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How do I get CS internships as a freshman in college with no background?
I'm a freshman in college who hopes to break into software engineering. I'm currently taking an intro CS course and linear algebra class, but I have no experience in working in a CS setting. How do I get a summer internship?
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9 answers
Adit Sheth
Senior Software Engineer
114
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Adit’s Answer
That's an excellent inquiry, and it's impressive that you're already strategizing for the future! Here are some empowering steps to secure your dream CS internship:
Kickstart with Projects: Start by creating small projects, no matter how basic they may be. Displaying your coding prowess on platforms such as GitHub can be a testament to your drive.
Networking: Make the most of CS club gatherings, hackathons, or tech lectures at your institution. Build relationships with professors and classmates—they can steer you towards exciting opportunities.
Online Learning: Sign up for courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy to broaden your proficiency in programming languages, data structures, and algorithms.
Job Portals: Scout for internships on platforms like Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed. Some firms provide programs tailored for first-year students.
Reach Out: Don't hesitate to send a cold email or message to recruiters, highlighting your zeal for learning and development.
Always remember, it's perfectly fine to be inexperienced—your enthusiasm to learn can make a significant difference!
Kickstart with Projects: Start by creating small projects, no matter how basic they may be. Displaying your coding prowess on platforms such as GitHub can be a testament to your drive.
Networking: Make the most of CS club gatherings, hackathons, or tech lectures at your institution. Build relationships with professors and classmates—they can steer you towards exciting opportunities.
Online Learning: Sign up for courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy to broaden your proficiency in programming languages, data structures, and algorithms.
Job Portals: Scout for internships on platforms like Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed. Some firms provide programs tailored for first-year students.
Reach Out: Don't hesitate to send a cold email or message to recruiters, highlighting your zeal for learning and development.
Always remember, it's perfectly fine to be inexperienced—your enthusiasm to learn can make a significant difference!
Logan Schuelke
Management Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Logan’s Answer
Internships early in college are often based on extensive networking, or specific programs targeting early-stage students (e.g., REU summer research programs). These approaches are your best bets...
...However, I would not worry too heavily about needing to land a CS internship your Freshman summer. Many CS majors will not land an internship until even their junior summer.
I would reccomend applying widely to learn how to apply and interview, but don't worry too much if you do not land an internship this year.
...However, I would not worry too heavily about needing to land a CS internship your Freshman summer. Many CS majors will not land an internship until even their junior summer.
I would reccomend applying widely to learn how to apply and interview, but don't worry too much if you do not land an internship this year.
Clélia Tchekov
Solution Engineer
2
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Clélia’s Answer
Hey S!
To boost your chances, you can:
Build a Solid Foundation
Coursework: Stay on top of your CS and math classes. Getting the basics down is super important.
Online Learning: Check out sites like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy to pick up extra skills and learn new programming languages.
Personal Projects
Start Small: Work on projects that excite you. Whether it’s a simple website, a game, or an app, just get started!
GitHub: Post your projects on GitHub. It’s like your online portfolio, and it’s great for showing off your work to future employers.
Networking
Join Clubs: Get involved in CS clubs or organizations at your school. It’s a great way to meet others and learn from students with more experience.
Career Fairs: Go to career fairs and networking events. Even if you’re not ready for a job yet, the connections you make could help down the line.
Build an Online Presence
LinkedIn: Create a LinkedIn profile and connect with people in the industry. Follow companies you're interested in and engage with their posts.
Personal Website: Think about making a personal website to showcase your projects, resume, and anything else you want people to know about.
Apply to a Bunch of Places
Internships: Look for internships on sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Don’t forget to check your college’s career services too.
Cold Emails: Don’t be shy about reaching out directly to companies you like. Let them know you’re enthusiastic and eager to learn.
Use Your College Resources
Career Services: Take advantage of resume reviews, mock interviews, and job boards your college offers.
Talk to Professors: Your professors and advisors might know about opportunities that aren’t widely advertised. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Prep for Interviews
Coding Practice: Use sites like LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeSignal to practice coding problems.
Mock Interviews: Try doing mock interviews so you feel more comfortable with the process.
Look at Smaller Companies
Startups: Smaller companies and startups might be more willing to take on a freshman intern. They often care more about your enthusiasm and potential than your experience.
To boost your chances, you can:
Build a Solid Foundation
Coursework: Stay on top of your CS and math classes. Getting the basics down is super important.
Online Learning: Check out sites like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy to pick up extra skills and learn new programming languages.
