Internships
One of the questions we hear most often is, "How do internships work?"
At the Met, internships are called Learning Through Interest (LTI) because they are about much more than career exploration. They are an opportunity for students to pursue their interests, connect their academic learning to the real world, and discover new possibilities for their future.
Through LTI, students spend part of each week learning alongside professionals in workplaces and organizations throughout Rhode Island. These experiences become an essential part of their education, helping students develop knowledge, confidence, responsibility, and a clearer sense of who they are and where they want to go.
Every Internship Begins with the Student
There is no one-size-fits-all internship at the Met.
Each placement is based on a student's interests, goals, strengths, and curiosity. Some students arrive with a clear career path in mind, while others simply know they want to explore something new. Both are great places to start.
Working together, students, advisors, families, and community partners identify opportunities that are meaningful, challenging, and aligned with each student's learning goals.
Explore, Discover, Grow
Students often participate in several internships during their four years at the Met.
A ninth-grade student might begin by exploring veterinary medicine, later discover an interest in environmental science, and graduate after completing an internship with a research laboratory. Another student may spend time with a local entrepreneur before deciding to pursue education, healthcare, or the skilled trades.
Changing interests is expected. Exploration is part of the learning process.
Learning Alongside Professionals
Every internship pairs students with a mentor—a professional who welcomes them into the workplace and helps guide their learning.
Mentors answer questions, share their expertise, model professional expectations, and encourage students to take on increasing levels of responsibility as they gain experience.
These relationships often become some of the most meaningful parts of a student's high school experience.
Connected to the Classroom
Learning Through Interest is fully integrated into the student's education.
Students reflect on their experiences, connect them to academic coursework, conduct research, complete projects, and share what they are learning through presentations and exhibitions.
The result is an education that feels relevant, engaging, and deeply personal.
Transportation and Support
Students are never on this journey alone.
Throughout the internship experience, advisors work closely with students, families, mentors, and community partners to help students set goals, reflect on their learning, and make the most of every opportunity. The school remains actively involved to ensure that each internship is a safe, meaningful, and productive learning experience.
Transportation to internship sites may be provided by the school, through public transportation, or by families, depending on the location and the student's individual plan. Advisors work with families to determine the best option for each placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of internships are available?
Our students have completed internships in hundreds of settings, including:
- Healthcare and medicine
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Education
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Graphic design and media production
- Computer science and technology
- Law and government
- Environmental science
- Architecture and construction
- Culinary arts and hospitality
- Skilled trades
- Arts, music, and theater
- Animal care and veterinary medicine
- Nonprofit and community organizations
Because every internship is personalized, new opportunities are created every year.
What if my student doesn't know what they're interested in?
That's perfectly okay.
Many students begin high school unsure of what they want to do. Learning Through Interest is designed to help students explore possibilities, discover new passions, and gain confidence through experience.
Are internships paid?
Most Learning Through Interest placements are educational experiences rather than paid positions. The focus is on learning, mentorship, and career exploration. Some students may transition into paid employment or summer opportunities as relationships with their mentors develop.
Are students supervised?
Yes. Students work under the guidance of a workplace mentor while remaining connected to their advisor. Advisors maintain regular communication with students, mentors, and families to help ensure every internship is a positive and successful experience.
Can students change internships?
Absolutely...but we do ask students to give the opportunity a chance before switching.
As students grow and their interests evolve, they may choose to pursue new internship opportunities that better reflect their developing goals and aspirations
Preparing Students for What's Next
Learning Through Interest gives students something that cannot be taught from a textbook alone: experience.
By graduation, Met students have practiced professional communication, solved real problems, built relationships with mentors, explored potential careers, and developed the confidence to succeed in college, careers, military service, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, or wherever their path leads next.
At the Met, students don't wait until after graduation to begin preparing for the future.
They start living it today.