How to Get a Research Internship as a High School Student, Even Without Connections

Written By STEM Stories Project

Intro

Trying to get research opportunities as a high school student can feel intimidating, especially if you do not have family connections, big achievements, or prior experience. However, by taking small steps such as learning about a field, reading current research, and contacting local professors, you’ll find that landing an opportunity is much easier than you think.

What Counts as “Research Internship”?

Research does not necessarily mean working in a famous lab. It can include

  • assisting in a university laboratory

  • working with a professor or graduate student

  • joining a summer research program

  • remotely doing data analysis or coding

  • conducting literature reviews

The key difference between “research” and “research internship” is the mentorship. In an internship, students gain supervised work experience, new skills, and hands-on opportunities.

Step 1: Choose a Field You Are Curious About

Consider various areas, such as

  • biology

  • chemistry

  • medicine

  • computer science

  • engineering

  • environmental science

  • physics

What topics do you keep reading about? Which problems do you care deeply about? Do your skills lie in coding, experimental design, data analysis, or field work? Which classes have you enjoyed the most in school?

After choosing the general field, read modern research or activities relating to that field. Find a particular subject that you really care about.

Step 2: Find People to Contact

Next, make a list of people to reach out to. You can search

  • local university department websites

  • hospital research pages

  • professors’ lab pages

  • graduate student profiles

  • family, friends, teachers, counselors, alumni

  • local companies

  • summer program

Tip: Search your local area! Many professors/programs favor local students. Also, even if they don’t specify that they are looking for an intern, some professors are still glad to lend students an opportunity and get a helping hand in their lab.

Now, before you actually contact people, there are a few things you need to do.

1) Get informed about their research.

Read the professor’s lab website. Watch some online videos about their field of study. You don’t need to become an expert, just have basic knowledge and be curious about what they do.

2) Create a simple resume.

You can find resources to create a simple high schooler's resume here!

Step 3: Cold Email

Cold emailing people can be scary, but here is a template to get you started:

Dear [INSERT THEIR NAME],

My name is [INSERT YOUR NAME], and I am a [INSERT GRADE] at [INSERT SCHOOL NAME]. I am very interested in an internship position at your lab in [INSERT DESCRIPTION OF THEIR LAB].

I am fascinated by [INSERT SUBJECT], especially the [INSERT DETAIL ABOUT THEIR RESEARCH]. My interest stemmed from [INSERT YOUR OWN STORY, CAN MENTION AN ACHIEVEMENT HERE].

To further my interest in [INSERT DESCRIPTION OF THEIR LAB], I would like to apply for an internship position at your lab this [INSERT TIME PERIOD]. I have attached my resumé to this email for your review. Thank you for your consideration!

Sincerely,

[INSERT YOUR NAME]

Here is a filled-out sample:

Dear Dr. Chase,

My name is Sarah Walker, and I am a Junior at Somerville Academy. I am very interested in an internship position at your lab in researching green H2 and NH3, as well as energy storage and conversion.

I am very interested in energy, especially fuel cells and converting and storing the H2 needed for them. My interest stemmed from a week at AAASE’s Summer Academy researching hydrogen fuel cells, and, afterwards, I completed and presented a research project on green fuels, looking into fuel alternatives for oil at Pennsylvania’s Governor’s School.

To further my interest in green H2 and NH3, as well as energy storage and conversion, I would like to apply for an internship position at your lab this summer. I have attached my resume to this email for your review. Thank you for your consideration!

Sincerely,

Sarah Walker

Conclusion

You don’t need to have a thousand achievements to be able to land an internship in high school. Often, it comes down to cold emailing a lot of people and demonstrating genuine curiosity. Even if your first cold email comes back as a rejection, don’t be discouraged! Keep on learning and trying!

STEM Stories Project