4 answers
Charly
Student
Orem, Utah
4
Questions
Asked
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How can I get a research opportunity or internship with a professor or company as a high school student?
Hi, I am an high school junior interested in conducting a research or interning in the engineering field this summer, but I’m not sure where to start or how to go about it.
I contacted a lot of engineering firms around me and most of them either don’t do internships or don’t have any openings.
I don’t have any research questions I specifically want to study, so I was thinking about emailing professors at nearby universities/colleges about joining their research but I’m afraid it might only be limited to students of that university with some sort of experience. I’m also worried that it might be too late since the university’s spring semester around me (their current semester) has just ended.
Should I still try and email professors about to join their research, and if so, how? Or should I keep contacting more firms around me?
What do you think I should do?
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4 answers
Danuta Charland, PhD, MCJ, CAGS
Pre-Health Academic Advisor
20
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Danuta’s Answer
Yes, please check out the University website. Many schools have specific summer programs designed for high school students. In addition, many hospitals also have these opportunities for high school students.
For example, check out HS Summer Challenge Program at Boston University and UMass Programs. They focus on STEM or Sport Management and much more.
For example, check out HS Summer Challenge Program at Boston University and UMass Programs. They focus on STEM or Sport Management and much more.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Charly,
Here's a game plan to boost your chances of landing a research opportunity or internship in engineering as a high school student:
Scout for Potential Research Mentors: Kick off your journey by exploring professors and researchers in your field of interest at nearby universities and colleges. Utilize resources like department websites, faculty directories, and research centers to uncover potential mentors. Keep an eye out for professors with ongoing research projects that resonate with your interests.
Connect with Professors: Once you've pinpointed potential mentors, draft a professional email introducing yourself, expressing your enthusiasm for their research, and outlining why you'd be a great asset to their team. Remember to highlight your academic accomplishments, relevant experience, and any skills that set you apart as a strong contender for the position. Keep in mind that some professors may only entertain students from their own university for research opportunities, so brace yourself for this scenario.
Enroll in Summer Programs: A host of universities and organizations roll out summer programs for high school students keen on research or internships. These programs offer the chance to work on projects with professionals and gain invaluable experience in the field. Hunt for programs in your field of interest online or reach out to local universities and organizations to inquire about availability.
Network: Make it a point to attend industry events, conferences, and workshops tied to your field of interest. This will help you rub shoulders with professionals and uncover potential opportunities. Consider joining professional organizations or clubs related to engineering or your specific field of interest to broaden your network.
Reach out to Local Businesses: While larger corporations may not provide internships for high school students, smaller businesses or startups may be more receptive. Get in touch with these businesses and articulate why you're interested in interning with them and what skills or knowledge you can contribute. Be tenacious but respectful in your approach.
Volunteer or Work: Acquiring relevant experience through volunteering or part-time work can make you a more appealing candidate for research opportunities or internships. Seek out opportunities that let you put the skills and knowledge you've acquired in the classroom to practical use.
Stay the Course: Securing a research opportunity or internship as a high school student can be tough, but don't lose heart if you don't strike gold immediately. Keep applying, networking, and acquiring new skills to boost your chances of success.
Authoritative References Used:
National Science Foundation: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Programs (https://www. . / / / / )
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE): Pre-College Programs (https://www. . / )
National Academy of Engineering: For Inspiring Students (https://www. . / )
May God bless you abundantly!
JC.
Here's a game plan to boost your chances of landing a research opportunity or internship in engineering as a high school student:
Scout for Potential Research Mentors: Kick off your journey by exploring professors and researchers in your field of interest at nearby universities and colleges. Utilize resources like department websites, faculty directories, and research centers to uncover potential mentors. Keep an eye out for professors with ongoing research projects that resonate with your interests.
Connect with Professors: Once you've pinpointed potential mentors, draft a professional email introducing yourself, expressing your enthusiasm for their research, and outlining why you'd be a great asset to their team. Remember to highlight your academic accomplishments, relevant experience, and any skills that set you apart as a strong contender for the position. Keep in mind that some professors may only entertain students from their own university for research opportunities, so brace yourself for this scenario.
Enroll in Summer Programs: A host of universities and organizations roll out summer programs for high school students keen on research or internships. These programs offer the chance to work on projects with professionals and gain invaluable experience in the field. Hunt for programs in your field of interest online or reach out to local universities and organizations to inquire about availability.
