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An internshipship is an opportunity to work in a field that interests you, gain valuable work experience, enhance your college resume, and possibly even earn some extra money.

While internships are more commonly available to college students, it may be possible to get an internship when you’re still in high school.

Read on to learn more about high school internships, including how they work, their pros and cons, and how to find one.

What Is the Purpose of an Internship?

An internship is a temporary position that’s often related to a student’s academic field of study or career interests. It offers students a chance to apply lessons learned in the classroom in a professional setting, while also developing additional skills. Internships also give students an opportunity to make connections in their field of interest and determine if they want to pursue further study and a career in that area. Internships also give employers the opportunity to discover and develop future talent.

💡 Quick Tip: Some lenders help you pay down your student loans sooner with reward points you earn along the way.

The Duties of an Intern

The duties of an intern vary from job to job. For example, those interning at a doctor’s office might shadow medical professionals and take notes on patient visits. Those interning at a marketing firm might sit in on marketing meetings and assist in any communication needs.

An internship experience can be somewhat similar to an entry-level employee position. However, there is typically an educational component. The point is to learn more about the career path, not just get coffee or file the office mail (though you may be asked to do this, too).

Recommended: Is Getting A Degree In Marketing Worth It?

Pros and Cons of High School Internships

There are plenty of pros when it comes to getting internship experiences in high school. For one, an internship allows you to learn about a particular career path without having to commit to a lifelong job.

Learning about a path early on could help you determine whether you want to go to college (rather than directly enter the working world) and help you decide what you’d like to study in school.

Another pro of completing an internship in high school is gaining new experiences and skills. An internship allows you to learn from professionals and add relevant skills to your resume. This can give you a leg up in applying for jobs in the future.

And, of course, all this experience and new learning make for excellent items to add to any potential college applications.
A potential downside to seeking an internship in high school is that they can be hard to find. In addition, the position may not be paid, and might be time-consuming, taking time away from other obligations like homework, studying for SATs, and applying to college.)

Recommended: What is the Hardest Year of High School?

Finding the Right Internship

Finding the perfect internship is a wholly personal experience. A good first step is to consider your interests in both the near and far term. By thinking about career paths you might be interested in, you might identify internship opportunities around you.

However, not every young person knows, or believes they know, exactly what they want to do in the future. But you may have a general interest. For example, if your favorite class is English, an internship at a local newspaper may make sense. If you’re interested in nature, an internship with a local parks and recreation group may make a good fit.

If you’re a high schooler, make a shortlist of interests and sit down with a parent or guardian to identify careers that may fit within these bounds.

Next, it’s time to identify a few companies you might be interested in interning with. Search around for companies near you that may be taking interns. From there, check out career pages on the individual companies to see if they have internship listings. If they don’t, try emailing the company to get in touch with the human resource (HR) department to see what may be available.

One quick tip: While researching and reaching out about internships, make sure to stay realistic about the time commitment. If an internship takes place during the school year, you may only be available in afternoons. Ensure the hiring manager knows the hours you’re available before committing to any long-term work.

Recommended: 10 Ways to Prepare for College

Resources to Find Internships in High School

While there isn’t any centralized listing location for internships for high school students, there are still plenty of places to find information on opportunities.

Schools: You can reach out to school resources like guidance counselors, principals, and individual teachers who may know of companies worth looking into.

Individual companies: Again, seek out information from company websites and reach out to human resource departments to see what may be available.

Job search websites: Check out job search websites, such as Linkedin and Indeed, and search for “Internships in [specific field here].” Make sure to search by location to ensure the internship is nearby.

Friends and family: This is the simplest tip — just ask around. Friends and family members are the ultimate social and work network. Make it known you’re looking for an internship and ask people for their advice on just where to look.

Recommended: College Planning Guide for High School Students

Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Internship

After figuring out your interests, asking your network, and finding an internship opportunity, you may think the work is done. However, there are still a few more questions to ask.

