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I am a sophomore in high school, looking for summer volunteer/internship opportunities but I cant find many for my age group. (I am 15) Any ideas?
#volunteer #summer2020 #intern #internship #online
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9 answers
Updated
Rory’s Answer
Hi Ilan,
I am sure finding volunteering programs has become more difficult due to social distancing but this crisis has also created a bigger need for people to become involved in community service. Maybe rather than trying to find an opportunity in this climate, you could research into areas of need for your local community and create your own project to keep you busy this summer and help others. You could recruit some friends and work on some kind of project together. In addition to being able to help others in a great time of need, colleges, scholarships, and future employers love to see creative and self-motivated applicants.
I am sure finding volunteering programs has become more difficult due to social distancing but this crisis has also created a bigger need for people to become involved in community service. Maybe rather than trying to find an opportunity in this climate, you could research into areas of need for your local community and create your own project to keep you busy this summer and help others. You could recruit some friends and work on some kind of project together. In addition to being able to help others in a great time of need, colleges, scholarships, and future employers love to see creative and self-motivated applicants.
Thank you so much Rory! This is a very good idea, and I am thinking about possibly making my own project now.
Ilan
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hi Ilan!
This is a great question, considering you are at the perfect age to search for opportunities that will lead you future career. I would suggest first finding areas of interest, really figuring out what sparks your interest. Once you find something you love, research companies or people that drive that area and make an impact, which can help you find an opportunity. PwC helps students like yourself by showcasing careers and opportunities available to you. Make sure you research that!
Best of luck!
This is a great question, considering you are at the perfect age to search for opportunities that will lead you future career. I would suggest first finding areas of interest, really figuring out what sparks your interest. Once you find something you love, research companies or people that drive that area and make an impact, which can help you find an opportunity. PwC helps students like yourself by showcasing careers and opportunities available to you. Make sure you research that!
Best of luck!
I will start looking into it now. Thanks for the help!
Ilan
Updated
Renata’s Answer
Try going onto a volunteer match site. I volunteer at Goodwills and Second Harvest Food Banks which allow your age group to volunteer. You can enter your zip code and other parameters. Hope this helps.
https://www.volunteermatch.org
https://www.volunteermatch.org
Wow, after five minutes of looking I have already seen some great opportunities. Thank you.
Ilan
Updated
Sarah Evelyn’s Answer
Hi Ilan! I would also recommend thinking about fields you may be interested in and contacting those businesses offering to be an unpaid intern for the summer (even if they don't have an internship posted). You'll get great experience and you'll learn firsthand if it's a field you may be interested in pursuing later in life!
I will definitely try this. Sounds like a great idea, thank you.
Ilan
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Ilan,
I've found some interesting volunteering opportunities through catchafire.org, and I think you could too. I love how on catchafire.org, it's by skill, so just look for a task or field that you're interested in, and see what you could help out with. I've found some interesting nonprofits through this site, and hope you can match with a nonprofit too.
Best of luck!
--
Dexter
I've found some interesting volunteering opportunities through catchafire.org, and I think you could too. I love how on catchafire.org, it's by skill, so just look for a task or field that you're interested in, and see what you could help out with. I've found some interesting nonprofits through this site, and hope you can match with a nonprofit too.
Best of luck!
--
Dexter
Thank you, Dexter!
Ilan
Updated
Kara’s Answer
That's a great question! In addition to what others have mentioned, if you're unable to find an explicit "internship" or volunteer opportunity for your age group, what you can do is find other ways to continue learning and broadening your experience. Then, when you're looking for internships next year, you can show how you problem-solved and were able to continue growing during this time: "Companies weren't taking on people my age, but I did the following to continue learning and grow my experience:......"
I don't know what is feasible for you, but there are a few options you could consider, in addition to the ideas already mentioned:
- Contact folks at companies you're interested in and see if you can shadow one or more of their employees. You could do this for a bunch of companies and get a wide range of exposure to different workplaces! If you go this route, I would suggest waiting a bit closer to the summer to contact companies.
- Spend some time working on a self-created project. It doesn't have to be a "startup," per say... But you could do work on background research (e.g., explore different market opportunities or customer needs) and lay out the groundwork for a company/initiative you'd be interested in building some day. You could even go out and start a project or make an app for your community! Times like this are great for entrepreneurial spirit.
Again, these are all just ideas. What you get to tap into is "What am I really interested in learning and developing?" and then you can find a way to go do that without the pressure of a specific internship.
I don't know what is feasible for you, but there are a few options you could consider, in addition to the ideas already mentioned:
- Contact folks at companies you're interested in and see if you can shadow one or more of their employees. You could do this for a bunch of companies and get a wide range of exposure to different workplaces! If you go this route, I would suggest waiting a bit closer to the summer to contact companies.
- Spend some time working on a self-created project. It doesn't have to be a "startup," per say... But you could do work on background research (e.g., explore different market opportunities or customer needs) and lay out the groundwork for a company/initiative you'd be interested in building some day. You could even go out and start a project or make an app for your community! Times like this are great for entrepreneurial spirit.
Again, these are all just ideas. What you get to tap into is "What am I really interested in learning and developing?" and then you can find a way to go do that without the pressure of a specific internship.
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Just in searching for volunteer opportunities in the state of Washington (or wherever you are looking) - there are some really great organizations that can provide you with a list. Try using volunteermatch.org and see what it has available for you. You might try to match your volunteer opportunity to fit with something you feel passionate about - or are interested in researching as a career. Hands on experience is a great way to get to know what you may or may not be interested in down the road.
Best of luck! Volunteering is so rewarding. I've been involved (through work and just on my own in my community) for years.
https://www.volunteermatch.org/search?l=WA
Best of luck! Volunteering is so rewarding. I've been involved (through work and just on my own in my community) for years.
https://www.volunteermatch.org/search?l=WA
Updated
Miguel’s Answer
Hello,
I recommend you to find a field that you are interested in and find volunteer opportunities in your area to see if that field is right for you. You can find a lot of volunteering positions in hospitals, animal shelters or any events happening in your community that need assistance. I live in Florida, therefore, I am not very knowledgeable about volunteering opportunities in Washington, so I have included a link below with volunteering opportunities over there.
Good luck with your future endeavors,
https://local.aarp.org/?cmp=rdrct-csn-aarplocal-nearyou-20200317
I recommend you to find a field that you are interested in and find volunteer opportunities in your area to see if that field is right for you. You can find a lot of volunteering positions in hospitals, animal shelters or any events happening in your community that need assistance. I live in Florida, therefore, I am not very knowledgeable about volunteering opportunities in Washington, so I have included a link below with volunteering opportunities over there.
Good luck with your future endeavors,
Miguel recommends the following next steps:
There are so many opportunities here. Thank you for the great resource.
Ilan
Updated
Mikaela’s Answer
Hi Ilan,
Try looking at your city’s website, they usually provide a page of volunteer options which will be nearby. I’ve also seem many museums and art galleries with youth volunteer opportunities as well.
Try looking at your city’s website, they usually provide a page of volunteer options which will be nearby. I’ve also seem many museums and art galleries with youth volunteer opportunities as well.
Thank you for the notice! I will look into it.
Ilan