Business Internships for High School Students offer hands-on experience in real-world settings, helping teens build skills and explore career paths early. These programs boost college applications and future job success.
Stay with us as we talk more about business internships for high school students. We’ll share easy tips, helpful ideas, and great ways to get started on your career journey!
Why Do Business Internships Matter for High School Students?
Let’s start with the why. You may be wondering, “Aren’t internships just for college students?” Not anymore. More companies and organizations are opening their doors to driven high school students—and for good reason.
Here’s what makes business internships so valuable at this stage:
Early Exposure to Career Paths
You’ll get to explore fields like finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, project management, and human resources before even choosing a college major.
Boosts College Applications
Admissions officers love applicants who take initiative. An internship shows leadership, passion, and a desire to grow—qualities every college values.
Build Real Skills
You’ll walk away with concrete skills like using spreadsheets, writing professional emails, understanding customer behavior, and maybe even pitching ideas.
Make Valuable Connections
Internships help you start building your professional network early—a huge advantage when it’s time for scholarships, college recs, or job referrals.
Get a Head Start on Your Resume
It’s never too early to build your resume. A high school internship in business instantly sets you apart from other students with no real-world experience.
What Do High School Interns Do in a Business Setting?
You won’t be making million-dollar decisions (yet), but you will be contributing meaningfully. Typical responsibilities include:
- Assisting with digital marketing campaigns
- Creating or analyzing Excel spreadsheets
- Shadowing sales or HR reps
- Researching market trends
- Managing social media content calendars
- Attending brainstorming sessions or staff meetings
- Supporting customer service teams
- Organizing small events or presentations
Top Business Internship Programs for High School Students (U.S.)
Here’s a list of some of the most recognized internship opportunities in 2025:
Bank of America Student Leaders
- For: Juniors & seniors in high school
- Where: Local nonprofits + Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.
- Perks: Paid, leadership-focused, highly competitive
- Website: bankofamerica.com/studentleaders
LaunchX (MIT-affiliated)
- For: High school students globally
- Where: Online or in-person
- Focus: Startup creation, entrepreneurship, pitching to investors
- Outcome: You’ll launch a real company by the end of the program
Penn State BOSS Program
- For: Rising seniors interested in business majors
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Location: On-campus at Penn State
- Topics: Supply chain, marketing, finance, and management
Girls Who Invest – Young Women in Business
- For: Female-identifying high school juniors & seniors
- Focus: Investment banking, finance, leadership
- Extras: Mentorship from women in finance
Junior Achievement Internship Programs
- For: Students involved in JA business competitions
- Where: Local and national programs
- Focus: Leadership, business ethics, team-based challenges
International Business Internships for High School Students
If you’re globally minded, some programs offer international internships or remote roles with a global focus:
United Planet Global Internships
Volunteer or intern abroad in a business-related capacity (virtual options available).
Virtual Internships by AIP (Asia Internship Program)
Offers remote business internships with Asian companies—perfect for time zone flexibility.
Global Leadership Adventures (GLA)
Travel-based summer internships that include social entrepreneurship and business training.
How to Prepare for a Business Internship as a High School Student?
Learn the Basics of Business
Familiarize yourself with key concepts:
- Finance: Budgeting, profit/loss, investments
- Marketing: Branding, digital ads, social media
- Entrepreneurship: Business models, product-market fit
- Management: Time management, team building
Free resources include:
- Coursera, Khan Academy, and Google Digital Garage
Craft a High-Impact Resume
Include:
- Leadership roles (Student Council, DECA, FBLA)
- School projects (e.g., marketing plans, mock businesses)
- Volunteer experiences
- Skills: Google Workspace, Canva, Excel, communication
Write a Strong Cover Letter
Highlight:
- Your passion for business
- What you hope to learn
- Any related experiences (no matter how small)
Practice Interviewing
Common questions:
- Why are you interested in business?
- Tell me about a time you worked on a team.
- What are your goals after high school?
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions.
Don’t See Internships Near You? Create Your Own!
If no formal internships are available in your area, here’s how you can take initiative and build your own opportunity:
Step 1: List Local Small Businesses
Think coffee shops, boutiques, nonprofits, salons, or family businesses.
Step 2: Reach Out Directly
Call or email the business owner. Explain who you are and offer to help in exchange for mentorship.
Sample Email:
Hi [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a high school student passionate about learning business. I admire what you’re doing with [Business Name], and I’d love to volunteer or intern to gain experience. I can help with marketing, social media, or customer service.
Thank you for considering it!
Best,
[Your Name]
Step 3: Set Goals
Even informal internships benefit from clear learning objectives. Set goals with your mentor or supervisor.
Entrepreneurial Internships: Start Your Own Business
Sometimes the best business internship is the one you create. Try:
- Starting a dropshipping business
- Running a summer tutoring service
- Creating a YouTube channel on business topics
- Launching a social media consulting service for local brands
Use tools like:
- Canva (graphic design)
- Shopify (eCommerce)
- Google Workspace (organization)
- Wix or WordPress (building a website)
This counts just as much—if not more—on your resume than traditional internships.
Real Student Stories: How Internships Changed Lives?
Emma (17, California):
I interned with a local marketing agency during the summer. I thought business was all spreadsheets, but I discovered I love branding and copywriting. Now I’m applying to marketing programs!
Tyler (16, Florida):
I cold-emailed ten small businesses before one said yes. I helped manage their inventory and learned about pricing strategies. It was the best decision I ever made.
Recommended Business Clubs & Competitions
To pair with internships, join:
- DECA: Focuses on marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship
- FBLA: Business leadership training
- Junior Achievement: Hands-on business simulations
- BizWorld: Entrepreneurial programs for teens
- National Economics Challenge
FAQ’s
1. Can I get a business internship if I don’t have any experience?
Yes, you can. Most high school internships are designed to teach you from the ground up. Highlight your passion, willingness to learn, and soft skills (like communication or leadership from school clubs) when applying. Employers know you’re at the beginning of your journey—they’re often looking for potential, not polish.
2. Are remote business internships for high school students just as valuable as in-person ones?
Absolutely. Remote internships still allow you to gain real-world experience, attend virtual meetings, work on projects, and connect with professionals. Plus, they teach digital communication skills that are essential in today’s business world. Be sure to stay proactive and ask for feedback regularly.
3. Do I need a letter of recommendation to apply for a high school business internship?
Not always, but it helps. While many internships don’t require one, having a letter from a teacher, coach, or community leader can strengthen your application. It shows that someone else believes in your work ethic and potential.
4. What business majors can I explore through internships in high school?
You can explore a wide variety, including:
- Marketing
- Finance & Accounting
- Human Resources
- Entrepreneurship
- International Business
- Operations & Supply Chain
An internship can help you discover which of these areas excites you most before choosing a college path.
5. Can I earn school credit for completing a business internship?
In some school districts—yes. Talk to your school counselor or career services advisor. Many high schools have career exploration programs or work-study options that allow you to earn elective credit for internships, especially if it ties into a business or CTE (Career and Technical Education) curriculum.
Conclusion:
Business internships for high school students are a great way to learn new skills and explore jobs in the real world. They help you get ready for college and future work. Even small steps now can lead to big success later. Start learning and growing through an internship today!