Personal Projects
Start Small: Work on projects that excite you. Whether it’s a simple website, a game, or an app, just get started!
GitHub: Post your projects on GitHub. It’s like your online portfolio, and it’s great for showing off your work to future employers.
Networking
Join Clubs: Get involved in CS clubs or organizations at your school. It’s a great way to meet others and learn from students with more experience.
Career Fairs: Go to career fairs and networking events. Even if you’re not ready for a job yet, the connections you make could help down the line.
Build an Online Presence
LinkedIn: Create a LinkedIn profile and connect with people in the industry. Follow companies you're interested in and engage with their posts.
Personal Website: Think about making a personal website to showcase your projects, resume, and anything else you want people to know about.
Apply to a Bunch of Places
Internships: Look for internships on sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Don’t forget to check your college’s career services too.
Cold Emails: Don’t be shy about reaching out directly to companies you like. Let them know you’re enthusiastic and eager to learn.
Use Your College Resources
Career Services: Take advantage of resume reviews, mock interviews, and job boards your college offers.
Talk to Professors: Your professors and advisors might know about opportunities that aren’t widely advertised. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Prep for Interviews
Coding Practice: Use sites like LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeSignal to practice coding problems.
Mock Interviews: Try doing mock interviews so you feel more comfortable with the process.
Look at Smaller Companies
Startups: Smaller companies and startups might be more willing to take on a freshman intern. They often care more about your enthusiasm and potential than your experience.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello S!
How to Get CS Internships as a Freshman in College with No Background
1. Build a Strong Foundation in Computer Science
As a freshman, you are already taking an introductory computer science course and a linear algebra class, which is an excellent start. To enhance your understanding and skills, consider the following steps:
Engage with Course Material: Actively participate in your classes, complete all assignments, and seek help from professors or teaching assistants when needed. Understanding fundamental concepts is crucial.
Supplement Your Learning: Use online platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy to take additional courses in programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++) and software development practices.
2. Gain Practical Experience through Projects
Even without formal work experience, you can demonstrate your skills through personal projects:
Create Personal Projects: Start small by building simple applications or websites that interest you. This could be anything from a personal blog to a basic game. Document these projects on platforms like GitHub to showcase your coding abilities.
Contribute to Open Source: Participating in open-source projects can provide real-world experience and help you learn how to collaborate with other developers. Websites like GitHub have many repositories looking for contributors.
3. Networking and Building Connections
Networking is essential for finding internship opportunities:
Attend Career Fairs: Many colleges host career fairs where companies look for interns. Prepare your resume and practice your elevator pitch about who you are and what you’re interested in.
Join Student Organizations: Participate in computer science clubs or tech-related organizations at your college. These groups often have connections with industry professionals and may offer workshops or hackathons.
Utilize LinkedIn: Create a professional LinkedIn profile highlighting your coursework, projects, and any relevant skills. Connect with classmates, professors, alumni, and industry professionals.
4. Apply for Internships Strategically
When applying for internships:
Target Entry-Level Positions: Look for internships specifically labeled as “intern” or “entry-level.” Companies often seek fresh talent willing to learn rather than expecting extensive experience.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customize your application materials for each position by emphasizing relevant coursework, projects, and skills that align with the job description.
Use Job Boards Effectively: Websites like Handshake (often used by universities), Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn can help you find internship listings suitable for freshmen.
5. Prepare for Interviews
Once you secure interviews:
Practice Coding Challenges: Familiarize yourself with common coding interview questions using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Focus on data structures and algorithms as they are frequently tested.
Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends or use services offered by your university’s career center to build confidence.
6. Stay Persistent and Open-Minded
The process of securing an internship can be competitive:
Apply Widely: Don’t limit yourself to only well-known companies; smaller startups may offer valuable experiences too.
Learn from Rejections: If you don’t get an internship right away, seek feedback if possible and continue improving your skills before reapplying next season.
By following these steps diligently while maintaining a proactive attitude towards learning and networking within the tech community, you will significantly increase your chances of landing a summer internship in software engineering despite having no prior background.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. Coursera
An online learning platform offering courses from top universities that can help students gain knowledge in various subjects including computer science fundamentals.
2. GitHub
A platform widely used by developers to share code repositories; it also hosts numerous open-source projects where beginners can contribute their coding skills.
3. LinkedIn
A professional networking site that allows users to connect with industry professionals; it also features job postings including internships tailored for students entering the workforce.
God Bless You!
