10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Virtual Internships as a High Schooler
If you're in high school and want to build your resume and learn real-world skills, internships are a solid choice. They give you practical experience, help you keep up with current trends, and let you connect with professionals in the field you're interested in.
Whether you want to learn something new or dive deeper into a subject you already like, you can go for either an in-person or virtual internship. In-person internships mean going to a physical location — like an office, lab, museum, or hospital — where you’ll work with professionals on-site. Virtual internships, on the other hand, let you work remotely from home (or anywhere). You’ll join meetings online, stay in touch with your mentor or team virtually, and complete tasks on your own.
Virtual internships make it easier to manage schoolwork and commuting while still gaining real experience. They’re not just a passing trend—they’re a practical way to build skills and grow professionally. Let’s break down how they can help you get ahead!
What are Virtual Internships?
Virtual internships, also called online or remote internships, let you gain work experience entirely online, so you don't have to be at a physical workplace. They give you the chance to build skills and get experience in a remote setting, using digital tools to stay connected and work with others. Communication and collaboration usually happen through email, video calls, chat platforms, and shared online files using resources such as Skype, Microsoft Teams, email, webinars, and Slack..
What you do in an online internship depends on the company and field, but it can include research, helping with virtual events, writing reports, working on online projects, and joining virtual meetings. Whether you're looking for something part-time or more full-time, most online internships are flexible and can work with your schedule.
Here are 10 reasons to consider a virtual internship while you're in high school:
1. You’ll gain real-world experience beyond the classroom
Virtual internships let you apply what you’ve learned in school to real projects. Whether you're coding, analyzing data, writing content, or assisting with marketing, you’ll see how academic concepts translate into meaningful work. Furthermore, you'll be able to access opportunities beyond your city or state — and even in other countries.
2. You’ll develop valuable skills for school, college, and work
You’ll strengthen both technical and soft skills — like communication, time management, collaboration, and leadership. These are the kinds of abilities that colleges and employers look for. LinkedIn’s 2020 Skills Report lists creativity, adaptability, collaboration, persuasion, and emotional intelligence as the top five soft skills. Research also shows that these skills play a big role in long-term job success. Managing a remote internship alongside school also boosts your discipline and organization.
3. You’ll save time and money
Virtual internships let you work from anywhere while managing your schoolwork and extracurriculars. Unlike in-person internships, there’s no need to commute, so you avoid the hassle of travel and save on both accommodation and transportation costs.
4. You’ll get to explore different career paths
If you’re still figuring out what you want to do, virtual internships allow you to explore various fields and discover what interests you, without the pressure of a full-time, in-person commitment. You’ll get firsthand exposure to industries like business, law, tech, or health, and discover what excites you before committing to a major or career.
5. You’ll build a professional network and make connections
Online internships let you connect with other aspiring scholars or professionals in the field. These connections can lead to future opportunities, mentorship, and helpful advice for your career. If you’re interning at an international company, you’ll even get to connect with people from across the globe. Networking is a big part of career growth, and internships give you a great space to meet people who share your interests and work in roles you may want in the future.
6. You’ll build your resume and stand out on applications
Colleges and employers are interested in more than just your GPA — they want to see that you’ve gained real-world experience too. Having a virtual internship on your college or job application shows that you’re proactive, reliable, and serious about your future. It signals maturity and real-world readiness. If the internship is well-known or relevant to your academic or career interests, it adds even more value.
7. You might earn academic credit or a stipend
Some online internships offer academic credit or a stipend, which can be a great added benefit. You might be able to use the credits toward a future college degree, and the stipend can help you start budgeting and saving for school. If earning money is important to you, looking for virtual internships that offer pay is a great way to get experience while also working toward your financial goals.
8. You’ll learn how to work independently and take initiative
Remote internships require you to be organized and manage your time well. Without a teacher or supervisor physically present, you’ll learn to manage your time, meet deadlines, and stay motivated on your own. These habits of self-direction and accountability are key for college and career success.
9. You’ll get real feedback
Unlike classroom grades, internship feedback is based on real-world expectations. While school teaches you theory, feedback from professionals shows you what you're doing well and where you can improve. You’re helping them, and they’re helping you grow, too.
10. You’ll experience workplace culture firsthand
Internships give you a window into how professional environments function: how teams collaborate, how people communicate, and what leadership looks like. You’ll also get comfortable with workplace tools like video conferencing and email etiquette — skills that translate to any future role.
Final Thoughts
While internships do take time and effort, they can help you get ready for the kinds of academic and career challenges you’ll face down the line. Taking advantage of these virtual opportunities can strengthen your resume and help you feel more prepared for what’s next. If you’re up for the challenge and want to build your skills and portfolio, now’s a good time to start searching for internships that match your interests.
Here are some blogs that can help you find virtual internships for high school students:
Looking for a hands-on internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries, with a large number of them in tech. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!