New years is an exciting time for high school students looking to gain real-world work experience through internships. With the right program, they can build their resume, learn new skills, and explore potential career paths — all while still in school.
To help students jump-start their career search this year, we’ve compiled a list of 20 popular internships for high schoolers in 2023. From tech start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, these programs offer diverse opportunities across multiple industries — from healthcare and engineering to finance and education.
Whether you’re seeking a paid or unpaid internship opportunity, our list has something for everyone! So take some time to browse our top internships today and find the perfect fit for your future career goals!
1. What is an internship?
An internship is a professional opportunity that allows an individual to gain work experience in a specific field or industry. Typically, internships will last for a set duration of 1-12 weeks but can last longer.
2. What are the qualifications for an internship?
The qualifications for an internship will vary depending on the company or organization. Typically, internships require candidates to have some prior experience in the relevant field or industry, although this is not always necessary.
3. Are internships paid or unpaid?
Internships can either be paid or unpaid. Paid internships typically provide the intern with compensation, such as a salary or stipend, for their work. In addition, unpaid internships may offer college credit instead of financial compensation. Whether a position is paid or unpaid depends on the company and should be specified in the internship posting.
4. What if you don’t get the experience you want out of the internship?
If you don’t get the experience you want from an internship, taking the initiative and making the most of your time is essential. Try to express this to the employer and see if you can work on different tasks if possible.
5. What type of work will I be performing during an internship?
The type of work you will be performing during an internship depends on the company, industry, and role. Most internships incorporate administrative tasks, research projects, and hands-on experience to provide interns with a complete view of their field.
Why Is It Important to Start an Internship?
Internships are an invaluable tool for high school students seeking real-world experience and exploring potential career paths while still in school. Taking on an internship not only provides hands-on learning opportunities but can also provide invaluable networking connections and a competitive edge when it comes to applying for colleges or future jobs. Even if you don’t get the internship, building relationships for later is essential. You never know when you may need them.
For these reasons, it is becoming increasingly important for high schoolers to start internships early — the earlier, the better! For example, an internship may allow students to learn about a specific industry or topic; develop their communication, problem-solving, and time management skills; acquire professional references.
Furthermore, internships are often designed to mimic the day-to-day operations of a full-time job; This can help students understand what they may be getting into before they take on more permanent positions after graduation. Internships also give young adults more confidence as they enter the professional world — which is why more employers are beginning to recognize the importance of offering internship opportunities to high school students earlier.
Ultimately, internships can be an excellent way for high schoolers to gain meaningful experience while still in school — so don’t pass up this valuable opportunity! With our list of 20 popular internships for 2023, you can find something that matches your interests and skill sets. So get your resume ready and start your search today!
20 Popular Internships
Application Deadline: February 24, 2023
Duration: 12-14 weeks May or June Summer 2023
The Software Engineering Internship program will allow you to work on challenging computer science projects, create scalable distributed software systems, and collaborate on a variety of little initiatives that appeal to everyone.
The internship will be paid with a base salary range between $105,000-$134,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Pay and benefits will be based on experience and location.
Application Deadline: March 14, 2023
Duration: 4 weeks July 11 – August 5
In Microsoft’s high school internship program, students will learn a lot about the world of computer science and programming. Internships at Microsoft are designed for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students; they’ll get to know many STEM-related careers at Microsoft and outside jobs.
Accepted applicants will be paid and are expected to work full-time.
Application Deadline: Summer, 2023
Duration: TBD
They are seeking an entry-level UX researcher to join our team and help us develop and conduct user studies and complete UX research during the summer of 2023.
We are looking for someone eager to learn new technologies and methods. Experience in working on complex desktop software is a plus but optional. Their ideal candidate must be able to work by themselves while supplying information to the rest of the team.
This job pays $40.00 per hour and is eligible for benefits through the employer. Medical, dental, and vision insurance may be available through the agency, as well as 401(k) plans with basic/supplemental life coverage and AD&D protection. Short-and long-term disability insurance, health care spending accounts (HCSAs), transportation perks, and paid vacation days.
Application Deadline: Depends on the area
Duration: Depends on the area
NASA has internships for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors over 16. Internships are intended to help develop the capabilities and diversity of STEM workers in America by allowing participants to conduct research under supervision at a NASA facility.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizenship
- GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- High school students
- At least 16 years of age and a current sophomore, junior or senior
- Undergraduate or graduate students
- At the time the opportunity begins, you must be accepted/enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. college or university
To apply for NASA internships, fellowships, and scholarships, visit NASA’s OSSI site: https://intern.nasa.gov.