Before accepting an internship offer, make sure to ask about the full details. What are the hours? What can you expect to learn while on the job? What are the specific job duties and how will you be evaluated along the way? Will there be opportunities for mentorship? And finally, one of the most important questions: Is the internship paid?

💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

Scoring a paid internship isn’t a guarantee, but it’s not a completely far-fetched idea either. If a paid internship isn’t available, you can always ask about an exchange for class credit. Unpaid internships are a hotly contested issue so just make sure to do whatever feels right and comfortable for your situation.

Also keep in mind that even a paid internship likely won’t pay enough to make a major dent in your college expenses (though it can help).

If you’re concerned about how you and your family will pay for the cost of tuition, a good first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with your family. This will let you know if you are eligible for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans. If those do not cover your costs, you may also consider private student loans.

Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Medical expenses can get very large very quickly, especially if you get sick, are in an accident, or have an ongoing health issue. In fact, medical bills are one of the leading reasons why people go into debt and file for bankruptcy.

One way to help protect both your health and your financial well-being is to purchase health insurance.

While these plans also have costs associated with them — in the form of premiums, deductibles, copays, and other fees — buying coverage can often be worth the investment.

Finding the right plan for your needs and budget, however, can sometimes be daunting. And, if you’re shopping for health insurance for the first time, it may seem like these companies are speaking an entirely different language.

Fortunately, we’re here to help guide you through all the health insurance basics you need to know when shopping for insurance plans, whether it’s through the federal marketplace, an employer, or directly through an insurance company.

What Does Health Insurance Cover?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, made covering certain health care services a requirement for all health insurance plans available to consumers.

These required services are known as the 10 health essential benefits. These 10 categories of services include:

•  Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care that you can receive without being admitted to a hospital)
•  Emergency services
•  Hospitalization for surgery, overnight stays, and other conditions
•  Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care
•  Mental health and substance use disorder services
•  Prescription drugs
•  Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (treatment and devices that help people gain mental and physical skills after an injury or chronic condition)
•  Laboratory services
•  Preventive and wellness services
•  Pediatric services, including dental and vision coverage for children

Different Types of Private Health Insurance

Unless you qualify for insurance administered by federal or state governments such as Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you will be in the market for private health insurance, which refers to any health care plan offered by a health insurance company.

These options typically include:

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Also sometimes referred to as “group insurance,” employer-provided health insurance plans are private plans purchased and managed by your employer.

Employer-sponsored plans need to follow the same rules as other private insurance plans and cover the 10 essential benefits listed above.

Because employer-sponsored health insurance covers a large group of people, premiums are generally more affordable than a comparable individual plan. Plus, in many cases, employers cover a portion of your premium costs, which can make this option even more affordable.

Recommended: Choosing an Individual Health Insurance Plan

Exchange-Based Insurance

While federal and state governments oversee the ACA exchanges, the insurance is offered through private health insurance companies. As a result, exchange-based coverage is considered private insurance.

Depending on your income, however, you may qualify for premium assistance through your state or the federal government when you purchase insurance through an exchange.

Exchanged-based insurance is divided into four metal tiers: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. The tiers do not necessarily reflect quality of service in the plans, but rather how much you’ll pay in premiums and other out-of-pocket costs.

With bronze plans, for instance, you’ll typically pay higher deductibles and copays but lower premiums. Platinum plans generally charge the highest premiums, but you’ll usually pay the least in out-of-pocket costs. Silver and gold tend to land somewhere in between.

Off-Exchange Insurance

This is a health care plan provided by a private insurance company that is sold separate from the exchanges. It may be purchased through an insurance broker or agent or directly from the insurance company.

Off-exchange plans must cover the 10 essential benefits and follow other rules dictated by the ACA — meaning you don’t have to worry about any loopholes or “gotchas” on off-exchange plans.

