4 answers
1
Question
Updated
727 views
what are ways to show your passion for software engineering
what are some projects or even internships that I could do during high school to get my college application better?
Login to comment
4 answers
Updated
Venkata Sai Sandeep’s Answer
If you're passionate about software engineering in high school, focus on creating and making an impact rather than worrying about titles. Show your enthusiasm by building real projects like apps, websites, or tools that solve real problems. Try making a personal website with blogs about your tech choices, or create an app that helps your school or community, like an event planner or a club management tool. You could also develop a simple game, contribute to open-source projects on GitHub, or work on data projects like analyzing public datasets. If you enjoy hardware, try using Arduino or Raspberry Pi.
Engaging in competitive programming or hackathons shows your dedication and willingness to learn. For internships, explore opportunities at startups, university labs, local tech companies, nonprofits, or reach out to professors. A short email with your portfolio can open doors. If internships aren't available, consider freelancing, volunteering for nonprofits, or starting a long-term project and documenting your journey.
Colleges like MIT appreciate students who take initiative and show technical skills. Explain why you created each project, what you learned, and how you improved. This reflection is just as important as the projects themselves.
Engaging in competitive programming or hackathons shows your dedication and willingness to learn. For internships, explore opportunities at startups, university labs, local tech companies, nonprofits, or reach out to professors. A short email with your portfolio can open doors. If internships aren't available, consider freelancing, volunteering for nonprofits, or starting a long-term project and documenting your journey.
Colleges like MIT appreciate students who take initiative and show technical skills. Explain why you created each project, what you learned, and how you improved. This reflection is just as important as the projects themselves.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Start by exploring the basics through online courses like CS50, freeCodeCamp, MIT OpenCourseWare, or Khan Academy. Focus on learning programming concepts, algorithms, and the basics of web development. Once you have a good grasp, put your knowledge to use by creating personal projects. Try combining different fields like science or art, and share your work on GitHub or your own website with simple explanations of what you did and why. Begin with easy projects like calculators, games, or small automation tools.
Then, work on projects that address real needs in your school or community, like homework organizers, apps for clubs, or systems for coordinating volunteers. Get hands-on experience by volunteering your coding skills with school clubs or local groups, and apply for internships or programs like Amazon Future Engineer. Join student coding clubs, competitions, hackathons, or online challenges like CodeChef and Exercism to improve your problem-solving skills and work with others. Contributing to open-source projects or creating automation scripts can also stand out. By coding regularly, building meaningful projects, and making a real impact, you show your genuine interest and initiative, making your passion for software engineering clear to colleges.
Then, work on projects that address real needs in your school or community, like homework organizers, apps for clubs, or systems for coordinating volunteers. Get hands-on experience by volunteering your coding skills with school clubs or local groups, and apply for internships or programs like Amazon Future Engineer. Join student coding clubs, competitions, hackathons, or online challenges like CodeChef and Exercism to improve your problem-solving skills and work with others. Contributing to open-source projects or creating automation scripts can also stand out. By coding regularly, building meaningful projects, and making a real impact, you show your genuine interest and initiative, making your passion for software engineering clear to colleges.
Updated
D’s Answer
I recommend looking for an open-source project that you like and contributing to it. It could be anything from an image editing tool, a plugin, an app or a service.
Or you could even fork an open-source project to add the features/behaviors you like/want or port such a project to run as an app or service+app on smartphones.
The source code you create allows potential interviewers to gauge your coding style, approach to problem solving and the depth of your understanding of the problem space.
Or you could even fork an open-source project to add the features/behaviors you like/want or port such a project to run as an app or service+app on smartphones.
The source code you create allows potential interviewers to gauge your coding style, approach to problem solving and the depth of your understanding of the problem space.
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Explore volunteer websites that need software assistance. A great place to start is Code for America. If you have a tech teacher at school, ask them about local volunteer projects where you can make a difference.
In your area, take a look at Dev Mission ( https://devmission.org/ ). They offer free programs to help you get involved and showcase your passion for software engineering.
Your community likely has opportunities that could use your skills. Connect with people and build your network; networking may become your best resource for finding a job in the future!
In your area, take a look at Dev Mission ( https://devmission.org/ ). They offer free programs to help you get involved and showcase your passion for software engineering.
Your community likely has opportunities that could use your skills. Connect with people and build your network; networking may become your best resource for finding a job in the future!