6 answers
Anushkaa
Student
Blaine, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
2845 views
How can I find internships and opportunities to gain insight into future majors I might want to pursue?
Hi, I'm Anushkaa, a 10th grader in high school. I participate in many activities such as Tennis, BPA, engineering, speech and more. In the future I want to go into engineering fields such as bioengineering or business. I am open to anything and would love any opportunities to do research, internships, job shadows, etc.
Login to comment
6 answers
Theophilus Mensah
Entrepreneur
57
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Theophilus’s Answer
Hi Anushkaa,
It’s great that you’re exploring different fields like engineering and business! Since you’re open to various opportunities, I’d recommend focusing on building a strong resume that highlights your skills, experiences, and the impact you’ve made in your activities. Try to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of just saying you helped to increase sales in your business, you can say “I helped to develop sales by 27%.
When looking for internships or research opportunities, take time to research the roles and companies you’re interested in. Understanding what they look for will help you tailor your applications and showcase why you’re a great fit.
Networking is also key! Connect with professionals in engineering, bioengineering, and business—whether through LinkedIn, career fairs, or school events. Building genuine relationships can open doors to job shadowing, mentorship, and even internship opportunities. Your network is your net worth! Don’t just network for the sake of it, but aim to build meaningful connections with people who can guide you, teach you, and speak on your behalf.
Best of luck, and let me know if you need help refining your resume or how to network!
It’s great that you’re exploring different fields like engineering and business! Since you’re open to various opportunities, I’d recommend focusing on building a strong resume that highlights your skills, experiences, and the impact you’ve made in your activities. Try to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of just saying you helped to increase sales in your business, you can say “I helped to develop sales by 27%.
When looking for internships or research opportunities, take time to research the roles and companies you’re interested in. Understanding what they look for will help you tailor your applications and showcase why you’re a great fit.
Networking is also key! Connect with professionals in engineering, bioengineering, and business—whether through LinkedIn, career fairs, or school events. Building genuine relationships can open doors to job shadowing, mentorship, and even internship opportunities. Your network is your net worth! Don’t just network for the sake of it, but aim to build meaningful connections with people who can guide you, teach you, and speak on your behalf.
Best of luck, and let me know if you need help refining your resume or how to network!
Thank you for the advice, Theophilus.
Anushkaa
You are welcome! Always willing to help
Theophilus Mensah
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
42
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Dear Anushkaa,
I love your strategic approach to mapping out a career for yourself.
I guess you're already proficient in such subjects as maths, physics, chemistry, computer applications, design & graphics. These are the fundamental building blocks for a successful career in the engineering field.
Internships & shadowing roles are excellent opportunities for you to explore what you might truly be interested in besides what you are really good at it.
First things first, though. As you may be aware already, engineering is about making our world a better place to live in. Our world is full of challenges and some of these challenges require engineering solutions.
Your interest in bioengineering is highly commendable. Biomedical engineering could be one option for you. Biomedical engineering involves the application of engineering principles & problem-solving methodologies of engineering to biology & medicine.
Biomedical engineering plays a huge role in developing technologies such as surgical robots.
In the case of people with disabilities, biomedical engineering is the key to providing the necessary technologies required to improve quality of life & increase access to sustainable independence. Prosthetic Rehabilitation, for example, aims to aid amputees to gain independence. Such a role can extend to developing strategies for integrating assistive technologies into homes, schools & the workplace. Involvement in this field is a golden opportunity to transform people's lives in a profound way.
Cutting-edge breakthroughs in technology present excellent opportunities for business. Combining your intellectual creativity with business acumen will be an awesome experience.
Internships provide handson experience to the student. One gets to see concepts come alive in the field, apply critical thinking & analytical skills one has acquired. It also gives one the opportunity to explore & apply concepts in the real world. This way you build valuable skills such as communication, leadership & problem-solving competencies. It's an avenue for the following:
1. Prestigious national & international internships help you stand out amongst your peers thus boosting your profile for college admissions & opportunities beyond college.
