Getting involved in psychology internships is an amazing opportunity. It can boost your confidence and help you decide if psychology is the suitable path for you, not to mention real-world experience. Through internship programs, you develop key skills in research, communication, and, of course, critical thinking—those will be useful no matter what you want to do in the future. Here are seven great psychology internships for high school students to check out.
1. Child Mind Institute Youth Mental Health Academy
The institute runs a 14-month program focused on community involvement to improve mental health initiatives. What can high school students do here? Workshops, mentorship programs, and projects are waiting for you. All of them are focused on youth mental health. So, if you see yourself in this area, the Child Mind Institute’s program is definitely worth considering for you.
2. Barrow Neurological Institute Summer High School Internship Program
Those interested in modern scientific lab techniques should take advantage of the Barrow Neurological Institute and its offers. Here, high school students get to work with the Barrow specialists during the summer holidays to gain hands-on experience while diving into neuroscience research and practices. This option is amazing for anyone who is into neuropsychology or closely related studies.
3. Stanford University’s SHTEM Program
Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics — this is what Stanford’s SHTEM program stands for. It is meant for students aged 13-19. The program is virtual and takes place in summer. You’ll work on research projects with mentors from Stanford, focusing on various subject areas, including psychology, and get valuable research experience.
4. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
The JHIBS program lets high school students explore behavioural health sciences. With both in-person and virtual options, this internship helps you jump into neuroscience research projects and gain fresh perspectives in brain sciences. Students usually get tasks to reflect on their internship experiences. By the way, if you find yourself thinking, “I need someone who can write my essay for me,” try DoMyEssay — it can help you find an expert. Just remember your personal insights make your story unique.
5. Ladder Internships Psychology Track
With Ladder internships, you can dive into an interdisciplinary psychology track designed to give high schoolers solid research experience in clinical neuropsychology and organizational behaviour. You’ll work on your own research project while getting guidance from experienced psychologists, expanding your knowledge and skills.
6. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships
The American Psychological Association has internship options, too. Obviously, they are for high school students interested in psychology. The internships span different areas within psychology — like research, education, and public welfare — that can provide solid experience and great potential for professional growth.
7. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Summer Internship Program
The last on our list is the NIMH summer internship program. It’s for those high school students who want to get into psychological research. You’ll work with scientists on projects that focus on cognitive behaviour, mood disorders, and neuroscience, getting hands-on experience and experience working in cutting-edge facilities. Plus, you’ll be mentored by industry experts—an excellent chance if you’re eager to contribute to research in mental health.
Maximizing Your Internship Experience
Taking one of these internships can be a fantastic experience. And if you’re interested in pursuing psychology in college, it will only boost your application. Yet, participating in it will be even more rewarding if you follow these tips:
- Engage Actively. Stay fully involved in every activity, ask smart questions, and look for feedback to deepen your knowledge. Join in on discussions and take notes when it matters.
- Network. Build connections with mentors and peers to create a support network. Attend group meetings, workshops, or events in your field that can help you connect with others.
- Reflect. Think about your past experiences to discover your true interests and possible career paths. Keeping a journal or portfolio can help track your progress and insights.
Conclusion
Taking part in psychology internships in high school is a fantastic way to gain practical experience, improve your professional skills, and check out future career possibilities in psychology. By getting involved in programs like the Child Mind Institute’s Youth Mental Health Academy or the Barrow Neurological Institute Summer Internship, you can make well-informed decisions about your studies or career paths related to psychology.
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