[Reincarnate]

Originally Posted by cry4eternity

How do you land an internship / co-op if you have a strong academic record but no work experience?

Internships are more easily accessible once you're in college. Getting worthwhile internships when you're in high school is almost always a function of knowing someone (referral) or having a lucky break. The first internship I ever had was at a law firm in NYC... but it was because of a referral from my girlfriend at the time, and it took place AFTER I had already gone through college admissions in the first place.

Getting internships in college is not as difficult. You don't necessarily need work experience, although it helps provide fuel for the interview process (and on-the-job skills). If you have a great record, you have a better chance of landing an interview. Then it becomes a function of simply acing the interview... and voila, internship!