5 answers
Anna
Student
El Dorado Hills, California
2
Questions
Asked
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Can I intern for a tech company at 16?
I really want to intern this summer and I was wondering if there are any tech companies that I could intern for. I'll be turning 16 in the middle of June.
#tech #technology #information-technology #internships
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5 answers
Ryan Fortman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
HR Business Partnership
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Absolutely! Many tech companies have pre-college programs ESPECIALLY for STEM majors. New Relic definitely practices this. If you look at non-profit orgs that promote STEM education they usually align with companies that provide pre-college internships.
Juliana P.
Technology Consultant
24
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Juliana’s Answer
Hi Anna!
Speaking from experience, it's certainly possible (I interned for a tech company while in high school!), although it may be more challenging to find than internships for college students.
I found this link with some opportunities and program in California that might be interesting to you - maybe see if any of these would be a good fit?
https://www.veritasai.com/veritasaiblog/10-computer-science-internships-for-high-school-students-in-california
Here are some other suggestions to help you find opportunities that fit your interests:
1. Research and identify tech companies: Look for tech companies in your area or online that offer internships or have programs specifically designed for high school students. Larger companies may have structured internship programs, while smaller startups might be more open to accepting younger interns.
2. Develop your skills: Focus on building a strong foundation in programming languages and other tech skills. This will make you more competitive and showcase your abilities to potential employers. Consider taking online courses, participating in coding boot camps, or joining coding clubs to enhance your skills.
3. Create a compelling resume and portfolio: Even if you don't have professional experience, highlight any personal projects you have worked on or any relevant coursework you have completed. Showcase your passion for technology and any extracurricular activities related to the tech field.
4. Network and seek connections: Reach out to family, friends, teachers, or mentors who may have connections in the tech industry. They might be able to provide recommendations or introduce you to opportunities. Attend local tech meetups or events to meet professionals who could potentially help you find an internship.
5. Apply and follow up: Once you have identified potential companies, submit your resume, cover letter, and any other required materials. Follow up with a polite email or phone call to express your interest and inquire about the status of your application.
6. Be proactive and flexible: If you face challenges securing an internship, consider alternative opportunities such as volunteering or shadowing professionals in the tech industry. These experiences can still provide valuable insights and connections.
Good luck!
Speaking from experience, it's certainly possible (I interned for a tech company while in high school!), although it may be more challenging to find than internships for college students.
I found this link with some opportunities and program in California that might be interesting to you - maybe see if any of these would be a good fit?
https://www.veritasai.com/veritasaiblog/10-computer-science-internships-for-high-school-students-in-california
Here are some other suggestions to help you find opportunities that fit your interests:
1. Research and identify tech companies: Look for tech companies in your area or online that offer internships or have programs specifically designed for high school students. Larger companies may have structured internship programs, while smaller startups might be more open to accepting younger interns.
2. Develop your skills: Focus on building a strong foundation in programming languages and other tech skills. This will make you more competitive and showcase your abilities to potential employers. Consider taking online courses, participating in coding boot camps, or joining coding clubs to enhance your skills.
3. Create a compelling resume and portfolio: Even if you don't have professional experience, highlight any personal projects you have worked on or any relevant coursework you have completed. Showcase your passion for technology and any extracurricular activities related to the tech field.
4. Network and seek connections: Reach out to family, friends, teachers, or mentors who may have connections in the tech industry. They might be able to provide recommendations or introduce you to opportunities. Attend local tech meetups or events to meet professionals who could potentially help you find an internship.
5. Apply and follow up: Once you have identified potential companies, submit your resume, cover letter, and any other required materials. Follow up with a polite email or phone call to express your interest and inquire about the status of your application.
6. Be proactive and flexible: If you face challenges securing an internship, consider alternative opportunities such as volunteering or shadowing professionals in the tech industry. These experiences can still provide valuable insights and connections.
Good luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Anna,
Absolutely, you can pursue an internship in a tech company at the age of 16, though the options might be slightly restricted.
A lot of tech companies have internship schemes designed for university students or fresh graduates. However, there are also programs and chances available for high school students. These programs can offer precious experience and insight into the tech sector and can aid you in honing skills that will be beneficial in your future profession.
