Internships are a Vital Component of Career Development While in High School
By Daysha Ross, Stride Marketing Intern
I learned that internships in high school were possible, and my personal and professional opportunities expanded significantly while learning at a K12-Powered school. During my junior year in high school, I was presented with the opportunity to have a Stride Success Coach. With the help of my Success Coach, some of the things that I was able to work on were significantly improving my resume and cover letter, branding myself as a professional, and building a network on LinkedIn.
I learned that the employers were looking for people who stood out, and that they were not seeking people who were the same among applicants. Even though I didn’t have much professional experience in the fields for which I was applying, I was able to highlight my own personal and academic accomplishments related to the positions. The new knowledge I gained from my Success Coach made me stand out in the professional world, and I quickly had great impressions on hiring managers digitally, before they even encountered me personally.
As the old saying goes… little things add up to big things. And, the many little things that I learned, and then applied, helped me to gain two corporate internships, all while I was still in high school. It was important that I knew that the many little things I was doing with my Success Coach, and via my own personal research, were adding up to making big changes in presenting myself to employers. I also had the mindset of self-improvement going for me, which then aided me in staying consistent in my career efforts.
For those who prefer a visual account of my experiences, I’ve made a video about how I was able to land two corporate internships, while in high school. So, be sure to check out the full video, to learn more! And, you may also want to view the “Day in the Life of a High School Intern” playlist, as well!
To learn more about Stride Career Prep Success Coaching for teens and how it prepares them for life after high school through career exploration or college readiness, visit this site: https://www.k12.com/career-and-college-prep/career-prep/offerings-curriculum-and-services/career-coaching/results/
