6 answers
Ruth
Student
Nebraska, NE
1
Question
Asked
1557 views
What is the most efficient way to get a IT job/internship, while still being in school.?
I am currently getting my GED and I am searching for IT jobs and or internships to apply for but I cant seem to find any. I am going to college in the spring for cybersecurity but I want some more experience beforehand. I am pretty efficient in computer engineering and I know a bit of programming but I want to learn more. Any recommendations on where I should look?
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6 answers
Sahida Khatun
Software Consultant and Analyst
87
Answers
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Updated
Sahida’s Answer
Here are some efficient steps to land an IT job or internship while still in school:
1. Leverage Online Job Platforms
Specific Platforms:
Handshake: Focused on students and recent grads.
Internships.com: Offers a variety of opportunities for entry-level candidates.
LinkedIn: Search for "IT internships" or "entry-level IT roles" and network with professionals in cybersecurity.
General Platforms:
Indeed, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired often list internships tailored for beginners.
2. Target Local Opportunities
Community Colleges: Reach out to local community colleges for IT workshops, career fairs, or networking events.
Local Businesses: Small businesses often need IT support. Reach out offering help with tasks like setting up networks or basic programming.
City Libraries or Nonprofits: Many have IT-related initiatives and welcome volunteer or internship support.
3. Utilize Cybersecurity-Specific Resources
Cybersecurity Bootcamps and Competitions: Platforms like CTFtime.org host Capture The Flag events for cybersecurity beginners.
Cybersecurity Communities: Join forums like Hack The Box or Cybrary to network and improve skills.
4. Build a Portfolio
Start by showcasing what you know. For example:
Create small projects demonstrating programming or networking skills.
Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub.
Share cybersecurity blogs or videos on a personal website to show your passion and growing expertise.
5. Network Strategically
School Counselors: They often have connections with employers and alumni.
LinkedIn: Follow cybersecurity professionals and join relevant groups (e.g., Cybersecurity Internships).
Meetups: Attend local IT or cybersecurity events to connect with professionals who may have leads.
6. Learn Continuously
Free Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX offer beginner-friendly courses in cybersecurity and programming.
Certifications:
Start with entry-level certifications like CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+), CompTIA Security+, or Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
Practice Programming: Use platforms like Codecademy, LeetCode, or freeCodeCamp to refine your skills.
7. Volunteer or Freelance
Offer tech support or build websites for local businesses, nonprofits, or community groups.
Use freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to find small IT gigs.
8. Contact IT Staffing Agencies
Reach out to staffing agencies that specialize in IT roles. Even entry-level roles like tech support or internships can provide valuable experience.
9. Apply to Companies with Cybersecurity or IT Programs
Big Companies: Google, IBM, Microsoft, or Amazon offer internships for students.
Small Businesses: Look for startups or small firms in your area. They often provide flexible opportunities for beginners.
Persistence is key—apply widely and tailor your resume to highlight your skills and enthusiasm for IT. Let me know if you need help with your resume or crafting emails for applications!
1. Leverage Online Job Platforms
Specific Platforms:
Handshake: Focused on students and recent grads.
Internships.com: Offers a variety of opportunities for entry-level candidates.
LinkedIn: Search for "IT internships" or "entry-level IT roles" and network with professionals in cybersecurity.
General Platforms:
Indeed, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired often list internships tailored for beginners.
2. Target Local Opportunities
Community Colleges: Reach out to local community colleges for IT workshops, career fairs, or networking events.
Local Businesses: Small businesses often need IT support. Reach out offering help with tasks like setting up networks or basic programming.
City Libraries or Nonprofits: Many have IT-related initiatives and welcome volunteer or internship support.
3. Utilize Cybersecurity-Specific Resources
Cybersecurity Bootcamps and Competitions: Platforms like CTFtime.org host Capture The Flag events for cybersecurity beginners.
Cybersecurity Communities: Join forums like Hack The Box or Cybrary to network and improve skills.
4. Build a Portfolio
Start by showcasing what you know. For example:
Create small projects demonstrating programming or networking skills.
Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub.
Share cybersecurity blogs or videos on a personal website to show your passion and growing expertise.
5. Network Strategically
School Counselors: They often have connections with employers and alumni.
LinkedIn: Follow cybersecurity professionals and join relevant groups (e.g., Cybersecurity Internships).
Meetups: Attend local IT or cybersecurity events to connect with professionals who may have leads.
6. Learn Continuously
Free Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX offer beginner-friendly courses in cybersecurity and programming.
Certifications:
Start with entry-level certifications like CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+), CompTIA Security+, or Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
Practice Programming: Use platforms like Codecademy, LeetCode, or freeCodeCamp to refine your skills.
7. Volunteer or Freelance
Offer tech support or build websites for local businesses, nonprofits, or community groups.
Use freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to find small IT gigs.
8. Contact IT Staffing Agencies
Reach out to staffing agencies that specialize in IT roles. Even entry-level roles like tech support or internships can provide valuable experience.
9. Apply to Companies with Cybersecurity or IT Programs
Big Companies: Google, IBM, Microsoft, or Amazon offer internships for students.
Small Businesses: Look for startups or small firms in your area. They often provide flexible opportunities for beginners.
Persistence is key—apply widely and tailor your resume to highlight your skills and enthusiasm for IT. Let me know if you need help with your resume or crafting emails for applications!
Robert Rossi
Many things! But mostly chemistry and chemical engineering
63
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Institutions low on the IT prestige food chain are often looking for any help they can get. These include schools, small businesses, and governments. Look on the hiring boards for school districts, counties, cities, and towns, and the local job boards for entities seeking temporary IT help. You won't be doing cutting-edge work, but it will be good experience. (To pin it down further: in-school IT support, senior centers, and small firms hiring their first IT geek are your best shots. Given your situation, look for temporary rather than career roles, nobody will want to hire you for a permanent role if you will be off to school in a few months! A small computer repair shop might also be an option, walk in and ask if they could use any help; they are unlikely to be advertising. Good luck!
