Why Every Teen Should Do Internships — Even Outside Their Field

When you’re in high school or in that weird in-between space before college, there’s this pressure to know what you want to do. To have a five-year plan. To already be passionate about something and chase it full force.

But here’s the truth: most people don’t actually know what they want until they try things — really try them. That’s why I genuinely believe every teenager should explore internships, even (and especially) in fields they don’t think they’re going into.

Internships give you something no classroom can: real perspective.

They show you how different industries actually function — not just in theory, but in the messy, busy, hands-on way. You might think you want to be a doctor until you spend a week in a hospital and realize what the daily life really looks like. Or you might never have considered marketing, but one summer shadowing someone at an ad agency changes your entire path.

It’s not just about falling in love with a job. It’s about crossing things off, getting clarity, seeing what energizes you — and what doesn’t. You begin to solidify your interests, and sometimes, discover new ones. Every experience shapes you in ways that build your confidence, professionalism, and self-awareness.

And maybe most importantly? Internships give you life experience.

You learn how to talk to adults, how to show up on time, how to write a decent email, how to sit through a boring meeting without zoning out (a real skill, trust me). You get used to being in different environments and learning how to adapt. These aren’t just “career” skills. These are life skills.

Don’t Be Picky — Be Curious.

A lot of people want their first internship to be perfect — something shiny they can post about or something that sounds impressive on a college app. But that’s not the point. You don’t have to intern at a Fortune 500 company to grow.

Work at your aunt’s bakery. Help organize files at your dad’s office. Join a friend’s side project or tag along with a family friend who’s a graphic designer. Even if it’s not your “dream field,” you’ll learn something. You’ll meet people. You’ll observe. You’ll stretch yourself.

Every experience counts — and you never know which one will stick.

How to Actually Get Internships in High School

This part can feel intimidating, but here’s what’s worked for me and others I know:

• Start emailing people. Be bold. Find companies or individuals you admire and send a message. Keep it short and respectful. Show your interest. Ask if there are any learning opportunities or if you can volunteer.

• Be unapologetic but polite. You’re not begging. You’re showing initiative. And people notice that.

• Look within your own circle. Family, friends, neighbors — chances are, someone around you works in an industry you’d like to understand better. Ask if you can shadow them or help with a small project.

• Use Instagram and social media. If someone you follow is doing cool work, DM them! Politely ask if they need help on a project or would allow you to learn from them.

• Offer to shadow. It’s less pressure than a full internship but just as valuable. Even a day or two can open your eyes to how things work behind the scenes.

Once You’re In — Be Humble and Present

When you do land something, even if it’s small, go in with humility. Be willing to do the basic tasks — organize papers, take notes, do errands, observe silently. Never act like you’re “too good” for anything.

Because here’s the secret: just being in the room changes everything.

You absorb so much more than you realize just by watching how people talk, how they solve problems, how they make decisions. You’re picking up habits, confidence, language, and insight that will serve you for years.

And the more open you are, the more people trust you, teach you, and remember you.

Final Thought? Say Yes. Even If You’re Unsure.

You don’t need to know exactly who you want to be. You just need to be willing to learn. Say yes. Shadow someone. Try something random. Be curious, be flexible, and don’t be afraid to start small.

The goal isn’t to have your life figured out by 17.

The goal is to give yourself experiences that help you figure it out later — with clarity, confidence, and stories that prove just how much you’ve grown.