Minnesota high school internships offer students a great chance for hands-on learning and real-life work experience. Most of these semester, year-long, or summer internships in Minnesota are offered by state departments or private companies, while others are part-time and held throughout the year.
Minnesota is among the top states for Fortune 500 companies in the US. So students can choose to work for private corporations like Target or state departments like the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Below we will explore a list of the best internships for high school students in Minnesota.
Are There Summer Internships in Minnesota for High Schoolers?
There are plenty of summer internships in Minnesota for high school students. You can find internships in industries such as construction, healthcare, and public works. Mayo Clinic, one of the largest companies in Minnesota, also offers internship opportunities for high schoolers.
Top Internships for High School Students in Minnesota
| Internship Program | Organization | Compensation | Type |
| CNC Operator Intern | Bowman Tool and Machining | $18.00 hourly (Glassdoor estimate) | Weekend Shift |
| Environmental Services Technician | Mayo Clinic | $17.00 hourly | After School |
| High School Construction Summer Internship | Kraus-Anderson Construction Company | $17.00 hourly (LinkedIn estimate) | Summer |
| High School Engineering Intern | Crow Wing County | $13.00 hourly | Summer |
| Intern at Jenie-O Turkey Store – Ridgewater’s Internship 2022 | Hormel Foods Family of Companies | $33.00 Hourly (Lensa estimate) | Afterschool and summer |
| MCTC Student Intern | Hennepin Healthcare | $15.00 hourly | Summer |
| Operations Summer Intern | Fenix Group SPC | $18.00 hourly (average) | Summer |
| Park Intern | Public Works Department | $18.35 hourly | After school |
| Retail Management Intern | Kwik Trip Inc | $14.27 hourly | After school (with summer option)l |
| Sales and Marketing Intern – Work on the Lake! Summer 2022 | Waterfront Restoration | $17.00 hourly | Summer (with afterschool training period) |
Summer Internships in Minnesota for High Schoolers: More Info
High School Construction Summer Internship | Kraus-Anderson Construction Company
- Compensation: $17.00 hourly (estimate)
- Application Requirements: Interest in a career in the construction industry, at least 18 years of age, a graduating high school senior
Kraus-Anderson is a family-owned, construction management company headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. This internship is meant for graduating high school seniors interested in the construction field. During the internship, they will learn the day-to-day responsibilities of various roles by shadowing project managers and coordinators, superintendents, estimators, and safety teams.
High School Engineering Intern | Crow Wing County
- Compensation: $13.00 hourly
- Application Requirements: At least 16 years of age, must have a valid driver’s license with a clean record, must submit an official recommendation from a school official
This internship is perfect for high school students in their junior year. The High School Engineering Intern program is a government internship at the Crow Wing County Highway Department in Brainerd, Minnesota. Students interested in civil engineering can get hands-on experience in duties like roadside data gathering or material testing. It’s a part-time position with up to 24 hours per week from Monday through Thursday.
Operations Summer Intern | Fennix Group SPC
- Compensation: $18.00 hourly
- Application Requirements: A senior in high school or with a high school diploma, an interest in a career in operations, supply chain management, or logistics, have the availability for on-site work in Minnetonka, MN
This two-part internship program consists of day-to-day work and several summer long projects. Students will work with the director of manufacturing, operations leaders, inventory control, and purchasing departments. The summer-long project requires participation in 5-S projects to increase work efficiency and organization across operations.
Sales and Marketing Intern – Work on the Lake! Summer 2022 | Waterfront Restoration LLC
- Compensation: $17.00 hourly
- Application Requirements: High school diploma or enrollment, excellent communication skills, familiarity with Microsoft Excel functions and formulas, the ability to multitask and perform time management under tight deadlines, must have a valid driver’s license with a clean record
This is a hybrid internship with 10-15 hours of part-time remote work per week during training in March and April. Then, from May to August, the position becomes full-time in Minneapolis. The job involves working with the director of sales and director of marketing to learn customer relationship management, networking, marketing analysis, indoor sales, and outdoor sales.
Other Minnesota High School Internships: More Info
CNC Operator Intern | Bowman Tool and Machining
- Length: Unspecified
- Compensation: $18.00 hourly
- Application Requirements: High school students that possess technical and mechanical capacity, mathematical skills, attendance, and communication proficiency
This internship is for college and high school students in Rochester, Minnesota. The computerized numerical control (CNC) operator inspects, detects, and reports defective materials. They also maintain equipment, follow safety procedures, and complete paperwork. The work schedule is planned around the student’s school schedule.
