Summer Internships | Ages 16-18

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Real Internships: Real Work Experience

There is no better way to understand a job than by actually doing it. That’s exactly what JKCP Summer Internships offer: a chance to do meaningful, hands-on work in the field of your choice. Get one of the best summer internships in Philadelphia before you head off to college!

You’ll be placed in a professional office or business conveniently located in Greater Philadelphia. And we provide transportation to and from your internship. You’ll have the inside advantage — working 9 to 5 (may vary by internship), Monday through Friday — as you build a network of contacts and develop your resume for the future.

Customized internships for High School Students

You might be interning with a lawyer, developing marketing campaigns, shadowing a doctor, assisting a vet, or involved with high-profile mentors in industries such as:

  • medicine

  • nursing

  • sports management

  • fashion

  • entertainment

  • research

  • culinary arts

  • business

  • finance

  • architecture 

  • law

  • marketing

  • science & technology

This is your chance to explore, discover and experience professional life firsthand in a fast-paced, educational and fun environment.

Imagine Your Future Career Here

Click the internship categories below to see a brief description of what you’ll be doing.

Have another idea for an internship? Let us know and we’ll try to arrange it. Each year we develop new internships based on your ideas.

Architecture

This internship will put you in a busy architectural firm. You’ll discover how a project takes shape, starting with the initial programming based on client needs and budget, and continuing through conceptual renderings, models, engineering and final construction drawings. Discover what it means to be an architect.

Business

Learn about the many intriguing aspects of high finance as you are mentored by a top banking or financial services professional. You might be working in arbitrage, doing research for a bond trader, learning the complex workings of a merger, understanding the implications of currency swaps, or examining an emerging market.

Charitable Enterprises

These internships are with prime movers in education, environmentalism and conservation, civil rights, hunger, poverty, diversity and other social issues. Your internship will let you participate in a larger cause and greater purpose — a worthwhile good deed and distinguished credential on any resumé.

Culinary Arts

This internship will introduce you to the fast-paced world of food service and fine cuisine. You’ll have a chance to learn everything from professional kitchen skills to the basics of restaurant management, including buying for freshness and value, developing a menu, and maintaining consistently high levels of quality and service.

Education

This internship will let you teach, tutor, mentor and make a difference as you work with a charitable society, charter school or service organization running summer programs for Philadelphia school children. You’ll also be learning while you teach, and acquiring firsthand knowledge about the challenges and rewards of a career in the classroom.

Entertainment Industry

The concert hall, TV studio or radio station could be your venue for an immersion in the glittering world of entertainment and media. Whether it involves setting up a concert stage, sitting in on a casting call or working on pre- and post-production for TV, this internship will take you behind the scenes.

Fashion

From boutique showrooms to major clothing brands, Philadelphia is home to an exciting fashion scene. In this internship you may see how a designer works on a single garment or how entire clothing lines are manufactured and marketed.

Hospitality and Hotel Management

From the quiet discretion of the front desk to the never-say-no capabilities of the concierge, this internship will let you see how first-class hotels strive to satisfy their discerning clientele and establish essential customer loyalty in a highly competitive industry.

Journalism

Covering events, writing a story, editing copy, sourcing photos, selling advertising — they’re all part of reporting the great and small stories on a deadline and in competition with other news and entertainment media. Use this internship to see it from the inside and decide if it’s right for you.

Law

Philadelphia is synonymous with astute lawyering. So it’s the natural place for you to take the first step in a successful law career. This internship will place you in a busy law firm, where you’ll get to watch and participate in the process of researching, preparing and litigating cases.

Marketing and Advertising

Researching market opportunities. Sourcing products. Building distribution. Creating packaging. Developing advertising campaigns. Buying media. Implementing Web-marketing strategies. Marketing and advertising encompasses all this and more as you discover what’s involved in successfully taking a product to market.

Medicine

Depending on your mentor, you may team with and observe healthcare professionals in a clinical practice, discover the complex inner workings of a teaching hospital, or explore primary care with current doctors and nurses. Take this opportunity to investigate a variety of healthcare topics and career options.

Museums and Art Galleries

Philadelphia is exceptionally rich in museums and galleries devoted to subjects ranging from art and culture to science and medicine. Your internship in one of them may involve setting up a show, preserving a rare folio, researching works of art, cataloging artifacts and treasures, or assisting a curator. You’ll also go to local gallery exhibits to see how it all comes together.

