How many hours a week should I commit to an internship during the school year?

During the school year, aim for around 5 to 10 hours a week. Enough to get involved, not enough to tank your grades. Most student internships know that school comes first, so they’re often flexible. You might work a couple of afternoons, a weekend shift, or even log your hours virtually. If an internship expects you to pull a full-time job while juggling homework, tests, and sleep, it’s a red flag. Pick something that fits your schedule and still lets you breathe. The goal is to learn, not burn out. If you’re balancing clubs, sports, and a social life, even 5 quality hours can go a long way. It’s about consistency and effort, not clocking in just for the sake of it.