<p>I'm sure most of the kids will probably relax and chill before college, but I actually want to take a job or possibly some paid internships during the summer. But it seems almost impossible to find one in this economy without parental connections. Last year I didn't even get a job from the McDonald's. If you think it's a great idea to go out and work as an intern, where should I go? I just wished there will be more summer programs for the raising college freshman. (I don't want to do research-related programs)</p>
<p>Sorry kiddo, there just aren’t all that many internships available, even for college freshman. It’s a commitment for companies to invest in personnel and then have another person act as mentor. More than likely, companies don’t want to invest in that kind of expenditure if it’s not available after August.</p>
<p>If you can nab anything doing any kind of research, even research, grab it. Why not?</p>
<p>For other ideas, see this post
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<p>Because I have done science research the for two consecutive summers and I really wish to do something different than research. Thank you for the post link!</p>
<p>My D is a high school senior who will be starting college this fall. She plans to major in computer science. As a senior this year, she has had the opportunity to intern at a nationally top ranked university research facility. Her mentor just invited her to work for him as a college summer intern. Although most of the interns are rising college junior and seniors, her mentor must feel that she is capable of performing the work. She is very excited about this outstanding opportunity. Plus, how many high school seniors will be making $25/hour!</p>
<p>I was worried that she would have too much time on her hands this summer before this internship was offered to her, but problem solved!</p>
<p>I’d take the research internship.</p>
<p>The Breakthrough Collaborative hires a few high school students, at least in our city. But I think it may be too late to apply for this summer.</p>
<p>Friends/contacts of your parents or parents of your friends is really the best way. I actually think it’s a good idea - my sister did an internship the summer before college, which allowed her to get an internship the summer after her freshman year (most students can’t get internships that year either), etc etc until by the time she graduates this year, she will have done 9 internships (at a non co-op school), with progressively more responsibility in each one, and has received several job offers already.</p>
<p>But the best way to find one is to put together a resume, don’t be afraid to do the really massively boring data entry/getting coffee grunt work and ask your parents if they could pass it along, and ask your friends if any of their parents would hire you.</p>