Music and Recording

This is an opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art studio. You’ll be involved in the whole recording process, from miking the talent through multitracking, overdubbing and final mixdown. You’ll learn about the latest digital technology and Pro Tools, while getting experience and making contacts — two essentials for a career in recording.

Real Estate

This internship will let you explore the world of buying, selling and developing property. You’ll learn about the intricacies of structuring a deal and making the sale, as well as how competitive and lucrative the field can be.

Sports Management

In this internship you might be looking after player needs, working with advertisers, attending the NBA Draft, handling game-day preparations, ticket sales or any of the myriad workings of stadium or team administration. If sports are your passion, then this is the Super Bowl of internships.

Veterinary Medicine

Work with top research specialists on an animal behavior study. Assist in a veterinary clinic. Learn about the nurture and care of rare animals. If you love animals, then veterinary medicine may be your career path. This internship will let you explore it on a professional level, while discovering some of the opportunities for specialization within the field.

 

On-the-Job Exploration

Our internships are designed to provide meaningful work and life experiences. Interns are selected by the mentoring professionals and companies after a careful review of the their complete application. Our internship coordinator also conducts an extensive interview before you arrive to ensure the placement is right for you and provides the experience you expect.

Depending on your chosen field, you will spend several fascinating weeks working in an office, lab, studio, museum, behind the microphone or on the stage. Learn about the field, get work experience and live away from home in a college environment.

Exciting internship opportunities

These are some of our mentoring firms and professionals from previous summers. Just think of the valuable experience and contacts you could get at companies like these.

Summertime Living at Penn

7:00 A.M. — Wake-up. You’ll be living in the famous Quadrangle dorm on the Penn campus.

7:30 — Breakfast. Use your Summer Penn Card for breakfast on campus at 1920 Commons, Starbucks, Einstein Bagels or 3C.

8:00 — Go to Work. We’ll provide transportation to and from your internship.

Midday — Lunch. Lunch is on you, so budget accordingly. Brown-bag it, join your coworkers at a restaurant, or find a comfortable spot for some take-out.

5:00–5:45 — Return to Penn. This is your time. Go for a run, hit the gym, catch up with email or relax with something to read.

6:00 — Dinner. Most evenings we dine together on campus.

7:00 — Evening Activities. Every evening there are scheduled activities to interest everyone, whether you’d rather stay on campus or go into town.

Evening Activities on and off campus

Places within walking distance of Penn:

Shops & entertainment

  • Penn Bookstore
  • Ann Taylor Loft
  • Eastern Mountain Sports
  • The Gap
  • American Apparel
  • Urban Outfitters
  • Bridge Cinema
  • Strikes Bowling
  • Concerts
  • World Cafe Live

Food & restaurants

  • Cosi
  • Starbucks
  • Pod
  • White Dog Cafe
  • La Terrasse
  • Saladworks
  • Beijing
  • Penne
  • Fresh Grocer
  • Cereality
  • Tony Lukes
  • Gia Pronto
  • Marathon Grill

Optional activities, Sunday trips and sports

Activities & trips

  • Museums
  • Baseball games
  • South Street and Historic Attractions
  • Concerts
  • Philadelphia Zoo
  • Penn’s Landing

Sports

  • Tennis lessons from the Julian Krinsky School of Tennis
  • Golf lessons from the Julian Krinsky School of Golf
  • Swimming
  • Bowling

Your choice of Saturday trips

Two trips are offered each Saturday. You choose one. We leave after breakfast and return in the evening. See Weekend Trips and Destinations for this summer’s schedule, subject to change.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below please find the most commonly asked questions.  If you can't find what you are looking for, please call us and we will be happy to answer your questions.  

Selecting the Right Internship for You 

What if I am unsure about the internship that is best for me?   

The program will provide you with a platform to get real-life work experience. Our Internship Director and experienced staff will provide several opportunities that are a potential fit and will work with you to determine the best placement. The Internship program gives you the chance to “try-on” a career before you make the financial commitment to pursue it in college, which is invaluable, even if you recognize that your internship or industry was not exactly what you thought it would be.

Do you offer internships in multiple cities?

No. The program is specifically located near our company headquarters, near Philadelphia, where JKCP began operations over 35 years ago. During our tenure, we have developed excellent relationships in the local community and business world.  Through this substantial network and with our earned reputation, we can provide students like you, with excellent, real-life work experiences, in multiple industries with companies we know. 

Which session do you recommend?