2. Building a valuable network with the institutions & people that shape your career.
3. Making informed decisions about your career as internships give you a good first-hand idea of the type of work you may like, or not like.
Below are some prestigious internships for high school students exploring options for college majors:
I) NASA office of STEM Engagement Internships - offered across NASA facilities. Students contribute to ongoing projects. They also get involved in work relating to space science, engineering, aeronautics & technology.
II) Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Programs at the Department of Navy - research, engineering & projects. Engineering is a popular area of research in this institution.
Shadowing, on the other hand, helps high school students understand different jobs & careers before entering the workforce.
Different sources of info for opportunities are many. The common ones include:
Your school career office
Job boards - community or online
Contacting HR departments of companies directly
Friends & family
I truly hope you find this useful.
I love your strategic approach to mapping out a career for yourself.
I guess you're already proficient in such subjects as maths, physics, chemistry, computer applications, design & graphics. These are the fundamental building blocks for a successful career in the engineering field.
Internships & shadowing roles are excellent opportunities for you to explore what you might truly be interested in besides what you are really good at it.
First things first, though. As you may be aware already, engineering is about making our world a better place to live in. Our world is full of challenges and some of these challenges require engineering solutions.
Your interest in bioengineering is highly commendable. Biomedical engineering could be one option for you. Biomedical engineering involves the application of engineering principles & problem-solving methodologies of engineering to biology & medicine.
Biomedical engineering plays a huge role in developing technologies such as surgical robots.
In the case of people with disabilities, biomedical engineering is the key to providing the necessary technologies required to improve quality of life & increase access to sustainable independence. Prosthetic Rehabilitation, for example, aims to aid amputees to gain independence. Such a role can extend to developing strategies for integrating assistive technologies into homes, schools & the workplace. Involvement in this field is a golden opportunity to transform people's lives in a profound way.
Cutting-edge breakthroughs in technology present excellent opportunities for business. Combining your intellectual creativity with business acumen will be an awesome experience.
Internships provide handson experience to the student. One gets to see concepts come alive in the field, apply critical thinking & analytical skills one has acquired. It also gives one the opportunity to explore & apply concepts in the real world. This way you build valuable skills such as communication, leadership & problem-solving competencies. It's an avenue for the following:
1. Prestigious national & international internships help you stand out amongst your peers thus boosting your profile for college admissions & opportunities beyond college.
2. Building a valuable network with the institutions & people that shape your career.
3. Making informed decisions about your career as internships give you a good first-hand idea of the type of work you may like, or not like.
Below are some prestigious internships for high school students exploring options for college majors:
I) NASA office of STEM Engagement Internships - offered across NASA facilities. Students contribute to ongoing projects. They also get involved in work relating to space science, engineering, aeronautics & technology.
II) Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Programs at the Department of Navy - research, engineering & projects. Engineering is a popular area of research in this institution.
Shadowing, on the other hand, helps high school students understand different jobs & careers before entering the workforce.
Different sources of info for opportunities are many. The common ones include:
Your school career office
Job boards - community or online
Contacting HR departments of companies directly
Friends & family
I truly hope you find this useful.
David Barcelona
Guest Lecturer
25
Answers
Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Anushkaa! First off, let me just say how impressive it is that you’re already thinking about your future and exploring opportunities in 10th grade. That’s a huge step ahead of the game, and it shows how proactive and driven you are. Tennis, BPA (Business Professionals of America), engineering projects, and speech—wow, you’re clearly someone who loves staying busy and challenging yourself. You’ve already set such a strong foundation for whatever path you choose to take.
Now, when it comes to finding internships, research opportunities, job shadows, or other ways to explore bioengineering, business, or any other field, there’s so much you can do—even as a high schooler. Let me break it down into actionable steps that feel manageable and exciting:
1. Leverage What You Already Have: Your Current Activities
You’re already involved in so many amazing activities—use them to your advantage!
BPA: Since you’re part of BPA, this is GOLD for exploring business-related paths. Many chapters partner with local companies for workshops, mentorship programs, or competitions. Ask your advisor if they know of professionals willing to host shadowing days or informational interviews.
