Do you know a teenager with a strong desire to make a difference in the world or kickstart your career? Volunteering and internships can be the perfect way to transform your passion into action. Get the hours you need in high school to qualify for scholarships and make a perfect addition to any college application. Let’s walk through the steps to launch the teenage volunteering and internship journey successfully. Scroll down to find Student Futures’ most popular resource on volunteering and internships!
Benefits of Volunteering or Interning in High School?
Before diving into the practical steps, let’s explore why volunteering and internships are invaluable experiences for teenagers:
- Skill Development: Volunteering and internships provide an excellent opportunity to gain new skills or hone existing ones, from communication and teamwork to technical skills in various fields.
- Networking: Building relationships with professionals and fellow volunteers can open doors to future job opportunities and mentorship.
- Resume Enhancement: These experiences can make your college applications and future job resumes stand out.
- Personal Growth: Volunteering and interning often challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, fostering personal growth, resilience, and a broader perspective on the world.
Step 1: Self-Reflection
Begin by understanding your interests, strengths, and values. Ask yourself:
- What causes or issues am I passionate about?
- What skills or talents do I want to develop further?
- What are my long-term career goals?
These reflections will help you find the right volunteer or internship opportunity ideas.
Step 2: Research
Explore various organizations and programs that align with your interests. Use online resources, social media, and local community centers to discover opportunities. Consider the following:
- Local non-profit organizations
- Hospitals or healthcare facilities
- Environmental groups
- Art and cultural institutions
- Tech start-ups or businesses
- Animal care organizations like vets or zoos
Step 3: Create a Compelling Resume
Even if you don’t have much prior experience, you can craft a strong resume by highlighting relevant skills, extracurricular activities, and coursework. Tailor your resume to the specific volunteer or internship position you’re interested in.
Step 4: Apply Strategically & Network
Submit your applications early, follow instructions carefully, and customize your application materials for each opportunity. Be prepared for interviews by practicing common interview questions. Get social! Create a LinkedIn profile and network with individuals that work for organizations where you want experience. Reach out to people who hold positions that you aspire to work in and ask them for advice on how to gain experience. LinkedIn is a valuable networking tool!
Step 5: Show Commitment and Enthusiasm
Once you secure a position, demonstrate your dedication by being punctual, reliable, and enthusiastic. Treat every task as a chance to learn and grow.
Step 6: Reflect and Adapt
Throughout your journey, take time to reflect on your experiences. What have you learned? How have you grown? Use these reflections to adapt your future goals and aspirations.
Step 7: Share Your Story
Share your volunteering and internship experiences with your peers and community. You never know who you might inspire to follow in your footsteps.
The Ultimate Volunteering and Internship Guide
Get yours NOW!
The Student Futures Guide to Volunteering and Internships is the perfect resource to help you be intentional about gaining experiences in a field of interest. With over 15 activities you can explore your interests and take action to get meaningful experience. Volunteering for teens is made easy and valuable with this guide. It’s a fillable PDF making it useful on your favorite digital device or can be printed to use for multiple students.
Conclusion
Embarking on a teenage volunteering and internship journey can be transformative and incredibly rewarding. By following these steps and staying true to your passions, you can turn your dreams into actions and make a lasting impact on the world while setting the stage for your future success. So, what are you waiting for? Let your journey begin today!
