4 answers
Alayna
Student
Malibu, California
1
Question
Updated
445 views
How do I start getting professional experience in computer science while still in college? As a current freshman I want to hit the ground running to explore where in the field I find fulfillment! #Spring26
Any advice much appreciated :)
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4 answers
Tony Graham PM
Program Manager
1
Answer
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Updated
Tony Graham’s Answer
Hello and salutations Alayna,
My perspective as a Program Manager:
You’re already asking the *right* question—and that matters more than you think. The quality of the answers we get in life depends on the quest in the question, we ask.
Others have given you excellent tactical guidance (languages, data structures, projects, GitHub, research, hackathons). I won’t repeat it—I’ll **overlay how to think about that, so it actually compounds into a fulfilling choice and implementation towards a career path that is fulfilling and rewarding, in my view**
1️⃣ Treat Your Life Like a Project (Because It Is)
In program management, we don’t wait for perfect clarity—we **iterate**
Approach college and your career like a long‑running project:
* Define a hypothesis (“I might like X”)
* Run a sprint - starting and finishing something in a doable chunk (project, class, internship, research)
* Inspect & adapt
* Repeat
Every class, side project, hackathon, or internship is **data**, not a verdict. You’re not locking yourself in—you’re learning faster. Expanding at a pace you set or agree to.
📘 I strongly recommend reading *Who Moved My Cheese*. It’s simple, but powerful. The lesson? **Change is constant. Adapt early. Don’t cling to old assumptions. Move forward with curiosity instead of fear.**
2️⃣ Get Involved Early—Internships Matter (Even Small Ones)
Projects and fundamentals matter (and others covered that well, in the advice/insights they provided).
Have a servant leader mindset and when called to lead, lead - supporting those who follow.
When called to follow, follow and support those who lead, as a servant leader - even when you may become a CEO, CFO or a Business Unit Director.
But whatever you do, do it with excellence **real-world exposure accelerates everything**
* Apply to internships early—even if you don’t feel “ready”
* Look at startups, nonprofits, research labs, IT teams, campus jobs, and multi-nationals like HP, inc.
* Freshman‑friendly programs are designed for *potential*, not perfection
An internship teaches you what textbooks can’t:
* How teams actually work
* How ambiguity feels
* What energizes you vs. drains you
* The fundamentals of people, communication and relationship management while achieving in a work effort
That clarity is gold. New experiences are silver. Treasure them.
3️⃣ “Herd the Cats That Matter to You”
In any program—or career—you’ll encounter chaos, competing priorities, and strong personalities.
Your job is to **herd the cats that align with your values and ambitions** with professionalism.
Litmus Tests:
* Projects/Work you care about
* People that you learn from-both positive and not, do not allow for the toxic, when learning from and with others
* Problems/Challenges that feel meaningful
* Allow for noble failure in yourself and others, let them be teachable moments and character building
Say yes honestly, early and often, then refine.
Be willing to not know something and learn, with some of the yeses you choose to make.
Also learn the power of No, when needed. Pick your 'battles' and `be prudent with where you sell you time, energy and treasure. Over time, you’ll get better at choosing the *right* cats to herd. In time you will become what you emulate and give your yeses to.
4️⃣ Be the “Happy Warrior”
This one is very important—and often overlooked.
The people who thrive long‑term in tech are:
**Happy warriors** – resilient, positive, steady under pressure
**Willing change agents** – adaptable, curious, open to feedback
**Humble learners** – confident enough to admit what they don’t know
Your attitude will take you further than a pedigree or raw technical skill alone.
5️⃣ Fulfillment Comes from Reflection, Patience and thoughtful action, Not Prestige.
After every experience, ask yourself:
* Did I enjoy the work *day‑to‑day*?
* Did I like collaborating or working solo?
* Did this challenge stretch me in a good way?
* Did...fill in the blank...?
Fulfillment isn’t found in titles or just accomplishment—it’s found in **patterns over time**. Patterns you value - that elevate and teach. Be a lifelong learner. The more you know the less you anchor in certitude. Change is a constant and a gift.
Final Thought.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You need **momentum**, **adaptability**, and a willingness to grow with each experience. Remember to smile, be authentic and on mission.
Treat your journey like a project. Leave room for work-life balance. Move your cheese when needed. Herd the cats that matter. Be the happy warrior. Trust you are enough, even if limited, you can do limitless things.
If you do that, fulfillment and reward will follow.
All the best in your endeavors and what comes next, you are the captain of your ship and the journey ahead.
My perspective as a Program Manager:
You’re already asking the *right* question—and that matters more than you think. The quality of the answers we get in life depends on the quest in the question, we ask.