Engineering Projects: If you’re doing engineering-related work in school or extracurriculars, talk to your teachers or club leaders. They might have connections to local universities, STEM organizations, or companies looking for young talent.
For example: “Hey [Teacher/Advisor], I’m really interested in bioengineering and business—I’d love to learn more about careers in these fields. Do you know anyone I could reach out to for advice or shadowing?”
2. Tap Into Local Resources
Start close to home—it’s often easier than you think to find opportunities nearby.
Local Colleges & Universities: Reach out to professors or departments related to bioengineering or business. For instance, email a professor whose research sounds interesting to you. Introduce yourself briefly, mention your passion for their field, and ask if they’d be open to chatting or allowing you to observe their lab/team for a day. Professors LOVE curious students!
Community Businesses: Look at businesses in your area, especially those related to healthcare, technology, or entrepreneurship. Send polite emails or make phone calls asking if they offer internships or shadowing opportunities for high school students. Frame it like this: “I’m a 10th grader passionate about learning more about [specific field]. Would it be possible to spend a few hours observing your team or speaking with someone about their career journey?”
Pro tip: Smaller companies or startups are often more flexible and willing to accommodate high schoolers compared to big corporations.
3. Explore Online Opportunities
If in-person options aren’t available right now, don’t worry—you can still gain valuable experience online!
Virtual Internships: Websites like The Intern Group , Virtual Internships , or even LinkedIn often list remote internships for high school students. These can range from marketing roles to science-based projects.
Research Programs: Programs like MIT’s PRIMES (for advanced math/science) or Johns Hopkins’ CTY (Center for Talented Youth) offer incredible opportunities for high schoolers. Some are competitive, but applying will teach you skills too!
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses): Platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy offer free courses in bioengineering, entrepreneurship, coding, and more. Completing one not only builds knowledge but also looks great on resumes/college apps.
4. Network Like a Pro
Even as a 10th grader, networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Here’s how to start:
Family/Friends Connections: Ask your parents, relatives, coaches, or friends’ families if they know anyone working in bioengineering, business, or related fields. A simple introduction can lead to a job shadow or informational interview.
LinkedIn: Yes, you can use LinkedIn even as a teen! Create a profile highlighting your interests (e.g., “Aspiring Bioengineer | High School Student Passionate About STEM & Business”). Connect with alumni from your school or professionals whose work inspires you. Politely message them saying, “Hi, I’m a 10th grader exploring careers in [field]. I admire your work and would love to hear about your career journey. Would you be open to a quick chat?” Most people are happy to help.
5. Stay Open-Minded & Experiment
You mentioned being open to anything—and that’s fantastic! Use this time to try different things without feeling pressured to pick “the perfect” opportunity.
Job Shadowing: Spend a day with someone in bioengineering, another in finance, and another in tech. This gives you firsthand insight into daily life in each field.
Competitions & Hackathons: Participate in events like science fairs, robotics competitions, or business case competitions. Not only do these build skills, but they also connect you with mentors and peers who share your interests.
Volunteering: Nonprofits often need help with tasks ranging from data entry to event planning. Volunteering for a health-related nonprofit or a startup accelerator could give you hands-on exposure to both bioengineering and business.
6. Keep Track of Everything
You’re juggling so much already, so staying organized is key. Consider keeping a journal or digital doc where you track:
Opportunities you’ve applied for
People you’ve reached out to (and their responses)
Skills you’ve learned or experiences you’ve gained
This will not only help you reflect on what excites you most but also create a portfolio of accomplishments for college applications later.
Final Pep Talk
Anushkaa, you’re doing all the right things by staying curious and putting yourself out there. Remember, exploration is messy—it’s okay if you don’t figure everything out right away. Each internship, shadowing experience, or conversation brings you one step closer to discovering what truly lights you up. And trust me, colleges will LOVE seeing how proactive you’ve been in pursuing your passions.
So take it one step at a time, celebrate every little win, and keep embracing all the opportunities coming your way. You’re going to crush this!
Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear about your journey!