Cody Gaspar
C.I., Quality, and Reliability Engineering
30
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Cody’s Answer
Certifications are effective for securing IT jobs. Begin with a certification that aligns with your IT career goals. Be flexible and consider accepting roles that may not be your ideal job, but can provide a stepping stone into the industry.
Robert Rossi
Many things! But mostly chemistry and chemical engineering
63
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Institutions low on the IT prestige food chain are often looking for any help they can get. These include schools, small businesses, and governments. Look on the hiring boards for school districts, counties, cities, and towns, and the local job boards for entities seeking temporary IT help. You won't be doing cutting-edge work, but it will be good experience. (To pin it down further: in-school IT support, senior centers, and small firms hiring their first IT geek are your best shots.) Given your situation, look for temporary rather than career roles, nobody will want to hire you for a permanent role if you will be off to school in a few months! A small computer repair shop might also be an option, walk in and ask if they could use any help; they are unlikely to be advertising. Good luck!
Andrea Wilmoth
IT Security Compliance
3
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
In my experience, there are very few internship opportunities before you start college. Like all job opportunities, building a network is important. Perhaps you have a neighbor or a relative who would be willing to have you help at their company?
Others have provided some great tips and resources already. One additional avenue to consider: Find out if your future college has a career center and how they help students during and after their degree program. In particular, see if they offer Cooperative Education opportunities in cybersecurity or IT. Co-ops can be a great way to build a full year of experience, and they are usually better compensated then internships. A great college will usually have connections with many companies in the area. While you would likely have to at least take a few college classes before you can participate in the program, it's a great way for you to find and gain experience before you finish your degree.
Others have provided some great tips and resources already. One additional avenue to consider: Find out if your future college has a career center and how they help students during and after their degree program. In particular, see if they offer Cooperative Education opportunities in cybersecurity or IT. Co-ops can be a great way to build a full year of experience, and they are usually better compensated then internships. A great college will usually have connections with many companies in the area. While you would likely have to at least take a few college classes before you can participate in the program, it's a great way for you to find and gain experience before you finish your degree.
Dinesh Singh
Technical Manager
66
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dinesh’s Answer
Securing an IT job or internship while you're still studying can be an exciting journey, blending the development of pertinent skills, forging connections, and proactively hunting for opportunities. Here's a motivating guide to help you navigate this path:
1. Cultivate Relevant Skills:
- Coursework: Prioritize classes that align with IT, such as computer science, information systems, or software engineering.
- Online Courses and Certifications: Explore platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy that offer courses in hot topics like programming languages, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
- Hands-on Experience: Dive into personal projects, contribute to open-source initiatives, or build a portfolio that shines a light on your skills.
2. Forge Connections:
- Join Clubs and Organizations: Engage in tech-centric clubs and student groups at your school to connect with peers and professionals who share your interests.
- Attend Events: Make the most of career fairs, tech gatherings, hackathons, and industry conferences to mingle with professionals.
- Use LinkedIn: Establish a LinkedIn presence, connect with industry veterans, and join IT-focused groups to stay in the loop about industry shifts and job vacancies.
3. Harness School Resources:
- Career Services: Tap into your school’s career center for resume critiques, practice interviews, and job postings.
- Faculty Connections: Nurture relationships with your professors who can introduce you to industry contacts and provide glowing recommendations.
4. Apply with Finesse:
- Internship Programs: Numerous companies roll out summer internship programs specifically for students. Apply ahead of time and customize your resume and cover letter for each application.
- Company Websites and Job Boards: Stay vigilant on company websites and job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn for internship and entry-level job vacancies.
5. Stay Ahead of the Curve:
- Industry Trends: Stay abreast of the latest tech trends and tools in the IT world to stand out in the job market.
By intertwining skill enhancement, networking, and strategic application, you're setting yourself up for success in landing that coveted IT job or internship while still in school.
Networking
Build Relevant Skills
Apply Strategically
1. Cultivate Relevant Skills:
- Coursework: Prioritize classes that align with IT, such as computer science, information systems, or software engineering.
- Online Courses and Certifications: Explore platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy that offer courses in hot topics like programming languages, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
- Hands-on Experience: Dive into personal projects, contribute to open-source initiatives, or build a portfolio that shines a light on your skills.
2. Forge Connections:
- Join Clubs and Organizations: Engage in tech-centric clubs and student groups at your school to connect with peers and professionals who share your interests.
- Attend Events: Make the most of career fairs, tech gatherings, hackathons, and industry conferences to mingle with professionals.
- Use LinkedIn: Establish a LinkedIn presence, connect with industry veterans, and join IT-focused groups to stay in the loop about industry shifts and job vacancies.
3. Harness School Resources:
- Career Services: Tap into your school’s career center for resume critiques, practice interviews, and job postings.
- Faculty Connections: Nurture relationships with your professors who can introduce you to industry contacts and provide glowing recommendations.
4. Apply with Finesse:
- Internship Programs: Numerous companies roll out summer internship programs specifically for students. Apply ahead of time and customize your resume and cover letter for each application.
- Company Websites and Job Boards: Stay vigilant on company websites and job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn for internship and entry-level job vacancies.
5. Stay Ahead of the Curve:
- Industry Trends: Stay abreast of the latest tech trends and tools in the IT world to stand out in the job market.
By intertwining skill enhancement, networking, and strategic application, you're setting yourself up for success in landing that coveted IT job or internship while still in school.
Dinesh recommends the following next steps: