Internships for homeschoolers might be just the thing your teen needs to consider to really customize his last few years of high school. When you have the freedom to craft a high school plan to fit your student, internships might be high on the list for many reasons. We’ll explore what internships are, how they can fit in a high school homeschool plan, then give you plenty of ideas to get the ball rolling.
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What are Internships for Homeschoolers
Internships provide an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and explore potential career paths. No longer does a homeschooled teen have to wonder what they would be good at or enjoy doing for a career – they can try it out through an internship!
An internship is a temporary work experience provided by an employer to give students the opportunity to gain practical exposure and real-world experience in a specific field. Internships are typically designed to complement the academic knowledge of students with hands-on, practical application in a professional setting.
Many internships are structured to provide participants with learning objectives and goals. These objectives may include gaining specific skills, understanding industry practices, and developing a deeper understanding of a particular profession.
Interns are typically supervised by experienced professionals within the organization. Mentors guide them, provide feedback, and offer insights into the industry or field. And this is one of the biggest benefits of internships for our homeschooled teens – the mentorship.
The other benefits of an internship are:
- hands-on experience and practical application of knowledge
- networking opportunities
- resume building
- potential for employment
How Internships Can Fit Into a Homeschool High School Plan
Of course, anytime we’re discussing a high school plan, you’ll want to check your state’s requirements for graduation to make sure your plan is compliant. However, many states have no requirements or they are minimal – with the “normal” span of credits in high school for English, math, science, history, and a few electives.
If you have a lot of freedom to craft a high school homeschool plan around an internship, then do it! Most of our teens can easily fulfill the core course requirement while still leaving time for an internship.
Internships can be found in various industries, including business, technology, healthcare, arts, and more. They provide a bridge between academic learning and the practical demands of the workplace, helping individuals make informed decisions about their career paths.
Some state graduation requirements make it so that almost the entire senior year could be fashioned around a full-time internship. Pennsylvania, where I’m located, has such minimal graduation requirements that many families do craft a unique senior year to include an internship.
To learn how to document this on the transcript, check out our post on tracking progress in homeschooling.
Listen to Episode 247
On episode 247 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast, we’re talking about how internships can be the perfect choice for many homeschool high schoolers. I’ll give you a real-life example of a graduating senior and then we’ll chat through how to document internships if your state requires paperwork.
Listen to Internships for Homeschool Students~
16 Internships for Homeschool High Schoolers
Remember to tailor your internship choices to your interests and skills. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to local businesses, organizations, or professionals to inquire about potential opportunities. Networking and demonstrating your enthusiasm can open doors to valuable learning experiences in your community.
Here are over a dozen potential internship opportunities:
Construction – Your teen can work with a contractor to learn construction or any other similar trade. Or, your talented teen can intern with a local automotive mechanic and see how he runs his business while repairing cars.
Graphic Design – Learn graphic design skills and offer your services to local businesses or online clients.
Social Media Management – Help businesses or individuals manage their social media presence by creating content and managing accounts.
Freelance Writing – Explore freelance writing opportunities for websites, blogs, or magazines. Develop your writing skills and create a portfolio.
Photography or Videography – Develop skills in photography or videography and offer your services for events, local businesses, or content creation. Shadow a local photographer to hone your skills.
Local Library Assistant – Assist at the local library with tasks such as shelving books, organizing events, or helping with community programs.
Museum or Art Gallery Intern – Work as an intern at a local museum or art gallery, helping with exhibitions, educational programs, or administrative tasks.
Midwife – Your teen can work with a local midwife and learn how to help women through childbirth.
Childcare or preschool – Explore the education field by assisting in a local childcare or preschool.
Community Garden Volunteer – Join a community garden or local farm to learn about sustainable agriculture, gardening, and community outreach.
Animal Shelter Volunteer – Offer your time at a local animal shelter, helping with the care of animals, organizing events, or assisting with adoption programs.
Small Business Intern – Reach out to local small businesses and offer your assistance with tasks like social media management, customer service, or basic accounting.
Local News or Radio Station Intern – Explore opportunities at a local news outlet or radio station, assisting with research, interviews, or production tasks. Or try your hand at launching a local podcast that spotlights your community, the business in it, and the history surrounding it. Learn more in episode 182 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast.
Hospital or Healthcare Volunteer – Volunteer at a local hospital or healthcare facility to gain exposure to the medical field and learn about various roles within healthcare.
Community Theater Intern – Get involved in a local theater group, assisting with stage management, set design, marketing, or acting, depending on your interests.
Local Government Intern – Reach out to your city or town government offices for opportunities to intern in areas like community outreach, public relations, or administrative roles.
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