JC.
How to Get CS Internships as a Freshman in College with No Background
1. Build a Strong Foundation in Computer Science
As a freshman, you are already taking an introductory computer science course and a linear algebra class, which is an excellent start. To enhance your understanding and skills, consider the following steps:
Engage with Course Material: Actively participate in your classes, complete all assignments, and seek help from professors or teaching assistants when needed. Understanding fundamental concepts is crucial.
Supplement Your Learning: Use online platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy to take additional courses in programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++) and software development practices.
2. Gain Practical Experience through Projects
Even without formal work experience, you can demonstrate your skills through personal projects:
Create Personal Projects: Start small by building simple applications or websites that interest you. This could be anything from a personal blog to a basic game. Document these projects on platforms like GitHub to showcase your coding abilities.
Contribute to Open Source: Participating in open-source projects can provide real-world experience and help you learn how to collaborate with other developers. Websites like GitHub have many repositories looking for contributors.
3. Networking and Building Connections
Networking is essential for finding internship opportunities:
Attend Career Fairs: Many colleges host career fairs where companies look for interns. Prepare your resume and practice your elevator pitch about who you are and what you’re interested in.
Join Student Organizations: Participate in computer science clubs or tech-related organizations at your college. These groups often have connections with industry professionals and may offer workshops or hackathons.
Utilize LinkedIn: Create a professional LinkedIn profile highlighting your coursework, projects, and any relevant skills. Connect with classmates, professors, alumni, and industry professionals.
4. Apply for Internships Strategically
When applying for internships:
Target Entry-Level Positions: Look for internships specifically labeled as “intern” or “entry-level.” Companies often seek fresh talent willing to learn rather than expecting extensive experience.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customize your application materials for each position by emphasizing relevant coursework, projects, and skills that align with the job description.
Use Job Boards Effectively: Websites like Handshake (often used by universities), Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn can help you find internship listings suitable for freshmen.
5. Prepare for Interviews
Once you secure interviews:
Practice Coding Challenges: Familiarize yourself with common coding interview questions using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Focus on data structures and algorithms as they are frequently tested.
Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends or use services offered by your university’s career center to build confidence.
6. Stay Persistent and Open-Minded
The process of securing an internship can be competitive:
Apply Widely: Don’t limit yourself to only well-known companies; smaller startups may offer valuable experiences too.
Learn from Rejections: If you don’t get an internship right away, seek feedback if possible and continue improving your skills before reapplying next season.
By following these steps diligently while maintaining a proactive attitude towards learning and networking within the tech community, you will significantly increase your chances of landing a summer internship in software engineering despite having no prior background.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. Coursera
An online learning platform offering courses from top universities that can help students gain knowledge in various subjects including computer science fundamentals.
2. GitHub
A platform widely used by developers to share code repositories; it also hosts numerous open-source projects where beginners can contribute their coding skills.
3. LinkedIn
A professional networking site that allows users to connect with industry professionals; it also features job postings including internships tailored for students entering the workforce.
God Bless You!
JC.
Amit Bhoomaraddi
IT Engineer
11
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Consider enrolling in courses on platforms like Coursera, O'Reilly, or Udemy to improve your understanding of technical subjects. Work on enhancing your skills in programming languages and data structures.
Consult with your professors and gain insights on how to develop small projects that can solve everyday problems. Begin with something manageable.
Connect with your recruiters to gain a deeper understanding of the current technology industry. Try to understand the direction in which the technical industry is moving, such as Cloud Platform, AI, Data Analytics, and programming skills like Python, Java, Linux. Consider if you could undertake some experimental projects or simulators to gain some exposure.
Engage in discussions with your friends about the current technology trends and the direction of the IT industry. This will give you a clearer idea. Many great ideas are born from discussions. Make it a daily habit to check if there are companies offering internships or project opportunities and apply for them.
Consult with your professors and gain insights on how to develop small projects that can solve everyday problems. Begin with something manageable.
Connect with your recruiters to gain a deeper understanding of the current technology industry. Try to understand the direction in which the technical industry is moving, such as Cloud Platform, AI, Data Analytics, and programming skills like Python, Java, Linux. Consider if you could undertake some experimental projects or simulators to gain some exposure.
Engage in discussions with your friends about the current technology trends and the direction of the IT industry. This will give you a clearer idea. Many great ideas are born from discussions. Make it a daily habit to check if there are companies offering internships or project opportunities and apply for them.