Here are some alternatives for high school students keen on interning at a tech company:
Micro-Internships: Some firms provide short-term, paid internships that are ideal for high school students. These internships, often called micro-internships, usually last a few weeks and offer a chance to work on specific projects or tasks. Websites such as Parker Dewey and Internship.com feature micro-internships at a range of companies.
Tech Camps and Bootcamps: Certain tech companies organize summer camps or bootcamps for high school students. These programs offer an introduction to coding, software creation, or other tech subjects, and can be a great way to get started at a company. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook all organize summer camps or bootcamps for high school students.
Local Tech Companies: A lot of smaller tech companies or startups may be open to considering high school students for internships. These companies might be more flexible than larger firms in terms of age requirements and may offer more chances for practical learning. You can look for local tech companies in your region and contact them directly to ask about internship opportunities.
Non-Profit Organizations: There are also several non-profit organizations that concentrate on promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. These organizations might have internship programs specifically for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. For instance, Girls Who Code is an organization that provides summer immersion programs for high school girls interested in computer science.
Government Agencies: Federal agencies like the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) provide summer internships for high school students interested in STEM fields. These internships offer a chance to work on advanced research projects and gain experience in a government setting.
When applying for internships, it’s crucial to emphasize any relevant skills or experience you might have, such as known programming languages or past projects. You should also be ready to explain why you’re interested in the tech sector and what you aim to gain from the internship experience.
In conclusion, while there might be some restrictions on the types of internships available to 16-year-olds, there are still ample opportunities out there if you’re willing to seek them out. Micro-internships, tech camps and bootcamps, local tech companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies are all possible sources of internships for high school students interested in the tech sector.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.
Absolutely, you can pursue an internship in a tech company at the age of 16, though the options might be slightly restricted.
A lot of tech companies have internship schemes designed for university students or fresh graduates. However, there are also programs and chances available for high school students. These programs can offer precious experience and insight into the tech sector and can aid you in honing skills that will be beneficial in your future profession.
Here are some alternatives for high school students keen on interning at a tech company:
Micro-Internships: Some firms provide short-term, paid internships that are ideal for high school students. These internships, often called micro-internships, usually last a few weeks and offer a chance to work on specific projects or tasks. Websites such as Parker Dewey and Internship.com feature micro-internships at a range of companies.
Tech Camps and Bootcamps: Certain tech companies organize summer camps or bootcamps for high school students. These programs offer an introduction to coding, software creation, or other tech subjects, and can be a great way to get started at a company. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook all organize summer camps or bootcamps for high school students.
Local Tech Companies: A lot of smaller tech companies or startups may be open to considering high school students for internships. These companies might be more flexible than larger firms in terms of age requirements and may offer more chances for practical learning. You can look for local tech companies in your region and contact them directly to ask about internship opportunities.
Non-Profit Organizations: There are also several non-profit organizations that concentrate on promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. These organizations might have internship programs specifically for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. For instance, Girls Who Code is an organization that provides summer immersion programs for high school girls interested in computer science.
Government Agencies: Federal agencies like the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) provide summer internships for high school students interested in STEM fields. These internships offer a chance to work on advanced research projects and gain experience in a government setting.
When applying for internships, it’s crucial to emphasize any relevant skills or experience you might have, such as known programming languages or past projects. You should also be ready to explain why you’re interested in the tech sector and what you aim to gain from the internship experience.
In conclusion, while there might be some restrictions on the types of internships available to 16-year-olds, there are still ample opportunities out there if you’re willing to seek them out. Micro-internships, tech camps and bootcamps, local tech companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies are all possible sources of internships for high school students interested in the tech sector.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.
Michael Willis
Account Manager
1
Answer
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
You bet you can. We have internships every summer at Twilio. If you have an interest in being a developer or getting into sales I know that there are programs for both. https://www.twilio.com/company/jobs
Look at our Job boards in the spring time to see internship roles that are open
Michael recommends the following next steps:
Lev Tatz
Software Engineer
18
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Lev’s Answer
You might be able to find some companies especially startups that could really use your help.
Lev recommends the following next steps: