7 answers
Kelly
Student
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
4
Questions
Asked
709 views
How to stand out as a newly highschool graduate?
I recently graduated from high school. I plan to find a relevant internship this summer before University gets really busy. However, I find it very hard to find a program that takes graduating high school students because the lack of experience. What should I do? #internship
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7 answers
Michele McCarthy
Regulatory Affairs
3
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Customizing your cover letter and resume to the specific internship takes time and effort, and can help you stand out as a candidate. It shows that you have taken the time to research the organization and understand its needs. In your cover letter, focus on how the skills/experience/enthusiasm you have can help the organization meet its needs and mission. Be sure to express why contributing to this organization's mission is meaningful to you, and that you are excited to be a part of it. Companies want to have interns that are truly excited for the opportunity, and when you don't have a lot of work experience, your attitude and enthusiasm can go a long way!
If you aren't able to secure an internship, I would recommend that you pursue volunteer opportunities. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to be part of the organization and may offer leadership opportunities. You could help organize events, contribute to office management, or interact with the organization's employees and clients, and all of this can give you valuable experience and build skills that will make you more competitive for an internship or job in the future. Some volunteer activities can even be done online, and you can choose an organization or cause that you are proud to support!
If you aren't able to secure an internship, I would recommend that you pursue volunteer opportunities. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to be part of the organization and may offer leadership opportunities. You could help organize events, contribute to office management, or interact with the organization's employees and clients, and all of this can give you valuable experience and build skills that will make you more competitive for an internship or job in the future. Some volunteer activities can even be done online, and you can choose an organization or cause that you are proud to support!
Xavier Brodie
Verizon Solutions Specialist
38
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Xavier’s Answer
Being persistent can help a lot. A lot of times we think it's annoying to keep asking after being denied. This is not true (in my opinion). Continue to make yourself relevant. If there's even the smallest task that you can take on, just to prove how much you want to help, take it. In my experience, a lot of people gauge how serious a person is by observing their persistence and consistency. So keep at it. Don't let being in high school stop you. Make sure you know everything there is to know about the company if you can (that's always impressive).
Good luck
Good luck
Hey Xavier!
Great advice, I've always thought to be persistent meant being annoying. However, employers look for traits like persistence all the time. I went back and email my contacts and found someone to take me on.
It definitely made me more confident in email and finding opportunities.
Kelly
Amy Vu
Mathematics Professor
8
Answers
Shreveport, Louisiana
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Try reaching out to nonprofit organizations. Many local organizations do not have the budget to advertise, so a short introductory email about yourself followed by a question about available internships might help. It will take a lot of emails, but with patience, you will find something.
Thanks for the advice.
I never thought of it that way, I'll be sure to do an emailing spree.
Kelly
Jamie Uy
IT Auditor
10
Answers
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Hi Kelly, it's great to know you are proactive on searching for your internship.
A few advice are as follows:
> Highlight your soft skills and on how you are a match and/or an advantage to their company.
> Brush up your CV and interview Q&A knowledge
> Believe in yourself and show self-confidence whenever you have an interview. If you are hesitant about yourself, it might be felt by your interviewer.
Hoping you'll find one soon!
A few advice are as follows:
> Highlight your soft skills and on how you are a match and/or an advantage to their company.
> Brush up your CV and interview Q&A knowledge
> Believe in yourself and show self-confidence whenever you have an interview. If you are hesitant about yourself, it might be felt by your interviewer.
Hoping you'll find one soon!
Aicha Moustapha
Full time student & actress
40
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Aicha’s Answer
Hi Kelly!
I would say to just keep applying to some and don’t give up! I know that sounded cliche, but if you really want an internship right now then you can’t give up. Sometimes they can be really competitive!
It’s also ok to wait a little and gain some College experience first before applying for internships! Go out and volunteer at places that relate to what you want to study and go meet people and maybe this could improve your chances!
Hope this helped!
I would say to just keep applying to some and don’t give up! I know that sounded cliche, but if you really want an internship right now then you can’t give up. Sometimes they can be really competitive!
It’s also ok to wait a little and gain some College experience first before applying for internships! Go out and volunteer at places that relate to what you want to study and go meet people and maybe this could improve your chances!
Hope this helped!