For additional information: (GSFC-Education@mail.nasa.gov)
Application Deadline: February 26, 2023
Duration: Varies
They are looking for an experienced professional to optimize the on-site customer experience on eBay. As part of our team, your primary focus will be to provide customers with a unique spectrum of value offerings.
You will need to leverage your analytical skills to analyze competitive sites and market standards to develop improvements to the overall customer shopping experience for respective site pages.
Additionally, you should be able to effectively build customer experience by working closely with their Site Merchants and providing them with a robust selection, inspiring content, and straightforward, consistent navigation across desktop, mobile, and app platforms.
Application Deadline: February 24, 2023
Duration: 8 weeks, June 26 – August 13, 2023
Interns at the Stanford Compression Forum can pursue research projects during the summer under mentorship from the organization’s students, faculty, and staff.
Project topics range widely, including information and communication science, engineering, artistry, linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, biology, computer systems, and philosophy design.
Students who participate in a summer program will not be paid during their time there and will gain significant experience that can help them navigate through their early years of employment. The internship is now virtual, with the potential for in-person components, and students should anticipate working around 30-40 hours per week.
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: Varies
You’ll work side by side with a fantastic team of top software engineers and cutting-edge machine-learning experts who are all diehard A.I. enthusiasts. They will partner you with a committed mentor regarded as an expert in your field. You and your advisor will collaborate to devise and implement a creative solution for an ML or NLP problem with value.
After your internship, you will have the opportunity to meet with AIML leadership and present what you’ve accomplished. Under the circumstances, submitting your project for consideration at a relevant conference publication may be possible.
Application Deadline: Summer 2023 or until the position is filled
Duration: Ongoing
PayPal is searching for a crypto strategist to assist with the next phase of BCDC’s development. You’re enthusiastic about blockchain technology’s potential. You can translate an idea into straightforward suggestions for strategies, programs, and initiatives that will impact PayPal’s two-sided network of merchants and consumers long-term. You are fearless in breaking the mold when it comes time to look for new ways to do business or pay bills.
You will help the team with market research, identify global opportunities and partners, and define growth strategies and programs with their associated business cases and recommended execution plans. Compensation will depend on experience, and annual bonuses may be available to individuals who perform well.
Application Deadline: Summer 2023 or until the position is filled
Duration: Ongoing
Capital One’s Tech Incubator is dedicated to machine learning research. Capital One allows students to work on innovative projects through several software engineering organizations inside the company.
Projects mainly focus on developing leading-edge ML platforms and products, which entail various current software engineering techniques such as extensive data engineering and analytics, libraries and tooling, MLOps, CI/CD, and open source development.
Pay will be based on experience and the location of the individual. Rewards will also be based on performance.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2023
Duration: 5-6 weeks, Summer 2023
Princeton University offers a full-time research opportunity for students planning to work in STEM fields such as engineering and natural sciences. Interns will be integrated into ongoing research projects, gaining hands-on experience with scientific study in an intensive setting from faculty and staff. The internship is selective, encouraging interns to reside locally. However, it does not provide any monetary compensation.
Application Deadline: Summer 2023
Duration: Varies
Twitter’s Engineering Effectiveness is looking for a technical writer intern for the summer! The technical writing team assists engineers in learning how to utilize tools, giving classes on writing, structuring, and organizing documents for the engineering department. To be considered, you must submit your resume and one written sample.
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: Varies
All four Carnegie Museums—the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum —provide unpaid in-person internships to high schoolers. After an internship at one of these museums, interns will gain excellent work experience, expertise, and a professional network.
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: 12 weeks fall 2023 or Spring 2024
The Washington Performing Arts internship for youngsters with an interest or background in the performing arts helps them develop professional abilities and learn about arts administration. For their efforts, interns will be compensated with a modest stipend every two weeks for 12 weeks. They are also encouraged to attend many Washington Performing Arts events for free.
To apply, send a resume, a cover letter regarding the relevant internship, and at least two relevant professional references so they can contact them later.
Application Deadline: Summer 2023
Duration: 12 weeks June – August 2023
The People Analytics team is searching for a graduate intern with experience producing insights from complex data such as R, Python, SQL, and J.S. We value the ability to leverage a methodology toolkit to comprehend Twitch’s distinct environment. The ideal applicant has excellent intuition, data skills, and an interest in increasing talent and outcomes; This is a paid internship that will run from June through August; if you are eligible for course credit, they may be able to work something out!
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: 12-month period
This internship is for students interested in pursuing a career as an arts and culture professional (museums, galleries, art centers, etc.). In addition, students must have completed at least three Fine Art or Art Education courses with the approval of a professor. Compensation for this position is 10$ an hour with 25 hours per week.