With off-exchange insurance, however, there are no government-funded premium subsidies. Also, insurers don’t have to offer a plan at every metal tier. They can offer just one type of health insurance plan.

Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term plans are designed to provide temporary emergency coverage when you are between health plans or outside of enrollment periods.

Depending on what state you live in, short-term coverage can last up to 12 months, sometimes with the possibility of renewal for up to 36 months.

Short-term plans do not need to be ACA compliant. As a result, these plans do not have to provide essential coverage, most notably, coverage for preexisting conditions. Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs can also be significantly higher than traditional health plans.

Short-term health insurance may still be worth buying to cover a short coverage gap of one or two months if, say, you’re looking for a new job or a new job has a waiting period before your health insurance kicks in. Many large health insurers offer short-term options.

Understanding the Different Types of Plans

Whether you get insurance through your employer, through an exchange, or directly through a health insurance company, you will likely be able to choose between several different types of plans.

You’re also likely to encounter some confusing acronyms while shopping, like HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, or POS plans. Understanding what these letters mean can be important. The kind of plan you choose can have a big impact on your out-of-pocket costs and which doctors you can see.

Here’s a rundown of the various forms of health insurance.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

These plans generally limit coverage to healthcare providers who are under contract with the HMO.

You typically need to have a referral from your primary care doctor to receive care from a specialist or other provider in the HMO network. Care from providers out of the HMO network is generally not covered, except in the case of an emergency.

HMO plans typically have cheaper premiums than other types of private health insurance plans.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

PPOs are typically less restrictive than HMOs when it comes to accessing your network of providers and getting care from outside the plan’s network.

You will likely have the option to choose between an in-network doctor, who you can see at a lower cost, or an out-of-network doctor at a higher cost. Usually, no referrals are necessary to see a specialist.

PPO plans typically have more expensive premiums than HMOs.

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)

EPO plans are usually a mix between HMO plans and PPO plans.

EPO plans typically give you the option of seeing a specialist without a referral. However, they generally do not cover out-of-network physicians.

EPO plans tend to have more expensive premiums than HMOs, but may have less expensive premiums than PPOs.

Point of Service (POS)

POS plans are another hybrid of HMO and PPO plans. Plan members typically pay less for care from network providers. Like an HMO, you may need to get a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist.

POS plans typically have more expensive premiums than pure HMOs, but may have less expensive premiums than PPOs.

High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

This is a health plan that charges a high deductible (such as $1,400 or more for an individual or $2,800 or more for a family). This is what you would have to pay for health care costs before insurance coverage kicks in.

In return for higher deductibles, these plans usually charge lower premiums.

Often, you can combine an HDHP with a tax-advantaged health savings account (HSA). Money saved in an HSA can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses.

You can deduct HSA contributions from your taxes. Plus, earnings typically grow tax-free in the account, and withdrawals used to pay for healthcare are generally not subject to federal taxes.

Recommended: How Do I Start a Health Savings Account?

Catastrophic

These health plans are typically designed to cover only dire circumstances. They tend to have very high deductibles and lower premiums than other plans.

Catastrophic plans can help if you get seriously ill or injured, but you’ll usually pay a large chunk out of pocket for all other healthcare costs.

Catastrophic plans on the exchanges are only available to people under age 30 and people of any age with a hardship or affordability exception.

💡 Quick Tip: Next time you review your budget, consider making room for additional insurance coverage. Think of it as an investment that can help protect you from a major financial loss.

Key Features That Determine How Much You Pay

When you shop for a health insurance plan, it’s important to know which features decide how much you’re actually going to pay for health care.