Calvin Hendriks
Account Executive
6
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Calvin’s Answer
Gtting a CS internship as a freshman with no experience can be challenging, but it's possible with the right approach:
Build Basic Skills: Focus on mastering foundational coding skills in languages like Python, Java, or C++. Practice through online platforms like LeetCode, Codecademy, or freeCodeCamp.
Personal Projects: Start small projects to showcase on your resume and GitHub. This could be a simple website, a game, or an automation script.
Join CS Clubs: Get involved in your school’s computer science clubs, hackathons, or coding competitions. Networking with peers and professors can open internship opportunities.
Apply to Early Internship Programs: Some companies have freshman-targeted internships (e.g., Google’s STEP, Microsoft Explore). Look for these programs early and apply even if you feel underqualified.
Network: Attend career fairs, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and join online coding communities. Networking can lead to referrals.
Focus on Learning: If you can’t land an internship right away, consider doing a summer coding bootcamp or online courses to build your skill set for future opportunities.
Build Basic Skills: Focus on mastering foundational coding skills in languages like Python, Java, or C++. Practice through online platforms like LeetCode, Codecademy, or freeCodeCamp.
Personal Projects: Start small projects to showcase on your resume and GitHub. This could be a simple website, a game, or an automation script.
Join CS Clubs: Get involved in your school’s computer science clubs, hackathons, or coding competitions. Networking with peers and professors can open internship opportunities.
Apply to Early Internship Programs: Some companies have freshman-targeted internships (e.g., Google’s STEP, Microsoft Explore). Look for these programs early and apply even if you feel underqualified.
Network: Attend career fairs, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and join online coding communities. Networking can lead to referrals.
Focus on Learning: If you can’t land an internship right away, consider doing a summer coding bootcamp or online courses to build your skill set for future opportunities.
Solomon Woldemichael
20
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Solomon’s Answer
Hi S. Good question. Internships would generally require you to have enough theoretical knowledge, though your classes and school projects, in order to carryout your internship project(s) successfully.
For CS internships, I would say, you would have to complete the core courses prior to seeking internships. Courses such us Object Oriented Programming, Discrete Math, Data Structures and Algorithms, Operating Systems, Hardware Design and Architecture provide you the theoretical knowledge.
Senior year is probably the best time to seek internships. However, it also depends on what is available around your area. Your school should be able to help you obtain the necessary information to be able to apply for internships. You can also ask people you might know around through family and friends to get you internship opportunities in local small businesses.
I highly encourage you to acquire enough theoretical knowledge and implementation skills to help the organizations you would intern with. It is not uncommon to do multiple internships prior to graduating college. So depending on availability of opportunities, you can start interning earlier in your college or later in senior years.
All the best,
Solomon
For CS internships, I would say, you would have to complete the core courses prior to seeking internships. Courses such us Object Oriented Programming, Discrete Math, Data Structures and Algorithms, Operating Systems, Hardware Design and Architecture provide you the theoretical knowledge.
Senior year is probably the best time to seek internships. However, it also depends on what is available around your area. Your school should be able to help you obtain the necessary information to be able to apply for internships. You can also ask people you might know around through family and friends to get you internship opportunities in local small businesses.
I highly encourage you to acquire enough theoretical knowledge and implementation skills to help the organizations you would intern with. It is not uncommon to do multiple internships prior to graduating college. So depending on availability of opportunities, you can start interning earlier in your college or later in senior years.
All the best,
Solomon
Maya Singh
Product Manager
7
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Maya’s Answer
Hi S,
Great to hear you're thinking about an internship so early! Many big tech companies have programs specifically for folks like yourself - freshmen in college! Here are a few you may consider checking out:
https://www.uber.com/us/en/careers/uberstar/
https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/programs/step
https://www.metacareers.com/v2/jobs/995447835688062/
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/exploremicrosoft
https://www.amazonfutureengineer.com/
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/jobs/career-ready-skills-with-ibm-accelerate-summer-program/
Additionally, don't get too stressed out if you're not able to land an internship after your freshman year. It's quite rare and you can use the summer to enjoy yourself or maybe pick up a summer job in which you could gain valuable skills that are broadly applicable!
Great to hear you're thinking about an internship so early! Many big tech companies have programs specifically for folks like yourself - freshmen in college! Here are a few you may consider checking out:
https://www.uber.com/us/en/careers/uberstar/
https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/programs/step
https://www.metacareers.com/v2/jobs/995447835688062/
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/exploremicrosoft
https://www.amazonfutureengineer.com/
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/jobs/career-ready-skills-with-ibm-accelerate-summer-program/
Additionally, don't get too stressed out if you're not able to land an internship after your freshman year. It's quite rare and you can use the summer to enjoy yourself or maybe pick up a summer job in which you could gain valuable skills that are broadly applicable!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, S !