Now, when it comes to finding internships, research opportunities, job shadows, or other ways to explore bioengineering, business, or any other field, there’s so much you can do—even as a high schooler. Let me break it down into actionable steps that feel manageable and exciting:
1. Leverage What You Already Have: Your Current Activities
You’re already involved in so many amazing activities—use them to your advantage!
BPA: Since you’re part of BPA, this is GOLD for exploring business-related paths. Many chapters partner with local companies for workshops, mentorship programs, or competitions. Ask your advisor if they know of professionals willing to host shadowing days or informational interviews.
Engineering Projects: If you’re doing engineering-related work in school or extracurriculars, talk to your teachers or club leaders. They might have connections to local universities, STEM organizations, or companies looking for young talent.
For example: “Hey [Teacher/Advisor], I’m really interested in bioengineering and business—I’d love to learn more about careers in these fields. Do you know anyone I could reach out to for advice or shadowing?”
2. Tap Into Local Resources
Start close to home—it’s often easier than you think to find opportunities nearby.
Local Colleges & Universities: Reach out to professors or departments related to bioengineering or business. For instance, email a professor whose research sounds interesting to you. Introduce yourself briefly, mention your passion for their field, and ask if they’d be open to chatting or allowing you to observe their lab/team for a day. Professors LOVE curious students!
Community Businesses: Look at businesses in your area, especially those related to healthcare, technology, or entrepreneurship. Send polite emails or make phone calls asking if they offer internships or shadowing opportunities for high school students. Frame it like this: “I’m a 10th grader passionate about learning more about [specific field]. Would it be possible to spend a few hours observing your team or speaking with someone about their career journey?”
Pro tip: Smaller companies or startups are often more flexible and willing to accommodate high schoolers compared to big corporations.
3. Explore Online Opportunities
If in-person options aren’t available right now, don’t worry—you can still gain valuable experience online!
Virtual Internships: Websites like The Intern Group , Virtual Internships , or even LinkedIn often list remote internships for high school students. These can range from marketing roles to science-based projects.
Research Programs: Programs like MIT’s PRIMES (for advanced math/science) or Johns Hopkins’ CTY (Center for Talented Youth) offer incredible opportunities for high schoolers. Some are competitive, but applying will teach you skills too!
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses): Platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy offer free courses in bioengineering, entrepreneurship, coding, and more. Completing one not only builds knowledge but also looks great on resumes/college apps.
4. Network Like a Pro
Even as a 10th grader, networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Here’s how to start:
Family/Friends Connections: Ask your parents, relatives, coaches, or friends’ families if they know anyone working in bioengineering, business, or related fields. A simple introduction can lead to a job shadow or informational interview.
LinkedIn: Yes, you can use LinkedIn even as a teen! Create a profile highlighting your interests (e.g., “Aspiring Bioengineer | High School Student Passionate About STEM & Business”). Connect with alumni from your school or professionals whose work inspires you. Politely message them saying, “Hi, I’m a 10th grader exploring careers in [field]. I admire your work and would love to hear about your career journey. Would you be open to a quick chat?” Most people are happy to help.
5. Stay Open-Minded & Experiment
You mentioned being open to anything—and that’s fantastic! Use this time to try different things without feeling pressured to pick “the perfect” opportunity.
Job Shadowing: Spend a day with someone in bioengineering, another in finance, and another in tech. This gives you firsthand insight into daily life in each field.
Competitions & Hackathons: Participate in events like science fairs, robotics competitions, or business case competitions. Not only do these build skills, but they also connect you with mentors and peers who share your interests.
Volunteering: Nonprofits often need help with tasks ranging from data entry to event planning. Volunteering for a health-related nonprofit or a startup accelerator could give you hands-on exposure to both bioengineering and business.
6. Keep Track of Everything
You’re juggling so much already, so staying organized is key. Consider keeping a journal or digital doc where you track:
Opportunities you’ve applied for
People you’ve reached out to (and their responses)
Skills you’ve learned or experiences you’ve gained
This will not only help you reflect on what excites you most but also create a portfolio of accomplishments for college applications later.
