For many students, school feels like a three-song playlist on repeat: classes, homework, activities, repeat. While all of this matters for students’ growth, internships offer one of the best ways to gain outside the norms experience beyond the classroom.
Along with being a strong factor to build your resume, internships provide a chance to learn who you are and where your interests lie. According to the American Student Assistance, only 2 percent of U.S. high school students complete internships, so finding that internship can help to set your resume in that small percentage that can rise to the top.
“The main benefit I see, in high school aged students especially, is gaining exposure to the field they are interested in. It typically helps students have a better understanding regarding whether or not they would like to pursue a career or major in that specific area. It also helps them learn about which applicable real world skills they would need to have in order to be successful in the field,” ELHS counselor Elizabeth Maiese said.
“Before my internship, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at all. Working at a law firm let me see what lawyers actually do every day, and I realized I loved problem-solving and helping people. That experience is what made me want to become a lawyer,” senior Alex Rindell said, after spending much of his summer flipping through case files at the Norwich Superior Court. After working 14 hours a week, Rindell has committed to the goal of getting his law degree.
One of the major reasons for high school students to get an internship is that most people don’t know what they want to do yet. Internships allow students to explore different careers without committing to one. One might search for an internship at a hospital, just to realize it isn’t the right fit. One might intern somewhere random and realize they love it. Both outcomes are a win, and while it might not determine their career, it can open up options by allowing students to find what they do and don’t like.
“I interned at the hospital to learn, but I stayed because I realized I could see my future working here,” junior Avery Cordes said after going to Backus Hospital every Friday over the summer. Whether it was the daily runs for wheelchairs, escorting patients to their appointments, or shadowing doctors during their workday, Avery found a purpose.
Another advantage to internships is that they give you practical on the job skills that aren’t always taught in a classroom. Learning communication, teamwork, time-management, and problem-solving are skills students will need in their future careers that are daily opportunities as interns.
After spending her Mondays this past summer from 7:30-3:30 at Backus Hospital, senior Julia Piper shared many
different experiences, allowing her to see areas that she originally did not think were possibilities.
“I got the opportunity to participate in two shadows this summer, one being a shadow of an anesthesiologist in a mastectomy surgery. I was able to be in the operating room, and it was really exciting to see a surgery with the surgeons and anesthesiologist,”.
By working in a professional setting with mentors pursuing a career of interest, interns also get the chance to build connections. Whether or not one continues to go into the exact path of their internship, having mentors they can rely on later in life is forever a bonus. “Sometimes, an internship can lead to a paid position and help a student network with people in their desired field. Less important, but also relevant, an internship looks nice on both a college and professional resume,” Ms. Maiese said.
“Before I ever picked up a handpiece, I worked every single role in the office. I’ve been the janitor, lab technician, receptionist, assistant, and insurance coordinator. While I may not have appreciated the ‘grunt work’ at the time, it shaped the dentist I am today. It gave me deep empathy for my team’s daily challenges and a 360-degree view of
patient care, allowing me to lead with heart and treat my patients with the highest level of compassionate, quality care,” Dr. Ryeed Khan of Advantage Dental Group said.
Internships are an investment for student futures. For teens looking to get ahead, learn more about their interests, and prepare for their career interning is a great place to start.