Yazan Hijazin
ex investment banker, furniture designer, retail consultant and project manager
4
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Yazan’s Answer
Hello Kelly,
If I were you I wont dwell so much right now on finding an internship, for the obvious reasons that very few exists with your level of experience and the fact that you still don't know what you want, hence your question. What I would do is
1- Make sure I have a good set of soft skills
2- Indulge in reading about the topics you are passionate about
3-Gather honest feedback from your teachers, family and friends about how they see you, and what they value in your personality to identify a set of skills your have. Perception is reality.
4- If you have a general idea about the things you like try some courses or free learning materiales on the net. Otherwise Identify the things you definitely don't like and take them off your list of potential careers.
5- Search and do voluntary work through universities, schools, NGO's in your local community..etc
6- Start building your network online, quality not quantity.
7- search for career advice webinars, some of them could be for free. Dont hesitate to send a request for advice for some communities online, as well as people who do this for a living on LinkedIn.
8- Do some personality tests Briggs-Myer test is helpful.
9- Learn about personal branding: How do you sell yourself and how do you present yourself its an art and a science.
10- Read a lot about how you write your c.v. and cover-letter and practice this A LOT.
I dont know you personally but generally I would say, you should give try to avoid any investments in Jobs that will be wiped out by technology (Artificial Intelligence, automation and robotics).
Finally Remember there is a lot of talk out there about finding your passion in life, and I tell you sincerely If you have found it at an early age is great, but passion comes through experience by doing. Becuriousalways readaboutnewtrends putyourheartinwhateveryoudo
Best!
If I were you I wont dwell so much right now on finding an internship, for the obvious reasons that very few exists with your level of experience and the fact that you still don't know what you want, hence your question. What I would do is
1- Make sure I have a good set of soft skills
2- Indulge in reading about the topics you are passionate about
3-Gather honest feedback from your teachers, family and friends about how they see you, and what they value in your personality to identify a set of skills your have. Perception is reality.
4- If you have a general idea about the things you like try some courses or free learning materiales on the net. Otherwise Identify the things you definitely don't like and take them off your list of potential careers.
5- Search and do voluntary work through universities, schools, NGO's in your local community..etc
6- Start building your network online, quality not quantity.
7- search for career advice webinars, some of them could be for free. Dont hesitate to send a request for advice for some communities online, as well as people who do this for a living on LinkedIn.
8- Do some personality tests Briggs-Myer test is helpful.
9- Learn about personal branding: How do you sell yourself and how do you present yourself its an art and a science.
10- Read a lot about how you write your c.v. and cover-letter and practice this A LOT.
I dont know you personally but generally I would say, you should give try to avoid any investments in Jobs that will be wiped out by technology (Artificial Intelligence, automation and robotics).
Finally Remember there is a lot of talk out there about finding your passion in life, and I tell you sincerely If you have found it at an early age is great, but passion comes through experience by doing. Becuriousalways readaboutnewtrends putyourheartinwhateveryoudo
Best!
Araceli Guerrero, M.A.
Human Resources
4
Answers
Garland, Texas
Updated
Araceli’s Answer
Hello,
I will suggest updating your resume with any volunteer experience you have done in the past, hobbies and/or other skills you acquired during your high school career. Look over the internship job description and think of skills or activities you have done that correlates with the specific skill the company is seeking for.
There are also non-profit opportunities you can seek out that are willing to help students. I am not sure if you have done so already, but try creating a LinkendIn profile. You will be able to create a profile and seek for internship opportunities. It is another good way to build you network.
I will also recommend going on your city website and see if there are any internship opportunities at any of the cities locations, such as, library, city hall, recreation centers, etc.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Araceli
I will suggest updating your resume with any volunteer experience you have done in the past, hobbies and/or other skills you acquired during your high school career. Look over the internship job description and think of skills or activities you have done that correlates with the specific skill the company is seeking for.
There are also non-profit opportunities you can seek out that are willing to help students. I am not sure if you have done so already, but try creating a LinkendIn profile. You will be able to create a profile and seek for internship opportunities. It is another good way to build you network.
I will also recommend going on your city website and see if there are any internship opportunities at any of the cities locations, such as, library, city hall, recreation centers, etc.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Araceli