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What entry-level roles or internships can I pursue to break into the computer science industry after college #Spring25?

I'm a community college student transferring to finish my degree.

technology computer-science information-technology it cybersecurity computerscience
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Timothy’s Answer

In college, Computer Science usually focuses on programming, but most cyber security jobs are more about network infrastructure. It's a good idea to take courses in this area and consider getting certifications like Network+ or Security+. Some technical schools or community colleges offer certificates that can be just as good, or even better, for getting ready for work in this field. Choosing an Associate degree instead of a certificate can be helpful because you can use many of your courses toward a bachelor's degree if you want to keep studying later. This is important if you want to move into a management role in the future.

If you're open to it, joining the armed forces can be a great way to start a career in cyber security. You'll get valuable experience and pay while you learn, and they often provide certifications and might offer credit courses. Plus, they can help pay for college after you finish your service. With this path, you're likely to find a job in the field because there's a big demand for these professionals, and you'll already have the needed security clearances.
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Aliyan’s Answer

Hello, Chase! How are you doing?

Since you're about to finish your degree, it's a great time to start looking for internships. The most important thing is to first figure out what role interests you the most and what technical skills you have. For example, a software engineering internship could be a good fit if you’re good at programming and know functional, procedural, and object-oriented programming. If you’re more interested in IT and troubleshooting system issues, an IT support internship might be the right start for you. If building websites excites you, consider a web developer internship. Similarly, if you enjoy working with data, look for data analysis internship roles. These are just a few examples of entry-level roles in the tech industry. There are others, but these are the most common starting points for many students.

To find these internships, check out sites like Handshake (if your college uses it), LinkedIn, and AngelList. Your school’s career centre can also be a great resource. They might have connections with companies specifically looking for transfer or community college students.

Now, two things I’d recommend before you apply for an internship:

1. Create small projects and upload them to GitHub. This will help you stand out, as most students don’t have a portfolio of projects. By doing this, you'll increase your chances of getting hired and show what you're good at.

2. Join coding clubs, hackathons, conferences, and tech meetups. Networking with others is super helpful in the tech world, and you’ll learn a lot in the process.

Good Luck!
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Tyler’s Answer

Computer science majors are in high demand, offering you many exciting paths to explore. While big companies often start recruiting for internships in the Fall, don't worry! In April, you can focus on smaller or niche companies that might have more flexible hiring schedules. Use tools like LinkedIn Jobs or Indeed to find these opportunities. Also, reach out to your network to see who is hiring.

Meanwhile, work on crafting a standout resume. If you don't land an internship right away, you can still boost your skills by earning industry certifications like AWS or COMPTIA (Security), or by working on personal projects. These efforts will help you build a strong portfolio and learn valuable new skills.
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Mike’s Answer

Having a wide-ranging background and a solid understanding of various computer, IT, or security roles will really benefit you. Computer Science is a vast field, so take some time to figure out where you want to focus your time and energy. Once you know, dive into gaining new skills for that specific role. Do you want to be a code developer, a tester, work in IT support, or become a security engineer? These are just a few options. Once you decide, you can aim for entry-level roles that will help you grow in that area.

Start gaining experience early by working on your own computers, learning how operating systems work, and applying security updates. Many security professionals come from an IT or computer science background. Another great way to break into the industry is by learning different coding languages like Python or Perl. Test your code on your own systems to show your passion and skills.

Attend online and in-person conferences and seminars to expand your knowledge and network. Consider pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science if possible. Earning advanced certifications can also boost your skill set and qualifications. Popular certifications include those from CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, and Oracle. If you're interested in security, certifications like CISSP, CEH, and CCNA can be very helpful.

As you acquire new skills, update your resume to highlight your computer science work when applying for entry-level and internship roles. Always keep learning and growing your knowledge and skills—this is the key to success!

Mike recommends the following next steps:

Determine which role in computer science you want to focus on after learning more about the various roles available
Study for and take a Microsoft or Cisco certification exam
Update your resume with new certs acquired
Investigate options for 4 year or advanced degrees in Computer Science
Interview for some internships and take that feedback from them to adjust your next steps
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Siamak’s Answer

Depending on your interest, there can be a number of entry level positions.. s/w test, operations/IT, AI, s/w development based on the language of your preference (python, java, c/c++, GUI-development) and platforms /Operating systems etc!
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Edmond’s Answer

The tech industry is far too broad - like most of the others who responded, I'd also suggest trying to get any internship; that should give you a better idea which direction you'd like to go next.
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Demetrius’s Answer

Classes that help you get certifications in hardware repair and software installation will be very useful. I also recommend taking all the classes you can on Excel.
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James’s Answer

I second Adam's answer, Verizon has great internships available. I have actually worked with many interns over my 20 years in Verizon and it has been a great joy to watch them grow and develop. You can also find available internships on LinkedIn.
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Shweta’s Answer

Many tech companies have summer internships, and Verizon is one of them. These internships are a great way to see what your future job might be like and to shape your career path. Plus, there's a strong chance you could get hired by the company after the internship. I mentored a summer intern in the past, and they learned a lot about our company, what a typical workday involves, and got to explore new and exciting technologies. Go for it and good luck!
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Adriana’s Answer

Any experience is experience, whether it's in computer science or not. Feel free to look at Verizon Careers or other career sites and depending on your interest or what is available find an intersection of how this may help navigate your interests. Don't feel like you need to limit yourself only to tech roles. There are a lot of transferrable skills you can use in different roles.
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Adam’s Answer

Verizon welcomes many college interns every year, especially those studying computer science. We’d be thrilled if you applied to join our team today! You can find more details about growing your career and the paths you can take on our website.

https://mycareer.verizon.com/life-at-verizon/students-internships
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Patrick’s Answer

Make the most of your college's outplacement center for valuable resources. They can connect you with companies that are hiring and give you interview schedules. This is your best chance to land a job right after graduation. Sign up early and keep track of company schedules. Remember, this is one of the reasons you went to college, so use the outplacement center as much as you can. You've got this!
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