Internships & youth jobs

1. 1

   Know the rules for working under 18

   Federal law sets the youngest age for most jobs, limits hours for 14- and 15-year-olds, and bans some dangerous jobs for everyone under 18. States can have stricter rules, including work permits.

   • Read the YouthRules pages for young workers and parents.
   • Check your state's labor office for work permits and hour limits.

   U.S. Department of Labor: YouthRules(opens dol.gov in a new tab)U.S. Department of Labor: State labor offices(opens dol.gov in a new tab)
2. 2

   Find a first job or summer job

   Early jobs build skills, references, and confidence. Many cities and states run summer youth job programs, and American Job Centers offer youth programs in many areas.

   • Ask the school counselor and your city or county about summer youth job programs.
   • Visit a local American Job Center and ask about youth services.
   • Write a simple first resume listing school activities, volunteering, and any work.

   Find an American Job Center (CareerOneStop)(opens careeronestop.org in a new tab)Youth.gov(opens youth.gov in a new tab)

   Resume and documents guide
3. 3

   Explore careers that fit

   Career explorers match interests to real jobs and show what training each one needs and what it typically pays.

   • Try the free My Next Move interest quiz.
   • Look up the training each interesting job needs.

   My Next Move (career explorer, U.S. Department of Labor)(opens mynextmove.org in a new tab)CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)(opens careeronestop.org in a new tab)
4. 4

   Federal internships for students

   The federal Pathways Internship Program hires current students in paid roles at many agencies. Some interns may later be offered a permanent job.

   • Read the USAJOBS page on jobs for students and recent graduates.
   • On USAJOBS, filter by the "Students" hiring path and save the search.
   • Read each announcement carefully. It says who may apply, and the agency decides who is qualified and who is selected.

   USAJOBS: Jobs for students and recent graduates(opens usajobs.gov in a new tab)OPM: Students and recent graduates (Pathways)(opens opm.gov in a new tab)

   Federal Job Application Lessons
5. 5

   Internships with private employers

   Companies, hospitals, nonprofits, and local governments also offer internships. Some are paid; unpaid internships have legal limits.

   • Ask the college or high school career center for listings.
   • Prefer paid internships, and read the YouthRules guidance on interns and pay.

   U.S. Department of Labor: YouthRules(opens dol.gov in a new tab)
6. 6

   Apprenticeships: earn while you learn

   Registered apprenticeships combine paid work with training and lead to a recognized credential. Many are in skilled trades, health care, and technology.

   • Search for apprenticeships by location and field on Apprenticeship.gov.
   • Ask an American Job Center about pre-apprenticeship programs.

   Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)(opens apprenticeship.gov in a new tab)
7. 7

   Service programs

   AmeriCorps programs place young adults in community service roles. Many offer a living allowance and an education award for school costs or student loans.

   • Browse current opportunities on AmeriCorps.gov.

   AmeriCorps (americorps.gov)(opens americorps.gov in a new tab)
8. 8

   Avoid fake job and internship offers

   Scammers target students with fake jobs that ask for fees, bank details, or for you to deposit checks and send money back.

   • Never pay to get a job or internship.
   • Never deposit a check from an employer you haven't met and send part of the money back.
   • Confirm federal jobs on USAJOBS or the agency's .gov website.

   FTC: Job scams(opens consumer.ftc.gov in a new tab)

   Stay Safe guide

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