High School Internships: Notes

The Value of High School Internships

  • Internships offer real, competency-based, hands-on learning, preparing students for the working world.
  • Internships allow students to build vital social capital.
  • Internships can help students understand their interests and abilities and offer a safe space to fail.

Barriers to Internship Participation

  • Systemic and structural barriers limit access.
  • Lack of employer participation.
  • Restrictive labor laws for younger populations.
  • Unpaid internships or those without school credit.
  • High school students have less flexibility in their schedules.
  • Transportation limitations.
  • Geographic equity: urban vs. rural/suburban areas.

Defining Internships

  • UMBC defines an internship as a professional learning experience related to a student’s field of study or career interest.
  • High-quality internships should:
    • Consist of part-time or full-time work with limited clerical duties (no more than 25%).
    • Provide a clear job/project description.
    • Orient the student to the organization and its culture.
    • Help the student develop and achieve learning goals.
    • Offer regular feedback.
  • Internships differ from apprenticeships and externships; apprenticeships are longer-term, paid, and geared towards specific professions, while externships are short, unpaid, and affiliated with classroom learning.

Shifting the Focus

  • Shift the focus from just finding a job to finding the right career path.
  • Address financial barriers and time constraints to encourage more students to participate.

Benefits of Internships

  • Internships confirm career interests and provide valuable skills.
  • 89% of students in Skills for Rhode Island’s Future’s PrepareRI program believe the skills learned will help them in the future.

The Rise of Virtual Internships

  • Virtual internships are becoming more common due to COVID-19, offering a valuable tool for employers and students.
  • Virtual internships can offset educational and economic disruption caused by the pandemic.
  • Virtual internships may combat barriers to entry like workplace safety and transportation.

Challenges and Benefits of Virtual Internships

  • Students expressed concerns about the lack of hands-on experience, potential distractions, and technology constraints.
  • Benefits include fewer work-related expenses and the ability to circumvent geographical restrictions.

The Importance of Paid Internships

  • 94% of students are interested in paid internships.
  • Unpaid internships can create financial burdens for students.
  • Paid internships are fairer and more sustainable for young people.

Finding the Right Internship

  • Explore state-sponsored and school-coordinated internships.
  • Utilize online resources like Chegg Internships and Google’s job search engine.
  • Consult ASA Internship Resources and Futurescape for guidance.

Policy Recommendations

  • Establish guidelines for academic credit for internship work.
  • Create funding streams for paid internship opportunities.
  • Establish statewide internship coordination systems.
  • Encourage greater private sector investment.
  • Remove barriers to virtual experiences and ensure technology access.