Environmental Services Technician | Mayo Clinic
- Length: 10 hours per week (after school)
- Compensation: $17.00 hourly
- Application Requirements: Must be ages 16-17 years old and attending high school, proficiency in communication in English, an independent worker with the ability to follow directions
Mayo Clinic offers high school interns the opportunity to intern with them in short shifts after school, from two to six hours in duration. Students work with the hospital’s environmental services department to ensure a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Previous customer service experience is preferred.
Intern at Jennie-O Turkey Store – Ridgewater’s Internship 2022 | Hormel Foods Family of Companies
- Length: 4 weeks or entire school year
- Compensation: $33.00 hourly (average)
- Application Requirements: Must be a high school student skilled in communication, critical thinking, learning strategies, monitoring, and complex problem solving
Interns learn to manage farm work, assist with barn preparation for new flock placement, and maintain reports and records. It’s a hybrid program where students can participate in the internship on a full-time basis over one summer month or part-time after school throughout the school year, with a summer work option.
MCTC Student Intern | Hennepin Healthcare
- Compensation: $15.00 hourly
- Application Requirements: Must be a current participant in the MCTC High School Internship program, provide proof of GED, high school diploma, or active student status
This six month internship is offered by the Minneapolis Community and Technical College under the department of Family Health. Program participants are expected to do entry-level jobs like photocopies, data entry, and admin logs. Ideal applicants will have good verbal communication skills, a relatable personality, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Park Intern | Public Works Department
- Length: 12-16 weeks
- Compensation: $18.35 hourly
- Application Requirements: At least 18 years old high school graduate, equivalent or current student, valid driver’s license with clean record
This state internship program is conducted under the supervision of the Sherburne County parks coordinator. Interns are responsible for park maintenance activities like maintaining trails, parks, and kiosks. Conducting natural resources management practices and supporting park programming efforts are also part of the intern’s duties.
Retail Management Intern | Kwik Trip Inc.
- Length: Variable
- Compensation: $13.99 hourly (minimum)
- Application Requirements: For graduating seniors in high school with a high aptitude for learning, Microsoft Office competency, and excellent communication skills
Interns will support Kwik Trip’s retail management department at Apple Valley, MN. They will also be exposed to various leadership styles and other concepts such as marketing, inventory control, accounting, auditing, ordering, and HR responsibilities. A minimum 20 hours per week from Monday to Sunday is required during the school year and 40 hours per week during school break.
Benefits of Minnesota High School Internships
Practical Learning
Succeeding in school and succeeding at work requires a different set of skills. Internships equip students with the much-needed practical and professional skills required to succeed in a work environment. In addition, Minnesota high school internships offer students a way to experience the career trajectory in their desired field and determine whether it’s the right fit as their future career.
Networking Opportunity
Minnesota is a great place to make connections with the top corporations. There are 18 Fortune 500 companies in the state and multiple networking events happening, mainly around the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Interns get to attend such events, mingle with the best in the field, and have a chance to get noticed for future opportunities.
Competitive Edge
With the competitive job market in the US, students need to stand out to get hired. While hundreds of other applicants apply for the same position, having an internship with relevant work experience will put you above everyone else. It’s even more likely that you could get hired by a company where you have previously interned.
Should I Apply to Minnesota High School Internships?
Yes, you should. It can be tempting to opt for a job that hires high schoolers but internships offered by the state or private institutions prove more fruitful in the long run. Most internships in Minnesota will give you an opportunity to learn practical skills for the job market while getting paid for it. They also help to improve your chances of getting hired in related fields in the future.
Minnesota High School Internships FAQ
The best internships for high school students are the ones that really prepare you for the job market, not just for academia. Top internships leave students with new knowledge, practical skills, and a good work ethic. Internships that are in a student’s desired future field of employment are also great choices.
You should start applying for internships six months in advance of the starting date. The most prestigious internships have more prolonged application procedures, so you need to plan ahead. Your chances of being selected can improve if you apply early. Keep an eye on the application opening dates and deadlines to be sure you apply on time.
No, not all high school internships are paid. Sometimes, compensation is provided in terms of high school or college credit, experience, or the possibility of future full-time work. However, many high school internships are paid through government funding or private businesses.
Yes, high school internships look good for college. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, many employers hire directly from their internship programs. So you can get a job right after high school or college if you have relevant experience in your field through internships.
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