3 answers
Gabriel
Student
Minot, North Dakota
2
Questions
Updated
255 views
Are there particular internship opportunities you should prioritize while in college for Computer Science?
I'm planning out my first real internship at the moment, but I'm having a hard time picking from the opportunities available to me. I've heard "pick something local" for a potential job opportunity, but I've also heard "the bigger [the Org.] the better," because it's more notable on your resume. Does anyone have a fail-safe rule to go by? Or maybe an alternative perspective? #Fall24
Login to comment
3 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
560
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Gabriel,
Choosing the right internship in college for Computer Science can be tricky, but there isn’t a strict “one size fits all” answer—it depends on your goals and interests. Here are some perspectives to help you decide:
1. Local vs. Big Name
- Local: If you want to build connections in your community or hope to land a job nearby after graduation, a local company might be a great choice. Smaller, local organizations can also give you more hands-on experience since you may take on broader responsibilities.
- Big Name: Interning at a well-known company can definitely boost your resume, but keep in mind that big organizations might have you focus on a smaller piece of the puzzle. However, the prestige and networking opportunities can be invaluable.
2. Learning vs. Impressing
- Prioritize Learning: Your first internship is about figuring out what you like (and don’t like) while building skills. Pick something where you’ll gain real-world experience in areas you’re curious about—whether it’s software development, data analysis, or machine learning.
- Resume Value: A bigger name on your resume might catch recruiters’ attention, but if you didn’t learn much or enjoy it, it may not help long-term.
3. Field Alignment
Think about what aligns with your future goals. If you want to go into game development, an internship with a gaming studio—even if it’s small—might be better than an unrelated role at a tech giant.
4. Company Culture
- Reach out to past interns or read reviews online (try Glassdoor) to get ideas for the work environment. A great learning environment can outweigh prestige.
5. Fail-Safe Rule
When in doubt, pick the opportunity that:
- Challenges you.
- Lets you apply what you’ve learned so far.
- Has room for mentorship (a great manager/mentor can make a big difference).
If you’re still undecided, remember that any first internship is a stepping stone. Don’t overthink it—what you learn and how you grow will matter more than where you do it.
Best wishes!
Choosing the right internship in college for Computer Science can be tricky, but there isn’t a strict “one size fits all” answer—it depends on your goals and interests. Here are some perspectives to help you decide:
1. Local vs. Big Name
- Local: If you want to build connections in your community or hope to land a job nearby after graduation, a local company might be a great choice. Smaller, local organizations can also give you more hands-on experience since you may take on broader responsibilities.
- Big Name: Interning at a well-known company can definitely boost your resume, but keep in mind that big organizations might have you focus on a smaller piece of the puzzle. However, the prestige and networking opportunities can be invaluable.
2. Learning vs. Impressing
- Prioritize Learning: Your first internship is about figuring out what you like (and don’t like) while building skills. Pick something where you’ll gain real-world experience in areas you’re curious about—whether it’s software development, data analysis, or machine learning.
- Resume Value: A bigger name on your resume might catch recruiters’ attention, but if you didn’t learn much or enjoy it, it may not help long-term.
3. Field Alignment
Think about what aligns with your future goals. If you want to go into game development, an internship with a gaming studio—even if it’s small—might be better than an unrelated role at a tech giant.
4. Company Culture
- Reach out to past interns or read reviews online (try Glassdoor) to get ideas for the work environment. A great learning environment can outweigh prestige.
5. Fail-Safe Rule
When in doubt, pick the opportunity that:
- Challenges you.
- Lets you apply what you’ve learned so far.
- Has room for mentorship (a great manager/mentor can make a big difference).
If you’re still undecided, remember that any first internship is a stepping stone. Don’t overthink it—what you learn and how you grow will matter more than where you do it.
Best wishes!
Michael Richtberg
Product management & engineering
17
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
The main reason to pursue an internship is to gain hands-on experience in the real world. This experience can provide valuable insights into your preferred career path, helping you understand what you truly enjoy doing. It also allows you to apply your academic knowledge to practical business challenges. You might even uncover a new passion that could shape your career after college.
When choosing a company for your internship, reflect on what you hope to gain from the experience. Consider the kind of "test run" you want to undertake. Seek out opportunities that allow you to develop and utilize your skills. While the reputation of the company is an important factor, it should not be your primary focus unless you are certain that a specific company is your ideal post-graduation employer. If you have a particular company in mind, securing an internship there could indeed pave the way for future job offers.
Regarding the choice between larger and smaller companies, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Larger companies typically offer a wider range of internships, while smaller ones might provide specialized roles or closer mentorship.
Research the companies
Talk to other students that went through internships about their experience
Ask candidate companies what they do to pair you with mentors
Be honest with yourself about being uncertain about changes occurring and don't be affraid to ask/interview the company about things that they anticipate about technology changing jobs (e.g., AI)
It's ok to feel a bit appreciation about the future. Use the intership as a discovery step. Enjoy it. Extract knowledge from it. Be curious!
When choosing a company for your internship, reflect on what you hope to gain from the experience. Consider the kind of "test run" you want to undertake. Seek out opportunities that allow you to develop and utilize your skills. While the reputation of the company is an important factor, it should not be your primary focus unless you are certain that a specific company is your ideal post-graduation employer. If you have a particular company in mind, securing an internship there could indeed pave the way for future job offers.
Regarding the choice between larger and smaller companies, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Larger companies typically offer a wider range of internships, while smaller ones might provide specialized roles or closer mentorship.
Michael recommends the following next steps:
James Patterson Wicks
Cyber Security Leader
6
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
James Patterson’s Answer
While choosing a local internship may be convenient, selecting an internship at a company where you hope to work after graduation is often the smarter choice. If you demonstrate productivity and value as an intern, you increase the likelihood of securing a job opportunity upon graduation. Employers benefit by reducing uncertainties, such as assessing culture fit, work ethic, and training costs, when hiring former interns. Additionally, your familiarity with the company's processes and environment allows you to hit the ground running in a full-time role. Investing in the right internship can set the foundation for a successful career.