Qualifications
- Must be an undergraduate in Fine Arts, Arts Education, or a similar field
- Working knowledge of multiple 2D and 3D fine arts and digital and media art forms.
- Prior teaching/classroom experience is a plus
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Successful completion of standard background checks
- Recommendation of at least one faculty member
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: 12-month period
This internship is an excellent opportunity to help a leading innovator in the wireless industry. Candidates must be detail-oriented, data-centric, and raved about working across organizations to develop and document plans for process streamlining.
They must also have excellent communication and presentation skills and proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint applications. An experienced understanding of legal contracts and terms is desirable. A natural inclination toward curiosity, out-of-the-box thinking, and the ability to back up new ideas are all highly valued.
The average pay is 25$ an hour, and the intern will have paid time off.
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: ongoing
The position is for an elementary or early childhood education major interested in science teaching, maker spaces, and STEM. Experience working with children and any educational background would be beneficial but optional.
Interns will spend 10 hours per month on activities such as attending meetings, helping at the Discovery Space exhibit floor, planning workshops for local families, assisting with day camps, running stations at The Rivet Maker space, and more. At the end of the semester. Interns will be paid a $500 stipend at the end of the semester.
Application Deadline: April 28, 2023
Duration: 4 weeks June 26th, July 20th, 2023
This internship is a paid opportunity for students interested in history and government to learn about the Library of Congress and its duties and help create a new learning space for youth and families. The internship is now offered in a hybrid format, with face-to-face opportunities available if desired. For those interested, there may also be up to 60 hours of community service during the program.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2023
Duration: 7 weeks, June 24 to August 11, 2023
This exciting in-person paid internship with The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides young people from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut the opportunity to network with professionals in art, the museum field, and creativity. Students will learn professional abilities while developing a network and gaining work experience across various museum departments during this program. The internship is expected to be mostly ten to twenty hours per week.
The application requires the following:
- A completed application form
- Short essay responses
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher, school administrator, or another adult who is not related to you who can write about why you would be a great intern for The Met; Good choices might be your coach or mentor, the leader of an after-school program or activity you participate in, or a supervisor from a previous internship or work experience.
Program dates:
- Accepted Intern and Family Reception, Saturday, June 24, 2023, 1–3 pm: A two-hour session for interns and at least one parent or guardian to become familiar with the program and its staff and review requirements and expectations.
- Bootcamp, Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 9 am–5 pm: Eight-hour training and workshop to prepare interns for the internship;
- Departmental Placement: At least forty hours (10 to 20 hours per week) of observing, assisting, and being mentored by a staff member in one of the Museum’s departments; The intern’s interests and the department’s internship project determine the placement. Most departmental placement hours take place from Monday, July 11 through Friday, August 11, 2023, 9 am–1 pm and 1–6 pm. Learn more about departmental placements.
- Teen Fridays: Friday, July 14, and Friday, August 4, 2023, 4:30–6:30 pm
- Career Labs, Thursday, July 20, and Friday, August 3, 2023, 1:30–3:30 pm: Two two-hour sessions with curators, educators, designers, conservators, and other staff who discuss their professional paths and roles at the Museum and lead workshops during which interns try out an element of their work.
- Biweekly Check-ins: One-hour sessions for interns to meet as a cohort, learn from each other’s experiences, meet with mentors, and develop their career readiness skills.
- Final Event Planning Meeting: A two-hour session for interns to plan and create the last event.
- Last Event and Celebration: Friday, August 11, 2023, 5:30–7:30 pm: Interns develop an event to share the insights, experiences, and skills gained through their departmental placements with fellow interns and guests.
Application Deadline: February 2023
Duration: 8 weeks June to August summer 2023
The American Fisheries Society sponsors the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, an eight-week paid summer internship for high school students, and mentoring program. Their goal is to encourage young people in the field of fisheries and aquatic science today who are underrepresented and want to create meaningful experiences; This includes a $3,000 stipend and free travel to the Hutton Scholars Summit (location TBD for 2023).
How Student Hires Helps Students Find Internships
Student Hires is dedicated to the success of next-generation leaders by equipping youth with the skills and experiences they need to prepare for internships and meaningful careers.
Our innovative, hands-on, expanded learning programs are designed to increase the career readiness of disadvantaged students in our community. Guided by college student instructors, our K 12 program activities include internship search training, simulations for specific careers, resume building and editing, mock interviews, and soft skills workshops proven to equip students with the necessary tools for workplace success. If you want more information, contact us for a quick 15-minute one-on-one call.
Conclusion
Internships are essential to showcase experience and let colleges and employers know how serious you are when wanting to join their programs or teams. These 20 internships will give you a head start in finding the perfect career for you. Are you taking an internship this year? Let us know in the comments!