Summer Opportunities for High School Students
With the summer break for high school students fast approaching, many are thinking about what to do over the summer. There are lots of great ways to spend your summer — apart from relaxing, of course. To help you plan your summer, we asked members of the OYMS team for their advice. Here’s what they had to say:
A Time of Exploration: Figuring Out Your Future Career
There’s arguably no better time than high school to truly cast your net far and wide and explore everything. Ever had a slight interest in business that you’ve never pursued? Now’s the time to explore it! What about some interest in law? Look into a nearby (or online) career panel or workshop and learn more about what could become your future career.
As one OYMS member pointed out, cold emailing is a great way to explore. If you’re interested in talking to those pursuing careers you’d like to know more about or pursue yourself, shoot them an email. Most people are more than happy to help out an eager high school student.
If you’re looking into specific programs to help you explore, you may want to take a look at programs offered by SHAD and League of Innovators.
Volunteering
This is a great way both to keep exploring your interests and give back to your community. OYMS members suggest volunteering at a local dentist or clinic, hospital, community centres, food banks, and shelters. It can sometimes be difficult to find work as a high school student, especially in a field you’re interested in, so volunteering is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door and gain relevant experience.
Returning to the topic of cold emailing, this can also be a great way to create volunteering opportunities for yourself. If there are no official volunteer postings at a clinic, for instance, don’t be afraid to call or email them and offer to volunteer; many will certainly take you up on the offer.
Working
Now, how about paid, working jobs! At this age, working alongside doctors, dentists, and other medical practitioners seems near impossible, however, there are some positions that allow for this and that can offer a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience! Positions such as medical office administrators, hospital administrative aides, or pharmacy clerks provide a closer look at the healthcare environment while also earning pocket money. Roles like these allow high school students to interact with a variety of medical professionals, understand different patient care processes, and develop routine essential skills like medical software, patient labs/medical history, as well as empathy and communication.
Simply contact your family doctor, dentist, or even orthodontist to ask if they are looking for administrative assistants or helpers! Since they already know you for who you are, you’ll have a better chance of securing a spot!
Planning Ahead
As always, the number one rule to achieving your goals is that it’s never too early to start planning! Whether you’re eyeing a volunteer gig at the local hospital, or a job in a bustling clinic, getting a head start means getting to your goals one step at a time. Volunteering in hospitals or clinics not only look fantastic on your university application but also gives you an early firsthand look at the day-to-day operations of healthcare professionals, allowing you to slowly navigate your route and focus on which area of science you’re most interested in!
About the Authors
Alice Zhou is a dedicated university student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences at the University of Western Ontario. She is an aspiring dental/research student and is hoping to make a strong, positive impact on others! Find her on LinkedIn.
Parmin Sedigh is a stem cell and science communications enthusiast. She’s also a first-year student at the University of Toronto, studying life sciences. You can usually find her on her computer following her curiosity. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
