So, you’re an ambitious high schooler looking for a new opportunity to dive into, whether to bolster your college applications, explore your career prospects, or just gain some more experience.

But.

How can you do this?

It’s simple: get involved in science research!

In this article, we’ll cover all the main benefits of taking on a research internship in your high school years.

What are Research Internships?

Lab Internships: Get hands-on experience in a real research environment!

At a “real” lab internship, you’re working with a mentor and helping out with any projects or tasks they entrust you with, often full-time over the summer and/or throughout school weeks too.

For these opportunities, you’ll often be cold-emailing for a position at a local university or lab near your home.

You won’t be guaranteed a spot because it’s usually not a “formal” program, but I’d say this is the MOST valuable and important kind of internship.

Summer Programs: These are formal programs that you can apply for a set spot in.

There are more definite course curriculums, project deadlines, and you’ll be working with mentors and people specifically following the guidelines of these programs.

There are thousands of STEM summer research programs out there, so you’ll have to learn how to suss out the really good ones.

You may decide to do independent research without a mentor or an internship.

Though this can work for some projects to a certain extent, you’ll quickly find that you’re lacking out on much of the resources, structure, and guidance that internships provide.

If possible, try to get work in a real lab setting!

1. Hands-On Experience Whether you intend on pursuing a research-driven career or just want to see where the opportunity takes you, research internships offer invaluable experience that’ll boost your skills and knowledge in a big way.

By getting your hands dirty in real research, you learn stuff you'd never pick up just sitting in a classroom.

You'll figure out how to solve tricky problems, work with a team, and even get a taste of what it's like to discover something new.

Plus, it's a chance to try out a research career without committing long-term.

Even if you decide later that research isn't for you, the skills you learn—like critical thinking, organization, and how to tackle complex tasks—will help you no matter what you end up doing.

2. Transferable Skill Development Research internships provide an excellent platform for developing a wide array of transferable skills in a more structured and formal setting.

Beyond the universal competencies such as critical thinking, communication, time management, and teamwork, internships, especially in lab environments, endow you with specific practical skills that are pivotal in scientific research.

For instance, you learn to operate sophisticated equipment, conduct experiments with precision, manage data effectively, and adhere to stringent safety protocols.

These technical skills, grounded in the context of real-world application, are invaluable and often exclusive to laboratory settings.

The combination of these practical abilities with broader transferable skills makes you a well-rounded candidate, prepared for a variety of professional paths, enhancing your adaptability and prospects in a dynamic job market.

3. Exploring Interests & Career Prospects Research internships can be test drives for your future career.

They let you dive into different fields and figure out what you really like—or don't—before you're all in.

Say you're curious about marine biology; an internship gives you the chance to get your feet wet (literally) and see if it's the right fit for you.

Additionally, you get to meet people working in the field, see what their day-to-day is like, and maybe even discover jobs you didn't know existed.

It's all about finding your thing, getting excited about what's out there, and starting to see yourself in a career that feels just right for you.

Polygence, ‘Research Programs vs.

Internships’

4. Recognition As you get more and more experience under your toolbelt, you’ll soon find yourself doing more and more research independently as well.

You can pursue (or may already be pursuing) your own research project by then, and with the guidance and resources from your lab mentor, you stand a strong chance to achieve notable accomplishments in your chosen field.

Publications: Publications are a primary goal for many in the research community, and as you grow more independent in your research endeavors, you'll have the opportunity to contribute significant findings to your field, possibly leading to authorship or co-authorship on papers.

These publications can enhance your reputation, widen your network, and open up further opportunities for research and collaboration.

Awards and Scholarships: Similarly, your growth and achievements through research internships can make you a strong candidate for various awards and scholarships.

Science fairs like ISEF are open to all accomplished high school researchers with incredible work to share, and winning these are rock-solid testaments to your skill and accomplishments as a researcher.

These not only provide financial support but also acknowledge your dedication, innovation, and contributions to your field, which can be incredibly motivating.

