The Best Internships for Teens (and What I’ve Learned from Getting Rejected)

The Best Internships for Teens (and What I’ve Learned from Getting Rejected)

When I tell people I’ve interned at a newspaper, a gear company, and a historical society all before turning 19, they usually ask two questions:

1. How did you find those internships?

2. How did you get them to say yes?

The truth is, I’ve had both wins and rejections—and I’ve learned just as much from both. So if you’re a teenager trying to build real-world skills, develop a portfolio, or just get a foot in the door, this post is for you.

My First Internship: Telling Island Stories

I grew up on a small island in Maine—like really small. One-room-schoolhouse, ferry-to-get-groceries kind of small. But even there, I found opportunities.

One of my first real experiences was an internship with the Cliff Island Historical Society, where I ran their social media and interviewed longtime residents. It taught me a lot: how to listen, how to ask better questions, how to find a story where most people might not think to look.

I didn’t need to live in a city or have connections—I just needed curiosity and the courage to reach out.

The Working Waterfront: Real Journalism (With Real Deadlines)

The next big step for me was Working Waterfront, a respected monthly paper covering the Casco Bay area. I got to do investigative journalism and interview influential Mainers. The stories were meaningful, and so was the pressure.

I spent hours reworking paragraphs, tightening my writing, and learning how to make editors’ notes feel like gifts instead of criticism. This internship helped me find my voice—and develop the grit to keep improving it.

Flowfold: When Journalism Meets Marketing

I also worked with Flowfold, a Maine-based company that makes minimalist gear. I helped create content and manage their social media—something I’d never done professionally. It gave me experience working with a brand voice, writing copy, and understanding how storytelling and marketing go hand in hand.

When I Didn’t Get the Gig (And Why That’s OK)

Of course, not every application led to a success story. I applied for internships at NPR, The New York Times, and a few others. I didn’t get in. And that stung.

But here’s what I realized: rejection isn’t the end. It’s feedback. Sometimes the fit isn’t right. Sometimes someone more experienced gets the spot. But every application, even the ones that didn’t work out, made my next one stronger.

How to Land a Great Internship as a Teen

Here’s what’s worked for me—and what might work for you:

1. Start Local

Look for newspapers, nonprofits, or businesses in your town. Email them directly, explain your skills and interest, and offer to help.

2. Tell Your Story

Your life experience is your resume. I told editors about growing up on an island, traveling through the Bahamas, Mexico, and Costa Rica, and being homeschooled by my parents. That stood out more than any bullet point ever could.

3. Build a Body of Work

Start a blog, newsletter, or social account where you create and share your own content. It shows initiative, and that matters more than a fancy resume.

4. Be Persistent (and Polite)

Follow up on emails. Say thank you. Be honest about what you want to learn, but also show what you can offer.

5. Apply Big Anyway

Yes, you might get rejected by NPR or the Times. But applying helps you practice—and who knows? You might surprise yourself.

Where to Look

• Local newspapers or radio stations

• Small businesses or startups looking for marketing help

• Museums, libraries, or historical societies

• Newsletter or podcast companies (like Morning Brew—which I’ve read every morning since COVID lockdowns)

• Programs like NPR’s Student Internship, New York Times Summer Internship, or PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs

Final Thoughts

Internships aren’t just about building a resume—they’re about building you. Each one has helped me become more confident, more capable, and more curious.

If you’re a teen wondering if you’re ready to step into the “real world,” trust me: you already have something valuable to offer. You just have to start.

And if you ever want advice—or want to compare rejection stories—feel free to reach out. I’ve got plenty.