Introduction: The Imperative of Pre-Collegiate Internships: From Confusion to Clarity

At Lesli, we share a deep-rooted conviction: the formative years of a student’s life must be harnessed for self-discovery, introspection, and strategic orientation. Within this paradigm, we contend that internships are crucial, and they must not be viewed as mere embellishments on students’ resumes, nor as perfunctory summer activities, but as invaluable experiences that forge character, foster clarity, and cultivate competence. Hence, we believe, one of the most impactful steps a high school student can take is participating in an internship before college.

Furthermore, in an era increasingly defined by precocity and professional agility, the earlier a young mind is exposed to the variegated tapestry of real-world experiences, the greater its capacity to make sound decisions regarding future academic and vocational pursuits. Be it the rigor of a legal office, the innovation of a tech startup, or the quiet impact of a local NGO, the sooner students are exposed to these environments, the earlier they can understand their aspirations with clarity.

Why Start Interning in High School?

It is observed that often academics in schools are relegated to rote learning and textbook regurgitation. Therefore, the post-school and pre-university years must be utilized by students for experiential enrichment. At this stage, internships offer a confluence of introspection, ambition, and acquisition of tangible skills. Many forward-thinking high schoolers are gaining early insights into the professional world, building confidence, and sharpening their skills through internships. Additionally, when paired with career counselling and aptitude assessments, these opportunities help students align real-world experiences with their inherent strengths and aspirations. Internships, in this context, provide self-awareness, which is tempered with experience and students can answer questions such as “What invigorates me? What drains me? What aligns with my values, talents, and temperaments?

Early internships also provide foundational skills of communication, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving that serve students well both in academics and in life. It is here, amidst deadlines and deliverables, that students metamorphose from passive recipients of instruction to proactive agents of innovation. Additionally, the discerning eyes of college admissions committees look for applicants who possess initiative and insight. When interwoven into application essays and interviews, internship experiences lend gravitas and depth, transforming mundane narratives into compelling testimonies of growth, grit, and gumption. Even brief internships can connect students with professionals who might become mentors, recommenders, or future employers. The mentorship dynamic, when cultivated with sincerity and humility, can prove transformative by guiding students not just in their careers, but in the deeper pursuit of purpose and passion.

Lastly, by the time their peers scramble for internships in college, those who commenced their journeys earlier stand poised and prepared, already armed with the credentials and confidence that experience bestows, prepared for a future already being sculpted with deliberate intent.

Finding the Right Internship: A Strategic Choice, Not a Random Pursuit

When we speak of finding the 'right internship', we are not merely referring to a temporary stint or vocational stopgap, we are speaking of an intellectual sojourn. Students must understand that these assignments or exposures must align with long-term career objectives. At Lesli, we assist students in identifying internships that match their career profile, interests, and aptitude. Below we have outlined a few practical pathways—structured, deliberate, and effective—for finding the right internships:

• Begin with Introspection and gaining clarity - As the ancient Greeks would counsel, “Know thyself” for only then can you calibrate yourself towards the internship that truly complements your inner calling. Begin not by scanning job boards, but by interrogating your own curiosities. What inspires you? What challenges you? 

  • What future can you see yourself shaping?

  • What fields or domains genuinely interest you?

  • Where do you see yourself contributing meaningfully?

  • What skills do you need to acquire to move in that direction?

• Reach Out Locally – Small businesses, hospitals, startups, and nonprofits are often open to high school interns, especially when the student shows genuine interest and professionalism. Reach out directly to small businesses, libraries, or community organizations. Many employinterns but may not formally advertise. Go out and engage. Your academic institution is not just a place for pedagogy; it is also a facilitator. Career service cells, faculty networks, and alumni databases are underutilized assets. Use your school’s ecosystem to widen your internship opportunities.

• Exercise Digital Dexterity: Explore Online & Virtual Internships – Digital opportunities are expanding, especially in tech, marketing, and content creation. We can help you prepare your resume and email pitch. Websites like Internshala.com, Indeed, or LinkedIn occasionally post internships open to high school students. Also check for virtual internship programs.

• Leverage Personal Networks, but with Professionalism – Parents, friends, and teachers often know professionals who are open to mentorship opportunities. Explore your own personal network including family, friends and community leaders who may provide you with access to opportunities. However, one must approach these channels with the decorum and diligence expected of any professional setting. Entitlement will close doors; earnest engagement will open them.

• Timing and Duration: Think Ahead, Plan Backward - An internship’s value is not only in the organization but also in its timing. For instance, doing an internship before a major academic decision can clarify direction. Doing one during a break can build momentum. Short-term experiences, if intense and well-documented, can sometimes be more beneficial than long-term passive exposure.

How We Can Help - Lesli specializes in career counselling, aptitude testing, and internship planning. We guide students through:

• Understanding their unique skill sets through validated aptitude assessments

• Identifying potential career paths that align with those aptitudes

• Crafting resumes and internship outreach emails

• Preparing for interviews and making the most of their experience

Start Today

It is never too early to start planning your future. With the right guidance and experience, students can enter college and eventually the workforce with clear direction, purpose, and confidence. Choose experiences that challenge your complacency, stretch your imagination, and illuminate the contours of a career.