Final Pep Talk
Anushkaa, you’re doing all the right things by staying curious and putting yourself out there. Remember, exploration is messy—it’s okay if you don’t figure everything out right away. Each internship, shadowing experience, or conversation brings you one step closer to discovering what truly lights you up. And trust me, colleges will LOVE seeing how proactive you’ve been in pursuing your passions.
So take it one step at a time, celebrate every little win, and keep embracing all the opportunities coming your way. You’re going to crush this!
Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear about your journey!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Anushkaa
David Ludwick
Business Owner
47
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Anushkaa! It’s great that you’re already so involved in different activities and have a clear interest in engineering and business. Since you're open to exploring different fields, you can take a strategic approach to finding internships and research opportunities that will help you clarify your interests and build valuable experience. Here’s a step-by-step plan to help you get started:
1. Leverage School and Local Resources
✅ Talk to Your School Counselor
Many high schools have partnerships with local businesses, universities, and research institutions. Your counselor can help you find opportunities that align with your interests.
✅ Join School Clubs and Programs
You’re already involved in BPA (Business Professionals of America) and engineering clubs — ask your club advisors about any competitions, internships, or networking events available through them.
Look into STEM programs like FIRST Robotics, Science Olympiad, and DECA — these often have connections to real-world industry leaders.
✅ Reach Out to Teachers and Coaches
Your science or engineering teachers may have connections with local companies or university programs.
If you’re interested in bioengineering, ask your biology or chemistry teachers about lab-based research opportunities.
2. Explore Internships and Summer Programs
✅ Apply for Summer STEM and Business Programs
Here are some well-known programs to consider:
MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) – Competitive but highly prestigious.
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) – Offers summer courses in engineering and business.
NASA High School Internships – For students interested in science, technology, and engineering.
Bank of America Student Leaders Program – Great for business and leadership experience.
Girls Who Code – If you’re open to exploring tech and programming.
✅ Check Local Universities and Research Institutes
Many universities have summer programs for high school students in engineering, bioengineering, and business.
Email professors or program coordinators directly, expressing your interest in assisting with research.
✅ Explore Local Internships
Websites like Handshake and Indeed sometimes list high school internships.
Contact local hospitals, biotech companies, or startups for shadowing or internship opportunities.
3. Network and Make Connections
✅ Use LinkedIn and Professional Networks
Create a LinkedIn profile and connect with people in engineering and business fields.
Search for "high school internships" or "research opportunities" in your area.
✅ Join Professional Organizations
Look into SWE (Society of Women Engineers) and NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) — they often have mentorship and internship programs for high school students.
For business, consider Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and BPA national events.
4. Consider Volunteer Work and Side Projects
✅ Hospital or Lab Volunteering
Volunteering at a hospital or research lab could give you insight into bio engineering.
✅ Engineering Competitions and Challenges
Try participating in engineering challenges like Intel ISEF or FIRST Robotics.
For business, look into startup pitch competitions or business case challenges.
5. Keep an Open Mind and Explore
It’s perfectly okay to explore multiple fields before deciding.
The skills you build in engineering, research, and business will complement each other — bio engineering itself is a mix of science, technology, and business!
1. Leverage School and Local Resources
✅ Talk to Your School Counselor
Many high schools have partnerships with local businesses, universities, and research institutions. Your counselor can help you find opportunities that align with your interests.
✅ Join School Clubs and Programs
You’re already involved in BPA (Business Professionals of America) and engineering clubs — ask your club advisors about any competitions, internships, or networking events available through them.
Look into STEM programs like FIRST Robotics, Science Olympiad, and DECA — these often have connections to real-world industry leaders.
✅ Reach Out to Teachers and Coaches
Your science or engineering teachers may have connections with local companies or university programs.
If you’re interested in bioengineering, ask your biology or chemistry teachers about lab-based research opportunities.
2. Explore Internships and Summer Programs
✅ Apply for Summer STEM and Business Programs
Here are some well-known programs to consider:
MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) – Competitive but highly prestigious.
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) – Offers summer courses in engineering and business.
