Internships for Neurodivergent Teens

For neurodivergents like myself, career opportunities seem to come and go as frequently as social media trends. It can seem almost impossible to find an internship that feels like the “right” fit, especially when searching for accommodation-friendly choices that cater to a neurodivergent brain. In my current internship at Mentra, my unique neurodivergent traits are valued in a way that was often overlooked in school. Though hard to find, opportunities are out there. Here are four things neurodivergent teens can do to land a dream internship:

Maximize Special Interests

Special interests are those “fixations,” or intense hobbies, that often make you, you. These traits can lead to success because as neurodivergents we have remarkable focus and dedication when interacting with our special interests. A lot of neurodivergents struggle with regulating dopamine (a neurotransmitter associated with reward-based functioning). This can present as a lack of motivation and executive dysfunction—except when it does the opposite for those “fixations” that really get us excited. Here are some examples of intense areas of interest among neurodivergents and how they can be applied to potential internships in those fields:

•  Aircraft and transportation — Any company that uses data analysis and visualization techniques to solve optimization problems, map out routes, or test different software, or works with supply chain solutions or any kind of production-based industry, would benefit from utilizing a person with this special interest.
•  Pets — Animals can be calming and often do not present socially complex relationships. Local pet stores often need part-time assistants to care for the animals, including feeding, cleaning, exercising, and just keeping them company. Another option is to go to a local foster care facility and take care of an animal for a week or so at a time.
•  Creative interests — Writing, music, and art are common areas of passion for neurodivergents. Organizing and presenting creative pursuits in an online portfolio is an opportunity to share work that might be very useful to a professional in the field seeking assistance.
•  Social issues — Neurodivergents tend to have a strong sense of morality and social responsibility. There are many organizations that are committed to a variety of causes and need like-minded people to help out. Public service and advocacy are wonderful opportunities to hone social and professional skills for good causes.

By diving into your special interests, you can pursue your passions, demonstrate your skills, and build a portfolio of work that doubles as research into fields that might turn into a career. Get Involved Don’t wait for that ideal internship. Getting involved with your local community can give you more opportunity to work on things you already love and will contribute to building your resume for future employers. Look up local events, organizations, and clubs that resonate with you. I like to consolidate the names of contacts and their emails on a Google Spreadsheet. Once you have a manageable amount, you can contact them with a sincere email that would include:

1. Who you are and how you learned about the organization.
2. Why you are interested in the field and excited to get involved.
3. What you might have—a portfolio or project—that demonstrates your interest.

End with asking if they might be open to chatting over the phone or a zoom call. Here’s an email template:

Hi _____,