Welcome to Career Village ! Thanks for asking about Internships while you are a Freshman in college with no background in computer science !
One of the good things you can ascertain right now is to ask one of your computer science professors if the department does Internship Placement for CS majors in their junior and senior years. This way you will know in advance that during those years you can be placed for an Internship. For right now, I would advise doing volunteer work as that would be a way that you can get exposure to the business and start building the background that will start your journey.
Do an internet search for computer stores and services in your area. Include tech departments in retail stores, too. Visit them in person because phoning and e-mailing can get overlooked sometimes and you will want direct contact with the businesses so that you can introduce yourself and offer a helping hand. Having a direct conversation would be beneficial and they just may need a helping hand. You can also ask about volunteering in your Computer Science Lab right there in the CS Department. Next time you apply for Federal Financial Aid, choose the Work Study option. If you receive Work Study, you can have a paid job working on campus in your CS Department. It will be a great way to meet all of the people in the department and provide you with a learning experience and guidance.
Internships in your field most times require technical skills, such as proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, Java, and Linux. Some internships require previous experience and some do not. I would suggest that if you want to go through the process of obtaining an actual internship, you can read the work descriptions for them on Indeed to see what skills or experience would be required. You would have to find an internship that requires no experience. Even if you find one that will begin in the Summer, consider it because it is perfectly fine as a Freshman to have no experience yet. What you learn in your classes will be very important and necessary for future work, paid or unpaid. So pace yourself and even visit your campus Career Center to see what they say. Experience doesn't come to you, you need to go to it, so it takes a lot of research and footwork to obtain what you are seeking.
Think about all of the abilities you have in CS, what you can do confidently and what you can offer a company right now. I advise that your best bet would be to seek on campus experience and activities that will give you a safe and quick start to slowly build your skills in a focused manner. Right now, your classes and projects are there for a reason - to teach in a structured and reliable way. Let things flow naturally and you will soon see that you will be hearing about local opportunities and taking it at a pace that compliments your college courses.
If you have any more specific questions, do feel free to return here as we are always happy to help ! Best wishes to you !
Welcome to Career Village ! Thanks for asking about Internships while you are a Freshman in college with no background in computer science !
One of the good things you can ascertain right now is to ask one of your computer science professors if the department does Internship Placement for CS majors in their junior and senior years. This way you will know in advance that during those years you can be placed for an Internship. For right now, I would advise doing volunteer work as that would be a way that you can get exposure to the business and start building the background that will start your journey.
Do an internet search for computer stores and services in your area. Include tech departments in retail stores, too. Visit them in person because phoning and e-mailing can get overlooked sometimes and you will want direct contact with the businesses so that you can introduce yourself and offer a helping hand. Having a direct conversation would be beneficial and they just may need a helping hand. You can also ask about volunteering in your Computer Science Lab right there in the CS Department. Next time you apply for Federal Financial Aid, choose the Work Study option. If you receive Work Study, you can have a paid job working on campus in your CS Department. It will be a great way to meet all of the people in the department and provide you with a learning experience and guidance.
Internships in your field most times require technical skills, such as proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, Java, and Linux. Some internships require previous experience and some do not. I would suggest that if you want to go through the process of obtaining an actual internship, you can read the work descriptions for them on Indeed to see what skills or experience would be required. You would have to find an internship that requires no experience. Even if you find one that will begin in the Summer, consider it because it is perfectly fine as a Freshman to have no experience yet. What you learn in your classes will be very important and necessary for future work, paid or unpaid. So pace yourself and even visit your campus Career Center to see what they say. Experience doesn't come to you, you need to go to it, so it takes a lot of research and footwork to obtain what you are seeking.
Think about all of the abilities you have in CS, what you can do confidently and what you can offer a company right now. I advise that your best bet would be to seek on campus experience and activities that will give you a safe and quick start to slowly build your skills in a focused manner. Right now, your classes and projects are there for a reason - to teach in a structured and reliable way. Let things flow naturally and you will soon see that you will be hearing about local opportunities and taking it at a pace that compliments your college courses.
If you have any more specific questions, do feel free to return here as we are always happy to help ! Best wishes to you !