While any internship is an excellent and valuable opportunity, we recommend staying for as many weeks as possible. Students staying for longer sessions have the most opportunity to be involved in larger, long-term projects. 

Can I speak to someone who has participated in the program?

Of course! Please contact us at internship@jkcp.com and we will be glad to provide a reference. 

Are internships paid?  

No, internships are not paid. 

 

 

Dates & Tuition

Are your session dates flexible?  What happens if I can't attend the specific session dates?

We will work with you to determine if we can accommodate your request. This will be on a case-by-case basis, so we strongly suggest you speak to our Director as early as possible, to determine what internship options we have available given your schedule needs. 

Why do you charge a deposit?

We require a deposit once we receive your application, so that we can begin to prepare for your interview, and take necessary steps to secure your placement once you’ve been accepted to the program. 

If you do not find a good internship match for me, is my deposit refundable?

If we cannot secure an internship within the three fields you listed on your application form, we will gladly refund the deposit. If however, we have been in touch with mentors on your behalf to secure a placement, and then you decide to voluntarily withdraw from the program, we will not be able to refund the deposit. Your remaining tuition balance is due two weeks after you have received your placement letter via email. 

Do you offer financial aid?

No. As an alternative source of funding, you might want to consider contacting local civic, governmental, religious and academic organizations, who regularly provide funding for this kind of summer program.  We’ve had many students who have been the beneficiaries of the funding that these organizations provide.

 

Applying for Your Internship

How does the application process work?

Online Application

- Please visit www.jkcp.com to apply online

- Complete the online application form and submit a credit card payment online for the non-refundable application fee of $150 and the $800 deposit. You are required to list three fields of interest, in order of preference so we may find a suitable placement for you, or a blend of your preferences.

- There are two short essay questions for you to answer on the application. 

- Provide one letter of recommendation.

- Please provide us with the name and email address of one reference from school. We will contact your reference on your behalf with instructions for completing an online Letter of Recommendation.

- It is a good idea to think about the industry you are considering and select an appropriate teacher.

- When we receive the application via our automated online system, we will open a file for you as a registered applicant.  

Additional Requirements

- After you have applied to the internship program, please submit your resume via email to internship@jkcp.com (see application form for instructions).  

- Upload a digital photograph (see application form for instructions).

Phone Interview

- Once the application is complete (including all required materials) and we have received your deposit, JKCP will contact you for a phone interview.

Internship Placement

- Once the interview is complete, students will be notified of their acceptance into the program, and the placement process will begin.

- Certain industries are more competitive than others, such as, medicine, finance, sports management, architecture, entertainment and journalism, and may require a phone interview with the company. In some cases, previous work experience or related classes/projects may be required.

- Please keep in mind that internship placements fill up quickly, so please give attention to fulfilling all application requirements, as soon as possible.

When should I apply?

Our applications are available online at www.jkcp.com.  This is a competitive program and admission is on a rolling basis. The earlier your application is received, the better your chances of being accepted for your chosen internship. Internship assignments are made when completed applications have been reviewed and accepted by the internship mentors.

How can I check to see if there are still internships available in my field of interest?

Many internship fields fill up quickly. If you are seriously considering this program and can expedite your application process, we recommend that you call our office for an accurate update regarding internship availability. We also recommend applying early so that you can secure an internship in your primary field of choice. 

If I have already arranged my own internship, can I still participate in your program?

Students who have their own internship can take advantage of our Residential Housing service. Students will live in the Quad at Penn and will benefit from on-campus meals, planned evening activities, and weekend excursions. Students, however, are required to make their own arrangements for transportation to/from work, if they are doing their internship independently. Please email penn@jkcp.com to receive a Housing application, or call 610-265-9401. 

What visa do international students need to do this program?

If you are an international student, you need to apply for a B2 short stay visitor’s visa. Please contact your local US Embassy for additional information. 

 

 

Placing You in the Right Internship

Will I have to phone interview for my internship? What can I expect from the phone interview?

Yes, as part of the application and acceptance process, we will conduct a phone interview. In addition, some of our mentors require phone interviews with candidates. We will certainly assist you in preparing for the second round of interviews.  After all materials are received and verified as complete, a phone interview will be arranged with the internship coordinator at JKCP.  The purpose of the phone interview is to learn more about you, your hobbies and interests, and more specifically your college and career aspirations. We suggest you prepare and practice for your interview to give yourself the best chance of being selected. We will also provide you with an Interview Tip Sheet, so you may prepare appropriately. Interviews are typically 20 to 30 minutes. 