They further distinguish you in the academic and professional worlds, potentially leading to more prestigious opportunities, advanced study, or impactful research roles.

5. Resume Boost If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re getting ready to apply to colleges (or at least thinking about it).

Having research experience of any kind will look great on your application: It’s important to show that you’re more than just good grades and test scores, and colleges want students who love to learn and are eager to make a difference.

Having research experience on your resume tells colleges and even future employers that you've got practical experience, know how to work as part of a team, and you've got the determination and curiosity to explore new ideas.

This experience can set you apart in a stack of resumes because it shows you've already got a taste of professional work or serious academic study.

If you've presented your research somewhere, won awards/scholarships, or been published, that's another huge plus!

It shows you can communicate your ideas effectively and that the work you did was actually meaningful, two things that are stellar in pretty much any field.

So, having research on your resume isn't just about filling space—it's about showing you're a well-rounded, proactive, and capable student.

6. College Readiness Research internships are a sneak peek into college-level work, making them awesome for getting you college-ready.

They throw you into the deep end, where you have to manage your time, tackle complex tasks, and think critically, just like in college.

You get used to dealing with a lot of information, asking smart questions, and solving problems on your own.

All this means that when you actually start college, you're already familiar with the kind of work and thinking it demands.

You're not just learning about your field; you're getting a head start on the skills you need to be successful in any college class.

So, a research internship doesn't just look good on your college application, but it actually prepares you for the challenges of college itself!

7. Long-term Connections & Networking The relationships and bonds you make with both your mentor(s) and other driven people in the STEM field will be super valuable for your future.

Your mentor and the people you meet can give you advice, share opportunities, and support you in your career or studies long after the internship is over.

Not only that, but you may just get a killer recommendation letter.

These connections can help you find jobs, learn about new research, or even collaborate on bigger future projects.

You’ll be building a team of allies who are all interested in the same things you are and can help you navigate your path in the STEM world!

The relationships you're forming are a big part of the experience, and can help you in ways you might not expect.

8. Personal Growth Diving into a research internship also may mean embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

You're thrown into situations that challenge your adaptability, resilience, and how you collaborate with others.

Through this process, you learn a lot about your work style, how you tackle complex problems, and how you bounce back from setbacks.

It's a chance to see how you thrive in environments that are maybe a bit unfamiliar or outside your comfort zone.

Beyond just growing your skill set, you're also growing as a person—figuring out what drives you, what your strengths are, and maybe even areas you want to improve.

Essentially, a research internship isn't just about professional development: it's a path of personal growth, helping you become more self-aware and equipped for whatever comes next in life.

Disclaimer!

As a high schooler, there are very few opportunities where you will be receiving financial compensation for your work.

Especially in lab internships, your mentor is already providing you with valuable training, resources, and experience that can significantly contribute to your education and future career.

As you get older and gain more experience, this may change.

However, know that the primary reward for an internship is the knowledge, skills, and professional connections you gain from it.

Even if it may feel like you’re just doing free labor at first, it's important to approach these opportunities with a mindset focused on learning and professional growth.

Understand that the experience itself is a form of investment in your future, and that it’ll pay you back ten-fold!

That said, you ideally shouldn’t be paying to do this research either: though some expensive research programs boast low acceptance rates and Ivy-bound graduates, the most prestigious programs will always be the free or stipend-offering ones.

This is because these will actually be programs that recognize your value as a researcher and are vouching for your potential, instead of pay-to-win systems where the only requirement is that you have a lot of money.

Bonus: Landing an Internship So, now you understand the value of research internships.

But, to take the next step in your research journey, you have to actually GET one.

How?

Check out Rishab’s video on how he was able to secure these internships and do incredible, award-winning research in high school.

His achievements are no joke, and, with any luck (and lots of grit), you can do the same. https://www. youtube. com/watch?v=KubQpGF6ZC4.