Network: Make it a point to attend industry events, conferences, and workshops tied to your field of interest. This will help you rub shoulders with professionals and uncover potential opportunities. Consider joining professional organizations or clubs related to engineering or your specific field of interest to broaden your network.
Reach out to Local Businesses: While larger corporations may not provide internships for high school students, smaller businesses or startups may be more receptive. Get in touch with these businesses and articulate why you're interested in interning with them and what skills or knowledge you can contribute. Be tenacious but respectful in your approach.
Volunteer or Work: Acquiring relevant experience through volunteering or part-time work can make you a more appealing candidate for research opportunities or internships. Seek out opportunities that let you put the skills and knowledge you've acquired in the classroom to practical use.
Stay the Course: Securing a research opportunity or internship as a high school student can be tough, but don't lose heart if you don't strike gold immediately. Keep applying, networking, and acquiring new skills to boost your chances of success.
Authoritative References Used:
National Science Foundation: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Programs (https://www. . / / / / )
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE): Pre-College Programs (https://www. . / )
National Academy of Engineering: For Inspiring Students (https://www. . / )
May God bless you abundantly!
JC.
Data Scientist
2
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Data’s Answer
A few things to consider:
(1) The job market as of now (~2024) might be constrained across roles. Some internships will have also have additional requirements for educational or professional experience.
(2) You may want to consider timing your search for an internship once you are actually on campus and enrolled in university/college. You will have easier access to university staff - you'll be in their class! - and they should be able to give you concrete answers around roles and opportunities. Leverage your in-person network and see if they have other people in industry who they think, at a minimum, could be helpful to talk to.
(3) More broadly, one question is ultimately what your goals are with a high school internship. Is it to explore the field and understand it better? Is it to try to land a full-time position down the line? Is it something else? Depending on goals, there can be alternatives to achieving them beyond an internship.
(1) The job market as of now (~2024) might be constrained across roles. Some internships will have also have additional requirements for educational or professional experience.
(2) You may want to consider timing your search for an internship once you are actually on campus and enrolled in university/college. You will have easier access to university staff - you'll be in their class! - and they should be able to give you concrete answers around roles and opportunities. Leverage your in-person network and see if they have other people in industry who they think, at a minimum, could be helpful to talk to.
(3) More broadly, one question is ultimately what your goals are with a high school internship. Is it to explore the field and understand it better? Is it to try to land a full-time position down the line? Is it something else? Depending on goals, there can be alternatives to achieving them beyond an internship.
Eric Packer
Structural engineer
91
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Charly, it sounds as if you have been hustling trying to contact engineering firms about internship opportunities. As a high school student, you should be commended for such efforts. If an opportunity becomes available, take advantage of it; but, I if you do not find one, I suggest you keep your head high and not let it worry you. At this stage, any sort of work experience is valuable, whether restaurant, retail or sales experience. I would, instead, suggest focusing your efforts on preparing yourself for internships while you are in college, particularly later in your university studies. You can set yourself up for great internship opportunities in college by developing the skills now that engineering firms need from interns. Many engineering firms will utilize interns by having them do drafting or developing / updating spreadsheets. I suggest that you spend some time learning what the engineering firms in your desired field need from interns and then learn as best you can those skills. You may need to take a few online classes or courses from a local community college. Much of it can be learned you online tutorials, some of which are free. All the best.
Thank you so much for the advice. What other skills do you recommend I learn besides spreadsheeting?
Also, would it be a good idea to to try and job shadow/ intern at a civil/structural engineering firm even though I’m interested in mechanical engineering?
Charly
Mechanical engineering is a broad field but many sectors require some form of drafting for their designs. The drafting software will vary by sector but many will use AutoCAD and Solidworks. There may be others that are more prevalent that I am not aware of, so you may want to do a little more research into the most common drafting software. There are usually free student versions of these drafting software programs that you can download and learn at your own pace.
Eric Packer
You also might consider getting a job now with a manufacturer, even if it is grunt labor. In Utah County you should have a number of manufacturing companies that might have a need for interns to do simple tasks that will expose you to manufacturing processes so that when you get into engineering design you will be better prepared on the entire process. Micron and Texas Instruments have facilities in Utah County but there are others to consider as well.
Eric Packer