Does JKCP determine who is accepted into the program or denied?

During the call, as we explore your goals and potential internship interests, we will share insight into some potential internships and industries to determine if this program is a good fit.  If for some reason we do not feel the program is appropriate for you at this time, we will recommend another JKCP program, or suggest you apply the following year. The deposit will be refunded, or can be applied as a credit to another JKCP program, should you choose this alternative. 

Can a company deny me acceptance into the program?

If you are accepted by us and complete a second interview with a company, that company may choose to deny your placement with them. At that time, it is up to JKCP to evaluate the feedback and determine if another internship is more suitable for you this year. At this stage, we will certainly consult both you and your parents to determine next steps that are in your best interest. In this circumstance, the deposit of $800 which is credited toward your tuition, will be refunded, however the non-refundable application fee will not.   

Can you guarantee my first internship choice?

Although we cannot always guarantee your first choice, most applicants are placed in an internship within their industry of choice. We work hard to find internships that are challenging, fun and provide an opportunity for you to grow both personally and professionally. 

How will you determine which internship is the best fit for me?

Through our interview process, you will be presented with potential internship options. You will be expected to demonstrate a strong interest in the field as well as an enthusiasm to learn. You should be prepared to elaborate on your interests, related coursework and extra-curricular activities or hobbies to help determine the best placement for you. These factors, along with your application materials will assist us in determining the right fit. Once we have recommended an internship for you, we will send you an overview of your internship and details regarding your placement. If you are happy with your choice, we will contact the company to notify them that we have a match. Some companies are quicker to respond than others. Once we hear back from the company, we will notify you and send you an official placement letter via email. To secure your internship, we require the balance of your tuition to be paid within two weeks.   

Can I switch to a different internship if I don’t like the company I’m placed with? 

Once you are placed with a company, and you begin working there, it is difficult to switch. We will work with you to determine why there is a request to switch. This happens very rarely, however, if necessary, we will meet with you and your mentor to see what changes can be made to ensure the rest of your internship goes well at your current placement. Please keep in mind that we take the placement process seriously to ensure that you have a very good idea of the internship before accepting it. Sometimes a company or industry may not be exactly what you envisioned. In that case, your experience is still valuable in determining whether you choose to pursue an industry. 

 

 

On the Job

How do I get to and from work each day?

JKCP has a fleet of vans driven by licensed professionals to transport you to your internship in the morning and pick you up in the evening. You will be on a transportation route with other interns on their way to work.

Who will oversee my internship within the company?

Each intern is assigned to a mentor or mentors. Your mentor(s) will work with you to determine overall expectations for your internship, as well as your responsibilities and projects. We strongly recommend that you make a lasting impression so that you can secure a reference letter from your mentor before you leave the program. 

What is the dress code at work?

The dress code varies depending on the place of work. However, the majority of internship companies abide by a business casual policy. Please note, that some internships may require the purchase of particular clothing items. For example, medical internships may require scrubs and culinary internships may require the purchase of a chef’s jacket and/or chef’s pants, at your own expense. We will send dress code requirements and suggestions once placement is finalized.

What happens on the first day?

For the first day of work, a counselor will accompany you to breakfast and to your place of work to ensure that you are in the right place to meet your mentor. 

What if there is a special work event during evening/weekend time, can I get transported there?

Yes.

Can I receive credit or community service hours for my Internship?

We do not provide credits for internships. However, upon your request, we can provide a certificate of completion stating the number of hours in your internship. It is typical for interns to secure service hours for work in the community service field. 

 

 

Future Careers

Do interns ever receive job offers at the conclusion of their internship?

Yes, in some cases, our interns have been invited to consult from home or return the following summer to work as a paid employee. 

Will I receive a letter of recommendation at the end of the program? 

JKCP does not provide letters of recommendation to students, however, due to the nature of the internship program, we encourage students to earn and request one from their mentor directly.  We've found that almost all our mentors have willingly provided recommendation letters to deserving interns in the past.

 

 

Dates

  Residential 
Four Weeks June 24 – July 21
Three Weeks July 22 – August 11
Seven Weeks June 24 – August 11

 

 

 

Tuition: Register Before March 1

  3  weeks  4 weeks 7 weeks
Residential $4375 $5900 $9775

 

Application Fee: $150 

Tuition: Register March 1 & Later

  3  weeks  4 weeks 7 weeks
Residential $4595 $6200 $10275

 

Application Fee: $150 

 

How to Apply

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