These out-of-pocket expenses can typically be grouped into five major features of your health insurance plan. These include:

Premium: This is the amount of money you pay to your health insurance company each month to stay enrolled in your plan and keep your coverage.
Deductible: This is how much you need to pay for health care services out of pocket before your health insurance kicks in. Your plan may have a family deductible in addition to individual deductibles. You may want to keep in mind that the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum are two different things (more on that below). Plans with lower premiums tend to have higher deductibles.
Copayment: Often shortened to “copay,” this is a fixed amount that you pay for a specific service or prescription medication. Copayments are one of the ways that health insurers will split costs with you after you hit your deductible. You will pay copayments until you hit your maximum out-of-pocket amount.
Coinsurance: This is another way that health insurers will split costs with you. Unlike a copay, coinsurance usually isn’t a fixed cost. It’s typically a percentage of the cost that you pay for covered services. For example, if you have a coinsurance of 20%, you’ll pay 20% of the cost of covered services until you reach your out-of-pocket maximum.
Out-of-pocket maximum: This refers to the most you’d ever have to pay for covered health care services in a year. Payments made towards your deductible, as well as any copayments and coinsurance payments, generally go toward your out-of-pocket limit. Typically, monthly premiums do not count.

How to Buy Health Insurance

If you are employed and your benefits include health insurance, you may be eligible to buy coverage through your employer, either at your date of hire, during open enrollment season, or if you experience certain qualified changes of status such as a marriage or birth of a child.

Another option is to buy insurance through the exchanges at Healthcare.gov . Here, you can also determine if you qualify for a premium subsidy. You may also be given the option of purchasing a plan through your state’s exchange.

You can sign up for exchange coverage during the annual open enrollment period, which typically runs from November 1 through January 15. (Some states have longer enrollment periods.)

Or, you may qualify for a special enrollment period, which allows you to purchase coverage at any time. Loss of employer-based insurance or a move to another state are examples of situations when you might qualify for a special enrollment period.

You can also buy private insurance plans directly from insurance companies. You can research individual and family plans on insurance company websites or work with an insurance broker who specializes in private coverage. Online insurance brokers are also a place to compare plans and prices.

The Takeaway

Health insurance can protect you from large medical bills should you or a member of your family experience an illness or accident. You may be offered health insurance through your employer. Or, you might choose to buy health insurance through the federal health insurance marketplace or directly from a private health insurer.

When looking for a plan that fits your situation and budget, it’s a good idea to review all costs involved. This includes deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, in addition to premiums. You’ll also want to ensure the network of providers and services that each plan covers fit with your health needs. After all, having the right coverage in place can help you maintain your health and preserve your financial security.

When the unexpected happens, it’s good to know you have a plan to protect your loved ones and your finances. SoFi has teamed up with some of the best insurance companies in the industry to provide members with fast, easy, and reliable insurance.

Coverage and pricing is subject to eligibility and underwriting criteria.
Ladder Insurance Services, LLC (CA license # OK22568; AR license # 3000140372) distributes term life insurance products issued by multiple insurers- for further details see ladderlife.com. All insurance products are governed by the terms set forth in the applicable insurance policy. Each insurer has financial responsibility for its own products.
Ladder, SoFi and SoFi Agency are separate, independent entities and are not responsible for the financial condition, business, or legal obligations of the other, SoFi Technologies, Inc. (SoFi) and SoFi Insurance Agency, LLC (SoFi Agency) do not issue, underwrite insurance or pay claims under LadderlifeTM policies. SoFi is compensated by Ladder for each issued term life policy.
Ladder offers coverage to people who are between the ages of 20 and 60 as of their nearest birthday. Your current age plus the term length cannot exceed 70 years.
All services from Ladder Insurance Services, LLC are their own. Once you reach Ladder, SoFi is not involved and has no control over the products or services involved. The Ladder service is limited to documents and does not provide legal advice. Individual circumstances are unique and using documents provided is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice.

Insurance not available in all states.
Gabi is a registered service mark of Gabi Personal Insurance Agency, Inc.
SoFi is compensated by Gabi for each customer who completes an application through the SoFi-Gabi partnership.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Attending community college is often a much more affordable choice than going to a four-year public or private university. Students and parents can save money both on tuition as well as travel and living expenses, especially if the student lives at home. This can translate into taking out smaller student loans and paying them off sooner after graduation.

