Ever thought about what it’s like to try out a real job before you even graduate? That’s exactly what a summer internship lets you do. It’s like a sneak peek into the working world—without the pressure of a full-time job. You’ll get to learn cool new stuff, see what different careers are like, and build skills you can actually use in real life.

Internships are perfect for figuring out what you’re into (and what you’re not). You’ll meet new people, work on a team, and maybe even discover your dream job. Plus, it looks awesome on college or job applications!

In this blog, we’ll talk about the different kinds of internships out there, how you can find one, and tips to help you succeed once you land the job.

Why Internships Matter in High School

Internships are more than just something to do over the summer—they’re a chance to try out the real world! Instead of just learning from books, you get to do hands-on work and see what it’s really like in a job. You might help with small projects, answer phones, or even work on a team.

Doing an internship helps you build important skills like time management, communication, and problem-solving. These are things that can help you in school and future jobs.

Career Prep High School has several career programs that help students learn important skills for life after high school. These programs are great for seeing what you like most. Contact us to learn more. We are a great option for Ohio students who want to graduate from high school quickly with good grades. The best part? It’s free to attend!

Internships can also help you figure out what kind of work you enjoy or don’t enjoy! That way, you can make better choices about your future. Plus, having internship experience looks great on college or job applications. It shows that you’re serious and motivated!

Different Internships in Ohio

Here's a list of some internships that are available to students in Ohio:

Technology & Engineering Internships

• High School Tech Internship Program

  This program helps high school students in Ohio get real experience working with tech companies. You can learn about jobs in technology and build your skills by doing hands-on work. Internships can happen anytime from January 2 to September 30, 2025. If you want to apply, make sure to do it by June 13, 2025. You can learn more at escco.org.

• Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Summer Research Internship:

  This internship takes place at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. High school students can work on cool projects in science and engineering, like learning about nuclear energy. You can join in person, online, or both. It’s a great chance to explore careers in physics and engineering. Visit zintellect.com to find out more.

Healthcare & Science Internships

• Cleveland Clinic – Center for Youth and College Education (CYCE)

  The Cleveland Clinic offers internships for high school students through its CYCE program. Students get to learn and work with doctors and healthcare workers. It’s a great way to explore different jobs in medicine and see what it’s like to help people every day.

• Nationwide Children's Hospital Summer Internships

  In Columbus, students can apply for summer internships at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. You’ll get to help with research and science experiments while being guided by professionals. It’s a great chance to learn more about the medical field and gain real experience.

Public Service & Government Internships

• John Glenn College of Public Affairs High School Internship Program

  High school seniors can spend part of their school year working at a government or public service office. They intern about 8 to 10 hours each week and can even earn six college credits through Ohio State University. It’s a great way to learn how government works while getting a head start on college.

• YMCA Youth & Government Program

  This program lets high school students step into the shoes of real government leaders. You can pretend to be a state lawmaker, governor, lawyer, or other important roles. It’s a fun and exciting way to learn how state government works and practice leadership skills.

STEM & Research Opportunities

• Mₐ²JIC High School Internship

  This paid summer internship takes place in Columbus. High school students get to work with college students on real science projects, especially in welding engineering. It’s a great way to learn about research and technology while getting paid for your work.

• Great Lakes Science Center Programs

  Located in Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center offers fun and educational STEM programs. Students can take part in science activities, cool experiments, and hands-on learning that connects to what they study in school.

Business & Finance Internships

• UBS Financial Services Internships

  In Cleveland, UBS offers part-time internships for high school students who want to learn about jobs in banking and finance. It’s a chance to get real work experience in the money and business world.

• INROADS Internship Program

  INROADS gives paid internships to high school seniors and college students. The program helps students from different backgrounds prepare for careers in big companies. Interns also get training to improve important business skills.

Where to Find Summer Internships

Finding the perfect summer internship might sound tricky, but there are lots of places you can look! Start by talking to your school counselor or visiting your school’s career center. They often know about local internships just for students like you.

You can also check online job sites like Indeed or LinkedIn. These websites list many internships you can apply for, and you can search for ones near your home.

Don’t forget to look around your neighborhood! Local businesses, hospitals, or community centers sometimes offer internships or volunteer opportunities.

Colleges and universities nearby also have programs for high school students, so check their websites or call their career offices.

Finally, ask your teachers, family, and friends if they know about any internships. Sometimes a simple conversation can open the door to a great opportunity!

Career Prep High School provides many resources for students who are looking for internships. All you have to do is meet with a school counselor and we'll help you through every step. Contact us today to get enrolled.

Tips for Success

Getting a summer internship can be exciting, but it takes some planning to make sure you get the best chance. First, start early! Don’t wait until the last minute to apply because deadlines can sneak up fast. The sooner you apply, the better your chances.

Next, you’ll want to put together a simple resume. Don’t worry about making it fancy—just list your classes, skills, and any clubs or activities you’re part of. This helps employers see what you can do.

Before your interview, practice answering questions like, “What are your strengths?” or “Why do you want this internship?” Being ready will help you feel confident and make a great impression.

Once you get the internship, be dependable. Show up on time every day and always try your best. Employers notice when you’re reliable and hardworking.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Internships are all about learning, so the more you ask, the more you’ll grow!

Find Your Path With Internships

You might be thinking, “I’m not sure what I want to do when I grow up, so why bother with an internship?” The great news is—you don’t have to know your future career to try one! Internships are all about exploring and learning.

Even if the internship isn’t exactly what you want to do forever, it’s still valuable experience. Every job you try teaches you something new about yourself and the working world. So, don’t worry about finding the “perfect” internship. Just get started!

Use what you learn from each experience to figure out what you like and what you don’t. That way, you’ll discover your interests and be better prepared for whatever comes next. Remember, every step helps you grow.