High school students have it tough. Usually, they multitask while trying to figure out what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Thankfully, landing a competitive internship is one of the most effective ways high school students can gain insight into a potential career path, gain experience, make valuable connections, and propel their resume to the top.

According to a report, 89.4% of employees in the US Congress have interned previously, and 83% of US employers have decided to move their internship programs online.

We asked our in-house experts for their insight, and they revealed that the key to improving your chances of finding a dream internship is being proactive. Here are five time-tested strategies that will empower high school students to land their dream internship gig.

• Create an action plan

Having a clear plan of action before sending out resumes and cover letters is key to getting noticed. Taking the time to make a list of internship fields, roles, and companies will help prioritize and give direction to the internship search.

Explore our curated list of the top summer internship fields for high school students in 2023.

Once you have the list of companies you’d like to reach out to, make sure you have the correct contact information and determine who the best person is to send your résumé and cover letter to.

• Explore your talents

Aim to find an internship that intersects the two areas of what you're good at and passionate about. For example, if you focus on social issues and love writing, you could look for an internship in the content department of an NGO.

• Build your resume

Staying up-to-date on your resume is important. Ensure that you tailor your resume to the internship you are applying for. Highlight your experiences and skills that best fit the position. This will be sure to make your resume stand out and make it more likely for you to be considered for the job.

Leverage our beginner’s guide to create an impressive resume that highlights your goals and abilities.

• Put your networking skills to use

Networking is a great way to open yourself up to new opportunities. If you have family members working in your desired industry, they can help you get in touch with the right people.

Additionally, it is useful to create a profile on LinkedIn or join your alumni network. You never know who can help you or when the perfect opportunity will come up, so keep an open mind, be proactive in connecting with people you meet, put yourself out there, and be prepared to seize it!

• Explore job (internship) boards

Start by researching the job boards available and determining which ones offer internships. Although there are plenty of them available, narrow down your search and look for listings that exclusively cater to high school students, like InternMart.

Sign up with InternMart now to discover and apply to the most sought-after internships" target="_blank" rel="noopener">companies offering the best summer internships in 2023.

• Lookout for multiple opportunities

The goal should be to send out multiple resumes first, and then a few more in case there is no response within two weeks. This keeps the process organized and makes it easier to track responses and schedule interviews.

The bottom line

Have the courage to take risks, and never be afraid to put yourself out there. Believe in yourself, and you’ll find the internship of your dreams! Go for it!

Got questions? Book a free consultation with our expert.