How to find Internships?

milki · 07-20-2007, 05:51 PM

I'm a rising High School Sophomore and I was wondering if it was possible to get an internship at Engineering companies (Pharmaceutical - Long shot isn't it?) I mean I think it'll be a good way for me to see if I'm really passionate about it (I applied for an NIH Internship - almost got it but then it turned out they only accept US Citizens and Permanent Residents).

So, are there any Engineering companies that offer internships to High School Students?

Brendank · 07-20-2007, 07:09 PM

My impression is that there are very few. I think companies want people they can hire. You could probably find educational summer programs for high school students though but I think those would be completely different.

Herr Müll · 07-20-2007, 07:25 PM

I have looked into the question myself, it seems that all the companies are hiring only college sophomores and up...

As much as we might want to do the work, in all honesty we aren't really qualified for it. The levels at which the industry functions requires much more knowledge.

Also, the competition is enormous, so even if you are a college student, you aren't guaranteed anything.

... My 2 cents

racnna · 07-20-2007, 07:32 PM

edited.......................

Herr Müll · 07-20-2007, 07:39 PM

racnna, I assume that this was after your college freshman year, correct?
If that is the case, this is of little use to OP, who is a HS sophomore

anovice · 07-20-2007, 07:41 PM

Check local companies... some have programs for high school students. A local but fairly large company that I worked for had a program for high schools students and they rotated them around the office in different engineering/construction/surveying/IT type positions. Also, just call places. Get a resume together and get out and sell yourself!

Also... from my experience, the competition isn't that great as an earlier poster stated. I literally had 5 offers for internships the summer after my sophomore year. 2 after my freshman year. It's all about how aggressive you are in contacting places and getting in there for an interview. This year I called probably 12 companies and asked if they had any internships available and if so who could I send my resume to. I sent like 8-9 resumes, got called for 6 interviews(mostly phone because I don't go to school in the area), got 5 offers. You may have to broaden your specific engineering field of interest but I'm sure you can find something.

Good luck!

racnna · 07-20-2007, 07:50 PM

Herr Mull- i'll admit i didn't even read the OP's post...

lil_killer129 · 07-20-2007, 08:28 PM

You can also try volunteer work at engineering companies. It's a good way to gain experience and to see if you're really suited for the engineering field. I don't think companies would turn you down if you simply want to volunteer. I mean, what does the company have to lose? They have all to gain, since they won't be paying.

UriA702 · 07-20-2007, 09:57 PM

Try contacting city agencies. I know a student who wrote a letter to the department of buildings and got a great internship that helped him get into a great school.
as well as the above posters comments, I doubt any company would pay a 14-15 year old. If you simply write a letter asking to volunteer for the company over the summer that'll help you and will be just as good as an internship. For a HS student anyway

proton · 07-21-2007, 03:07 AM

ask your professor

milki · 07-21-2007, 07:00 AM

To be clear, I was planning on going for an unpaid Internship anyway!

a778999 · 07-21-2007, 07:08 AM

There's a huge gap between the high school level and the professional level. Most high-schoolers don't have the necessary background. So no matter how passionate you are, you'll probably end up making coffee.

medha · 07-21-2007, 08:26 AM

Quote:

There's a huge gap between the high school level and the professional level. Most high-schoolers don't have the necessary background. So no matter how passionate you are, you'll probably end up making coffee.

I've done a search for Internships on CC and found there's a really common perception that High Schoolers don't get decent work at all. To be frank, I'm working with an Advocacy Group where I manage the web site and research info for them (sure I also do stuff like making copies etc but I'm saying it is possible for High School students to find decent work)

steevee · 07-21-2007, 08:42 AM

Sure, you can find work, but is it even close to engineering?

anovice · 07-21-2007, 11:12 AM

Figure out how to use autocad and/or microstation and they'll take you. It may not be in your field of choice but it'll be "engineering" of some sort. You can do light drafting. Grab yourself a manual and a copy of the software(you can get a student edition free from autodesk I think) and if you're a smart person you can figure out the basics in a week or so. Maybe my perception of how easy it is to get an internship is warped because I'm a civil and they're desperate. Good luck!