Going to a community college also comes with other benefits. Here’s a closer look at why a college-bound student might consider choosing a community college.

What Is a Community College?

A community college, also known as a junior college or two-year college, provides a two-year course of study that either ends with an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree. Alternatively, it can provide the equivalent to the freshman and sophomore years of a four-year college, since credits can typically be transferred and used towards a bachelor’s degree.

Community colleges are located throughout the U.S. and come in varying sizes. You can find large community colleges with multiple campuses in urban and suburban areas, as well as small community colleges in rural settings.

Many community colleges also have technical and vocational programs with close links to local high schools, community groups, and employers.


💡 Quick Tip: Private student loans offer fixed or variable interest rates. So you can get a loan that fits your budget.

Benefits of Attending a Community College

Here’s a look at some of the advantages of going to a community college vs. a four-year college or university.

A Smoother Transition

The transition from high school to college can be challenging, but attending a community college can be easier for some people.

Community college classes are generally smaller and less intimidating. If you prefer smaller class sizes and not having to walk across a large campus daily with thousands (or tens of thousands) of students, then a community college may feel less overwhelming.

Transferring to a four-year college could also be easier for students who have taken classes from a community college.

If you are thinking about using community college as a stepping stone to a four-year school, you may want to find out if the school has a transfer relationship with any four-year colleges, and what GPA and grades are needed to successfully transfer.

If the school doesn’t have a relationship with a college you’re considering, you’ll want to make sure that the credits earned will count at that college.

Flexibility

One reason that many students opt for community college is the flexibility. You can typically take as many classes as you want, and it can vary from semester to semester.

Community colleges also give students the option to enroll when they want, unlike four-year universities, where you typically need to enroll by early fall.

Rolling admissions give students more flexibility in planning their studies, especially if they are working part time or need to save money to pay for tuition and books. The community college website will include key deadlines and requirements, such as transcripts from high school or another college, and any prerequisite classes.

The schedules at community colleges also tend to be more flexible, often allowing a student to work during the day and take classes in the evening.

A Possible Bachelor’s Degree

A growing number of states are allowing some community colleges to offer bachelor’s degree programs. This means students do not always have to transfer to another college after taking classes the first two years. While many of the degrees are focused on a particular industry or skill, community colleges are adding more degree options.

Obtaining a four-year degree at a community college could save a student the time of researching other universities and colleges, transferring credits, having to move, and potentially accruing more student loan debt.

Community colleges are updating the type of degrees offered to meet the needs of the workforce and often include ones in information management, nonprofit management, and health care.

Recommended: A Guide to Choosing the Right College Major

Price Tag

Community college tuition is typically significantly lower than tuition at public and private universities. Some states even offer free community college.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of tuition at an in-district community college is $3,400 per year. For out-of-state students, the average community college tuition is $8,210.

For comparison, yearly tuition at a public university averages $9,678 (for in-state students) and $27,091(for out-of-state students). The average student at a private college or university spends a total of $55,840 per academic year living on campus, $38,768 of it on tuition and fees.

Even if you don’t live at home while attending community college, you may be able to find housing that is less costly than living in a dorm or an off-campus apartment in a college town. Plus, taking classes at a nearby community college gives you the flexibility to work part time and earn some income you can use to cover your college expenses.


💡 Quick Tip: Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.

Financing a Community College Education

You can cover the cost of community college (and potentially two additional years at a traditional college after that) using a combination of savings, help from family, financial aid, and loans.

A great first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will let you know if you are eligible for financial aid, which includes grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans (which may be subsidized or unsubsidized).

You can also help pay for your community college tuition by working at a part- or full-time job while taking classes in the evenings.

If you still have gaps in funding, you may want to look into getting a private student loan. These are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and Public Service Loan forgiveness — that automatically come with federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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