak peek into the everyday operations of one of the biggest tech giants in the world by engaging them in a six-week summer internship program. The focus will be on developing job readiness skills and delivering insights on work and careers in the tech industry.
5. Wharton Global Youth Program
This is a virtual 2-week experience. All high school students get to take a deep dive into what it feels like to be a part of the prestigious Wharton School of Business by engaging in group discussions and projects, attending lectures, and stumbling upon individual assignments here and there. The program is centered around developing leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
6. UC Berkeley Haas High School Entrepreneurship Program
All high school students are eligible for this 2-week internship program at UC Berkeley. This internship revolves around entrepreneurship and allows you to dig deeper into domains such as finance, marketing, and accounting—fundamental skills taught in every business school. The program will culminate with the creation of a business plan and a group project meant to be addressed to other participants, setting the stage for more group discussions and brainstorming.
7. Ladders for Leaders
Ladders for Leaders is a part of New York City’s Summer Youth Employment Program. They work toward providing high school students in the city with paid professional internships in a variety of industries that align with their interests. High school students who are more than 16 years old are eligible to apply for this internship.
8. Port of Seattle High School Internships
The Port of Seattle High School Internship was designed to provide students with early knowledge of corporate environments and aims to endow them with the skills necessary to strive in a corporation. It aims to do so by focusing on skills such as public speaking and presentation skills, project management, and corporate networking. You’ll get to work on tasks that are actually part of Port of Seattle’s operations and receive remuneration and benefits in the form of a stipend, among others.
9. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
BofA’s Student Leader Program engages students in internships across non-profit organizations. These are paid internships, and interns also get to attend the Student Leaders Summit held in Washington, D.C., and derive knowledge and insights on how governments, businesses, and other non-profit organizations can come together to address issues that plague communities in the 21st century.
Note: Immediate family members of BoFA are not eligible for the internship.
10. KPMG Future Leaders Program
KPMG came up with the Future Leaders Program to increase the involvement of women in business and STEM fields. High school seniors are eligible for this internship program. You will receive mentorship from a senior business professional. Not to mention, you can engage with them in discussions centered around your career and other professional development activities and opportunities. Moreover, interns can apply for scholarships under the pre college summer program and secure guidance from their mentors throughout their college education.
11. SPARK Summer Internship Program (SIP)
SPARK facilitates internship programs tailored for high school students residing in the greater Seattle area. It fosters invaluable connections with seasoned professionals and mentors across disciplines like business, engineering, and science. Within the realm of business-related internships, students have the opportunity to work in diverse roles, including engineering, sales and marketing, competitive analysis, social media marketing, and content creation, among others. Through these engaging experiences, participants gain practical insights and explore potential career paths under the guidance of industry leaders.
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From the Desk of Yocket
Internships offer a chance to test-drive different business areas. It helps you discover your strengths and interests. Whether you’re drawn to marketing, finance, or operations, these experiences provide invaluable insights into real-world work. This knowledge empowers you to make informed career decisions down the road. The skills and knowledge you gain show your passion and commitment to a business career. Internships can become the highlight of your resume, grabbing the attention of universities and future employers.
Don’t be discouraged if some tasks seem basic. Every experience provides you with valuable foundational skills businesses seek. Enjoy the learning process, and you’ll be surprised at how much you gain from even seemingly mundane tasks. Remember, with Yocket, you can streamline your workflow and make every task count towards your growth!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of participating in a business internship as a high school student?
Business internships offer hands-on experience, skill development, networking opportunities, and insights into various business domains, aiding in future career endeavors.
How can I find the right business internship for me?
Research reputable companies, review internship roles, consider networking opportunities and company culture, and ensure alignment with your career goals and interests.
Are business internships only available during the summer?
While many business internships are offered in the summer, opportunities exist year-round, with some being part-time and/or virtual/remote, giving flexibility for participation.
How can business internships enhance my future career prospects?
Business internships provide practical skills, networking connections, and profile-building experiences that can significantly impact university applications and prospective employment opportunities.