Imagine this: You’re 16, and you land an internship that connects you with industry leaders, teaches you real-world skills, and sets you apart from your peers. Sounds amazing, right? The truth is, internships aren’t just for college students. More and more companies are opening doors for teen women like you to gain valuable experience before you even step into a university classroom.
If you want to stand out in college applications, gain confidence, and explore your dream career, now is the time to consider an internship. This guide will help you find the best internships for teen women, why they’re essential, and how to get started.
You might be wondering, why should I get an internship when I could just focus on school and extracurriculars? Here’s why:
College applications: 87% of college admissions officers say that work experience gives applicants an edge. (Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling)
Networking opportunities: Connecting with professionals can open doors to future job opportunities and mentorship.
Building confidence: Seeing yourself thrive in a professional setting builds self-esteem and prepares you for future challenges.
Financial independence: Some internships offer stipends, giving you a taste of financial responsibility and independence.
Closing the gender gap: Women still face underrepresentation in many industries, and early internships help create a strong foundation for future success.
1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Internships
STEM fields are still male-dominated, but that’s changing, thanks to young women breaking barriers. If you love science, coding, or engineering, check out these internships:
NASA’s High School Internship Program – Work with scientists and engineers at NASA and gain firsthand experience in space exploration.
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program – A free program that teaches coding and connects young women with tech mentors.
MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) – A highly competitive program where students conduct STEM research at MIT.
Did you know? Women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. Internships help bridge this gap! (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
2. Business and Entrepreneurship Internships
Dream of being the next big CEO or startup founder? These internships can give you a head start:
Girlboss Internship Program – Offers mentorship in business, marketing, and leadership.
InternX – Provides paid business internships with major companies for young women.
The Future is Female Internship – Focuses on helping young women gain business and financial skills.
Junior Achievement Company Program – A unique experience that allows students to create and manage their own startups under the guidance of business professionals.
Fact: Women-led companies outperform male-led ones by 63% in revenue generation! (Source: Boston Consulting Group)
3. Journalism and Media Internships
If you love storytelling, writing, or social media, an internship in journalism can sharpen your skills:
New York Times Student Journalism Institute – A selective program for aspiring journalists.
Teen Vogue Summer Program – Offers hands-on media and editorial experience.
Scholastic Student Reporting Labs – Helps students create compelling stories about their communities.
NPR’s High School Podcast Challenge – Gives young reporters a chance to develop journalism skills while creating their own podcast content.
Women represent only 37% of newsroom leadership positions. You can change that! (Source: Women’s Media Center)
4. Healthcare and Medicine Internships
Are you passionate about helping others? A healthcare internship can give you an early start:
Stanford Medical Youth Science Program – A prestigious internship for future doctors and medical professionals.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Internship – A research-based internship in medical sciences.
Children’s Hospital Volunteer Programs – Offer insight into pediatric medicine and hospital operations.
Mayo Clinic High School Student Summer Volunteer Program – Provides exposure to healthcare professionals in various medical fields.
Women now make up 77% of the healthcare workforce but hold fewer leadership roles. Start early to change the industry! (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
5. Environmental and Conservation Internships
Want to save the planet? These internships offer opportunities to work on climate change, conservation, and sustainability:
WWF Youth Internship Program – Work with the World Wildlife Fund to protect endangered species and habitats.
National Park Service Youth Internship – Learn about conservation efforts in national parks.
Ocean Conservancy Youth Program – Focuses on marine biology and ocean sustainability.
Student Conservation Association (SCA) Internships – Provide hands-on experience in environmental preservation and sustainability projects.
The environmental sector is projected to grow by 8% in the next decade. Now’s the time to get involved! (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Ready to apply? Follow these steps:
Start with research – Look for internships in your field of interest and check the application requirements.
Create a strong resume – Highlight leadership roles, school projects, and volunteer work.
Write a compelling cover letter – Explain why you’re passionate about the industry and what skills you bring.
Network – Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn, attend career fairs, and ask teachers for recommendations.
Apply early – Many programs have deadlines months in advance, so plan ahead.
Prepare for interviews – Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your interests and skills.
Leverage online platforms – Websites like Internships.com, LinkedIn, and Handshake offer internship listings tailored to teens.
Her advice? Maya, a 17-year-old high school student from California, always dreamed of working in tech but wasn’t sure where to start. After researching opportunities, she applied to the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program. With no prior coding experience, she was nervous, but she gave it her best shot.
Through the program, Maya learned Python, built her first website, and even connected with a mentor from Google. By the end of the summer, she had the confidence to apply for a paid internship at a local startup. Today, she’s building apps and already receiving college offers from top tech schools!
Her advice? “Don’t wait. You don’t need to be an expert—just be willing to learn and put yourself out there!”
You don’t have to wait until college to gain experience. Whether you’re passionate about science, media, business, or activism, there’s an internship waiting for you. Start researching, apply, and take charge of your future today!
What internship are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!
Compass Rose International uplifts young women vulnerable to child trafficking and mental health challenges, providing tools for resilience, confidence, safety, and independence.
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