Advanced 9th grader seeking an internship

[Anonymous]

DD15 really wants an internship at our state university but has no idea how to get one. Her school doesn’t have any programs for this kind of thing and we have no connections.

She’s easily as advanced as a high school senior, at least in STEM (she is taking multivariable calculus and will be taking AP chemistry and physics next year), and has decent writing skills. However, I’m not sure what a high school freshman could do for a professor or PhD student.

Any tips? I’ve seen this topic in forums and people just seemed to say to wait until 11th or 12th grade, which she really doesn’t want to do.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

It really doesn't matter how "advanced" she is academically. As a 15 year old minor, there will be legal limitations on working conditions.

Most high school kids with "internships" get them through connections-a family friend or relative "knows someone."

[Anonymous]

A high school freshman literally can’t do anything for a PhD student or Professor. Have you been to college?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A high school freshman literally can’t do anything for a PhD student or Professor. Have you been to college?

Not even wash beakers? Lol

[Anonymous]

She could be a camp counselor at a stem related summer camp. But there really aren’t a lot of opportunities to do what you are thinking of. They go to college students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She could be a camp counselor at a stem related summer camp. But there really aren’t a lot of opportunities to do what you are thinking of. They go to college students.

This. Camp counselor at a Stem camp is where it is for a 15yo.

[Anonymous]

We had a thread about this recently. College Professors hate kids who try to do this.

What would they want your "advanced" freshman went they have more mature, better educated college students to hire?

She can apply to an academic research experience camp.

[Anonymous]

Internship go to the advanced college students who are as good as grad students.

[Anonymous]

The magnet students are required to do an internship to graduate, but they have connections who are willing to provide experiences. You have be privileged to get an internship, they aren't open merit-based competition or fair lottery.

[Anonymous]

You need to network and teach your DC to network. This is an important skill. Most jobs are gained by "who you know." This is not just an internship need. There are a ton of tutor websites out there with grad students for hire. I would have your kid research a topic of interest and then hire a grad student/tutor once or more a month to work with your DC on it.

Also, a self-study project will give your DC more skills than they would in a lab where they would be given grunt work. And college admissions officers will love this about your DC.

[Anonymous]

PP here. The other benefit of hiring grad students is that they will soon be in the job market and may be in a position to give DC an advanced internship when DC is in 11th or 12th grade.

Not having connections is really not an excuse. Make them! In this day an age, it's easier to do than ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A high school freshman literally can’t do anything for a PhD student or Professor. Have you been to college?

This thread sounds like just more toxic-achievement-culture.

[Anonymous]

Oh please. Yes, I bet SHE’S dying to work at your state school. I see we’re already thinking about college admissions. Totally sick and crazy. Nuts that you’d be fine with your 15 year old being on a college campus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD15 really wants an internship at our state university but has no idea how to get one. Her school doesn’t have any programs for this kind of thing and we have no connections.

She’s easily as advanced as a high school senior, at least in STEM (she is taking multivariable calculus and will be taking AP chemistry and physics next year), and has decent writing skills. However, I’m not sure what a high school freshman could do for a professor or PhD student.

Any tips? I’ve seen this topic in forums and people just seemed to say to wait until 11th or 12th grade, which she really doesn’t want to do.

Thanks!

Her best shot is cold emails customized to the professor's research - e.g. demonstrating understanding of the nuances of one of their recent papers. Don't listen to the debbie downers; many ISEF/STS finalists got started via cold emailing professors

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A high school freshman literally can’t do anything for a PhD student or Professor. Have you been to college?

Quick! Someone tell the Society for Science (the organization that runs ISEF and STS)!