<p>I browsed around CC for a long time looking for the right forum...I hope I got that part right :P</p>
<p>I'm a high school student, and I am gravitating towards sciences. I am wondering how would one get a position as an intern/assistant at a lab? I live in the silicon valley, close to some prestigious universities, so I'm pretty sure these opportunities exist. But I'm not quite sure how to get started. I mean, do I just go knocking on a professor's office and say "hey can I intern for you?" That seems a little awkward to me...I don't know...hahaa. Anyone that did laboratory research in their high school years, can you help me out?</p>
<p>I worked in a neuroscience lab at a local university for two years in high school. I got the position by e-mailing a professor and asking if he needed any volunteers in his lab. Don’t expect to get a paid position with no previous experience – your chances will be best if you offer to work for free. Be polite and make it clear that you’d be willing to do whatever the professor needs. Best of luck! 
:)</p>
<p>So I just send them an email? It seems a bit intimidating hahahaaa. I always had a notion that they would be too busy. Ahhhh I’m nervous! 
I sent you a PM :)</p>
<p>Ask your parents if they have any contacts in local universities that could provide a pointer. Also ask your teachers if they have any contacts. You could also try department heads at your school.</p>
<p>Send out an email. It is a lot better to get positions without connections in my experience. It is more genuine if someone accepts you because they want you than as a favor to your connection. Trust me, I have experienced this. Email as many professors as possible whose work you find interesting and see who accepts you.</p>
<p>So this university also offers summer science programs. Would it be okay if I applied to those summer programs, in addition to contacting the professors? I really do want a job at a lab for practical experience, but I don’t want to annoy the university.</p>