NASA High School Internships – For students interested in science, technology, and engineering.
Bank of America Student Leaders Program – Great for business and leadership experience.
Girls Who Code – If you’re open to exploring tech and programming.
✅ Check Local Universities and Research Institutes
Many universities have summer programs for high school students in engineering, bioengineering, and business.
Email professors or program coordinators directly, expressing your interest in assisting with research.
✅ Explore Local Internships
Websites like Handshake and Indeed sometimes list high school internships.
Contact local hospitals, biotech companies, or startups for shadowing or internship opportunities.
3. Network and Make Connections
✅ Use LinkedIn and Professional Networks
Create a LinkedIn profile and connect with people in engineering and business fields.
Search for "high school internships" or "research opportunities" in your area.
✅ Join Professional Organizations
Look into SWE (Society of Women Engineers) and NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) — they often have mentorship and internship programs for high school students.
For business, consider Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and BPA national events.
4. Consider Volunteer Work and Side Projects
✅ Hospital or Lab Volunteering
Volunteering at a hospital or research lab could give you insight into bio engineering.
✅ Engineering Competitions and Challenges
Try participating in engineering challenges like Intel ISEF or FIRST Robotics.
For business, look into startup pitch competitions or business case challenges.
5. Keep an Open Mind and Explore
It’s perfectly okay to explore multiple fields before deciding.
The skills you build in engineering, research, and business will complement each other — bio engineering itself is a mix of science, technology, and business!
Tacy Brady
Tier 2 technician for customer network services
2
Answers
Powder Springs, Georgia
Updated
Tacy’s Answer
There are many exciting ways to dive into your dream career field and get involved!
An internship is a fantastic opportunity, often unpaid, where you can apply your passion and skills. You might need to fill out an application or write an essay about why you’re interested. Remember, submitting all forms on time and with complete information can help you secure that internship.
Mentorship is another wonderful path to explore. It can boost your knowledge and help you decide if the field is right for you. You can ask someone you know in the field to be your mentor or connect with new people through social media.
Networking opens up even more possibilities. By talking to people in the field and joining related groups or clubs, you can gain valuable insights and see if this path excites you.
Reading industry magazines or tuning into webinars can also provide a deeper understanding of your chosen field.
Most importantly, find something you truly love to do. While some choose a major based on potential earnings, pursuing what you enjoy or what motivates you can lead to a more rewarding career. Follow your passion, and success will follow!
An internship is a fantastic opportunity, often unpaid, where you can apply your passion and skills. You might need to fill out an application or write an essay about why you’re interested. Remember, submitting all forms on time and with complete information can help you secure that internship.
Mentorship is another wonderful path to explore. It can boost your knowledge and help you decide if the field is right for you. You can ask someone you know in the field to be your mentor or connect with new people through social media.
Networking opens up even more possibilities. By talking to people in the field and joining related groups or clubs, you can gain valuable insights and see if this path excites you.
Reading industry magazines or tuning into webinars can also provide a deeper understanding of your chosen field.
Most importantly, find something you truly love to do. While some choose a major based on potential earnings, pursuing what you enjoy or what motivates you can lead to a more rewarding career. Follow your passion, and success will follow!
Luya Zhang
Assurance Associate
7
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Luya’s Answer
Hi Anushkaa,
It's fantastic that you're beginning to explore your options and choices! Start by chatting with your counselor to discover what career development resources your school offers. If there are career fairs, make sure to attend them. They’re a great chance to meet professionals in the fields you’re curious about and learn what it's like to work there and how to prepare for a job in that area. LinkedIn is also a helpful tool for learning about different careers. Once you're in college, consider taking elective classes to keep exploring new paths.
You've got this!
It's fantastic that you're beginning to explore your options and choices! Start by chatting with your counselor to discover what career development resources your school offers. If there are career fairs, make sure to attend them. They’re a great chance to meet professionals in the fields you’re curious about and learn what it's like to work there and how to prepare for a job in that area. LinkedIn is also a helpful tool for learning about different careers. Once you're in college, consider taking elective classes to keep exploring new paths.
You've got this!