Gaining early experience can make a significant difference in the competitive job market for students aiming for successful careers. Internships are an excellent first step into the industry, providing invaluable hands-on experience and professional networking opportunities even before entering college.
But why are internships so crucial?
The ideal internship not only boosts a resume but also offers real-world applications of marketing concepts. High school students’ marketing internships should be more than just a learning experience; they should offer insights into the dynamic, fast-paced world of marketing. These internships allow students to dive into various marketing dimensions—from digital strategies and social media management to market research and brand positioning. Students collaborate with industry professionals on real-life projects impacting businesses and organizations.
In this blog, we’ll highlight ten of the best marketing internships designed specifically for high school students. We’ll explore programs that offer development opportunities, practical experience, and valuable insights into worthwhile marketing career paths. Whether it’s health marketing, arts and cultural promotions, or working with fast-paced agencies and entertainment giants, an exciting internship opportunity awaits you.
Ready to launch your marketing career?
Join us as we explore the top 10 marketing internships, each offering a unique blend of learning and professional growth. Take the first step towards turning your marketing ambitions into reality.
Top Marketing Internships for High School
1. Ladder Internships (Marketing Track)
Ladder Internships allow students the opportunity to work on real projects relevant to marketing and other industries to earn real work experience. Interns work remotely from anywhere around the world for a startup or non-profit organization managed by the Organization Manager and coached by the Ladder Coach. This also includes training sessions on basic skills like communication and time management. This may range from working on pitch decks to finding target markets and brand positioning strategies, among many other activities for marketing interns. The very structured, yet flexible, program allows students to get hands-on experience in a professional setting.
- Duration: Varies
- Requirements: Open to high school students, 10-15 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
- Application deadline: Varies
2. KP Launch High School Internship Program (Sales & Marketing Track)
Through the KP Launch High School Internship Program, Kaiser Permanente offers interns a chance to work in its varied careers, including sales and marketing. Internship work on real projects contributes to the organization through participation in weekly professional development workshops. These topics include a wide variety of subjects, such as career exploration, resume building, and interview skills. At the core of the program is mentorship: each intern will have a mentor who will guide them in their professional growth and help them adjust to the workplace.
- Duration: Summer
- Requirements: Students aged 16-19
- Application deadline: January 2nd
3. The Met Internship Program for High School Students
The Met Internship Program allows high school students to gain hands-on experience in the Museum’s various departments, including marketing. Participants will discover what goes into the workings of a major cultural institution, and how marketing is key to engaging the public and promoting the events taking place there. Professional development sessions for career advice, resume writing, and other basic skills are included, such as “Career Labs.”. This will be a perfect experience for students whose background and interests are in arts marketing and museum studies.
- Duration: Year-round or Summer
- Requirements: High school juniors and seniors based in and around New York City
- Application deadline: October for year-round internships; March for summer internships
4. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)
It is a highly selective program—the Spark SIP, with an acceptance rate of less than 5%. It includes internships in topics such as engineering sales and marketing. Interns will take up projects related to market research, digital marketing, and content creation, focusing on sales strategies in areas of their interest under professional guidance. This will suit students seeking a deep understanding of how to apply the concepts of marketing in a competitive environment.
- Duration: 6–12 weeks in the summer
- Requirements: High school students
- Application deadline: May
5. NASA OSTEM Marketing Internships
The internship offered by NASA in the Office of STEM Engagement provides an opportunity for high school students to engage in various marketing-related projects within one of the most prestigious organizations in the world. Interns may be involved in promoting education programs and communicating with the public via their media, as well as creating marketing materials. This internship is a great opportunity for students to blend their passions regarding space and science with marketing skills and is, therefore, very special for all students in high school.
- Duration: 10-week program starting in late May or early June
- Requirements: Full-time high school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Application deadline: February 2nd
6. Warner Bros Reach Honors Program
The Warner Bros. Reach Honorship Program offers interns the chance to intern in many other sectors of entertainment, including marketing. There are several projects oriented toward film and television marketing, social media campaigns, and promotional events. This opportunity gives insight into how marketing strategies are designed and brought into action within one of the major entertainment companies—a valuable experience for students with an interest in media and entertainment marketing.
- Duration: Summer
- Requirements: High school students in the Los Angeles area
- Application deadline: Typically early in the year
7. Building U Marketing Internship
Building U provides high school students with flexible marketing internships and the opportunity to work on various projects in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation. Interns can work remotely, which is extremely convenient for any student who needs flexibility in their schedule. The program is designed to foster practical skills directly relevant to the pursuit of a marketing career and provides access to mentors who can guide and provide feedback along the way.
- Duration: Varies
- Requirements: High school students with an interest in marketing
- Application deadline: Rolling
8. Interns4-Good
Interns4-Good connects high school students with non-profit organizations in need of help with marketing and other project areas. This internship provides an opportunity for students to get experience while giving back. This could involve developing a marketing strategy, managing social media, or creating promotional items. It is the perfect opportunity for any student who wants to link his or her interest in marketing with a passion for community service.
- Duration: Varies
- Requirements: High school students interested in volunteering and gaining internship experience
- Application deadline: Rolling
9. StandOut Connect
StandOut Connect is supported by the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Innovation. Students are matched with internships in their interests, such as marketing. With this program, students can work on real projects, collect professional experience, and build their resumes. If desired, there is flexibility to continue with the work beyond the initial two-month period for flexibility and the ability for extended learning.
- Duration: Summer, Spring, Fall, or Winter
- Requirements: Students aged 15-19
- Application deadline: Varies
10. PHC Group, LLC Mary Miller Summer Program
The PHC Group, LLC Mary Miller Summer Program offers paid internships that are available in leadership and marketing experience in a global team setting. Interns work on social media projects, community interactions, and technical support under the leadership of their seniors. The program is designed to ensure personal development in marketing skills and leadership abilities, hence offering great opportunities for students looking to grow in their respective areas.
- Duration: Summer
- Requirements: Students aged 16-18
- Application deadline: Rolling
Internships: Your Future
These ten marketing internships offer high school students an incredible opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop professional skills, and get a head start in their marketing careers. By participating in these programs, students can build a strong foundation in various marketing disciplines, connect with industry professionals, and gain insights that textbooks alone can’t provide.
But what does this mean for you?
It means you’re not just learning about marketing; you’re living it. You’ll be able to see the direct impact of your work, learn from experienced mentors, and discover which areas of marketing excite you the most. These internships provide a stepping stone to college and future career opportunities, giving you a competitive edge.
Don’t wait to start building your future.
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Your journey begins now. Take the leap and embark on an exciting path to success.