Others have given you excellent tactical guidance (languages, data structures, projects, GitHub, research, hackathons). I won’t repeat it—I’ll **overlay how to think about that, so it actually compounds into a fulfilling choice and implementation towards a career path that is fulfilling and rewarding, in my view**
1️⃣ Treat Your Life Like a Project (Because It Is)
In program management, we don’t wait for perfect clarity—we **iterate**
Approach college and your career like a long‑running project:
* Define a hypothesis (“I might like X”)
* Run a sprint - starting and finishing something in a doable chunk (project, class, internship, research)
* Inspect & adapt
* Repeat
Every class, side project, hackathon, or internship is **data**, not a verdict. You’re not locking yourself in—you’re learning faster. Expanding at a pace you set or agree to.
📘 I strongly recommend reading *Who Moved My Cheese*. It’s simple, but powerful. The lesson? **Change is constant. Adapt early. Don’t cling to old assumptions. Move forward with curiosity instead of fear.**
2️⃣ Get Involved Early—Internships Matter (Even Small Ones)
Projects and fundamentals matter (and others covered that well, in the advice/insights they provided).
Have a servant leader mindset and when called to lead, lead - supporting those who follow.
When called to follow, follow and support those who lead, as a servant leader - even when you may become a CEO, CFO or a Business Unit Director.
But whatever you do, do it with excellence **real-world exposure accelerates everything**
* Apply to internships early—even if you don’t feel “ready”
* Look at startups, nonprofits, research labs, IT teams, campus jobs, and multi-nationals like HP, inc.
* Freshman‑friendly programs are designed for *potential*, not perfection
An internship teaches you what textbooks can’t:
* How teams actually work
* How ambiguity feels
* What energizes you vs. drains you
* The fundamentals of people, communication and relationship management while achieving in a work effort
That clarity is gold. New experiences are silver. Treasure them.
3️⃣ “Herd the Cats That Matter to You”
In any program—or career—you’ll encounter chaos, competing priorities, and strong personalities.
Your job is to **herd the cats that align with your values and ambitions** with professionalism.
Litmus Tests:
* Projects/Work you care about
* People that you learn from-both positive and not, do not allow for the toxic, when learning from and with others
* Problems/Challenges that feel meaningful
* Allow for noble failure in yourself and others, let them be teachable moments and character building
Say yes honestly, early and often, then refine.
Be willing to not know something and learn, with some of the yeses you choose to make.
Also learn the power of No, when needed. Pick your 'battles' and `be prudent with where you sell you time, energy and treasure. Over time, you’ll get better at choosing the *right* cats to herd. In time you will become what you emulate and give your yeses to.
4️⃣ Be the “Happy Warrior”
This one is very important—and often overlooked.
The people who thrive long‑term in tech are:
**Happy warriors** – resilient, positive, steady under pressure
**Willing change agents** – adaptable, curious, open to feedback
**Humble learners** – confident enough to admit what they don’t know
Your attitude will take you further than a pedigree or raw technical skill alone.
5️⃣ Fulfillment Comes from Reflection, Patience and thoughtful action, Not Prestige.
After every experience, ask yourself:
* Did I enjoy the work *day‑to‑day*?
* Did I like collaborating or working solo?
* Did this challenge stretch me in a good way?
* Did...fill in the blank...?
Fulfillment isn’t found in titles or just accomplishment—it’s found in **patterns over time**. Patterns you value - that elevate and teach. Be a lifelong learner. The more you know the less you anchor in certitude. Change is a constant and a gift.
Final Thought.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You need **momentum**, **adaptability**, and a willingness to grow with each experience. Remember to smile, be authentic and on mission.
Treat your journey like a project. Leave room for work-life balance. Move your cheese when needed. Herd the cats that matter. Be the happy warrior. Trust you are enough, even if limited, you can do limitless things.
If you do that, fulfillment and reward will follow.
All the best in your endeavors and what comes next, you are the captain of your ship and the journey ahead.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
654
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Begin by learning one main programming language, like Python, which is great for beginners. Focus on mastering the basics, such as object-oriented programming and important data structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, and hash maps. Also, get comfortable with core algorithms like sorting, searching, recursion, and basic dynamic programming. Strengthen your mathematical thinking with discrete math, logic, and basic probability. Once you have a good grasp of these, start exploring systems-level topics like computer organization, operating systems, and databases, including SQL and indexing. As you advance in data structures and algorithms, consider learning C++ to improve your problem-solving skills and understanding of performance.
In addition to theory, start learning practical software development tools early on. Get familiar with Git and GitHub for version control, use the command line for efficient workflows, develop debugging skills, and gradually learn about deployment concepts like hosting and CI/CD pipelines. Regularly practice problem-solving on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, Codeforces, Codewars, and Exercism, focusing on understanding patterns and improving your thinking skills. Use Stack Overflow to help solve problems, learn from mistakes, and understand real-world development challenges.
Create small projects that you can complete, document well, and share on GitHub. This is where you turn knowledge into real engineering experience. Share your work, seek feedback, and study other people's code to better understand real-world design and structure. Participate in hackathons, coding communities, and open-source projects. Once you have a few strong projects and a portfolio, start applying for internships or research opportunities. Over time, explore different areas of computer science like artificial intelligence, systems programming, cybersecurity, software engineering, databases, and cloud computing. Gradually focus on the areas that truly interest you while continuing to build your skills and real-world experience.
