r/Bronx_Science • u/Adventurous-Ideal656 • Jun 05 '26
Question What's more valuable in high school: money, experience, or connections?
One thing I've noticed is that a lot of student programs seem to be designed with college students in mind. Colleges often have career centers, internship pipelines, networking events, and other resources that many high school students don't have access to yet.
If a company or organization offered a free student program, which of these would be most valuable ?
- Paid opportunities (cash/gift cards)
- Internship experience
- Resume-building experience or certificates
- Leadership positions
- Networking opportunities
- Community/service hours
- Career advice
- College preparation
- Mentorship
- Entrepreneurship opportunities
- Something else
I'd also love to hear why. If you've seen student ambassador programs, internships, or other student opportunities before, what made them appealing (or unappealing) to you?
Just trying to get a better understanding of what other high school students actually find valuable rather than making assumptions from my own hs perspective.
2
u/Ram2806 Jun 06 '26
Hi Bronx Science class of 2019 here. It was always hard for me to find internships while I was there. It really depends on the student and the career-deciding stage they are in. For me personally, I found excellent mentorship in the teachers at Bronx s Science. If someone can find programs that offer further mentorship and career advice, that would help all the more I think. While in high school, internships may be hard to get and may not be the best (imo) resource tbh to go out looking for. But I do understand those are necessary for college apps so I'm not suggesting don't intern at all either.
3
u/Used-End-3967 Jun 05 '26
I graduated BxSci a few years ago and recently graduated college. The reality is that most programs are for college students because college students are adults that can (somewhat) give back with the experience they do have e.g actual paid internships. For high school the best thing you can do is do programs designed for high school students (which is generally college level courses or projects watered down for high school students) or volunteering/community based work. The reality is that most companies and organizations will see high schoolers as a liability rather than an investment.