In addition to theory, start learning practical software development tools early on. Get familiar with Git and GitHub for version control, use the command line for efficient workflows, develop debugging skills, and gradually learn about deployment concepts like hosting and CI/CD pipelines. Regularly practice problem-solving on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, Codeforces, Codewars, and Exercism, focusing on understanding patterns and improving your thinking skills. Use Stack Overflow to help solve problems, learn from mistakes, and understand real-world development challenges.
Create small projects that you can complete, document well, and share on GitHub. This is where you turn knowledge into real engineering experience. Share your work, seek feedback, and study other people's code to better understand real-world design and structure. Participate in hackathons, coding communities, and open-source projects. Once you have a few strong projects and a portfolio, start applying for internships or research opportunities. Over time, explore different areas of computer science like artificial intelligence, systems programming, cybersecurity, software engineering, databases, and cloud computing. Gradually focus on the areas that truly interest you while continuing to build your skills and real-world experience.
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
128
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Hello Alayna,
Start by building small projects and sharing them publicly and this is often the fastest way to gain experience early on. Even simple apps or tools show initiative and help you figure out what areas you enjoy.
At the same time, look for internships, research roles, or campus tech jobs. Practicing coding problems on platforms like LeetCode and sharing your work on GitHub/Bitbucket can help you build both skills and visibility
Start by building small projects and sharing them publicly and this is often the fastest way to gain experience early on. Even simple apps or tools show initiative and help you figure out what areas you enjoy.
At the same time, look for internships, research roles, or campus tech jobs. Practicing coding problems on platforms like LeetCode and sharing your work on GitHub/Bitbucket can help you build both skills and visibility
Sheetal Eachpilani
Sales Operations
16
Answers
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Updated
Sheetal’s Answer
Love this mindset 👌—starting in freshman year (Spring ’26) is a huge advantage. Below is a clear, practical roadmap to help you start gaining real CS experience now, while also exploring where you’ll feel fulfilled in the field.
I’ve grounded this in guidance from industry internship programs, career platforms, and underclassmen-focused CS resources.
🚀 Step 1: Redefine “Professional Experience” (Freshman Reality)
As a freshman, professional CS experience ≠ only internships.
Employers and recruiters do count:
Personal & team projects
Open-source contributions
Research assistant work
Hackathons & competitions
Part-time technical roles
Startup / nonprofit tech work
This approach is widely recommended because many internships explicitly open up to freshmen only if you already show hands-on work. [indeed.com], [jamiefoste...cience.com]
🧱 Step 2: Build a Technical Foundation Immediately
✅ What to focus on in Year 1
Most freshman-friendly roles expect foundational skills, not mastery:
One primary language (Python, Java, or C++)
Basic data structures & problem-solving
Version control (Git/GitHub)
Freshmen internships and research programs emphasize eagerness + demonstrable skills, not advanced coursework. [jamiefoste...cience.com]
✅ Concrete actions
Put every project on GitHub
Write short READMEs explaining what you built and why
Treat projects like mini-products, not homework
🛠 Step 3: Start with Small, Real Projects (Exploration Phase)
Projects are the fastest way to explore fulfillment in CS.
Try 1–2 projects from different areas:
Web app ✅
Automation script ✅
Data analysis ✅
Simple game ✅
This mirrors real internship work and helps you feel what each area is like. [jamiefoste...cience.com]
🚨 Avoid: only listing class assignments on your resume
Recruiters consistently flag this as a weak signal. [reddit.com]
🧪 Step 4: Get Paid or Credited Research Experience (Underrated)
Many CS departments actively hire undergrads—including freshmen—to:
Help maintain codebases
Assist graduate students
Run experiments
Develop tools
Universities and faculty labs explicitly list paid undergraduate research and volunteer roles as a common pathway to early experience. [reddit.com], [curis.stanford.edu]
How to start:
Browse CS faculty pages
Email professors whose work interests you (short + specific)
Ask about undergraduate research, RA roles, or lab volunteering
🧩 Step 5: Apply to Freshman‑Friendly Internships Strategically
Many well-known programs are designed specifically for freshmen/sophomores, including:
Google STEP
Microsoft Explore
Meta University
NASA & government tech internships
A curated GitHub list tracks freshman/sophomore-only programs updated for 2026. [github.com]
Key insight:
These programs value potential, curiosity, and learning ability over deep specialization.
🧠 Step 6: Explore Fulfillment, Not Prestige (This Is the Secret)
CS has many paths, and freshman year is for sampling:
Building vs. research
Solo coding vs. team collaboration
Abstract theory vs. applied products
Career guidance and internship platforms emphasize that early exposure helps students avoid misalignment later. [indeed.com], [coursera.org]
Ask yourself after each experience:
Did I enjoy debugging?
Did I like collaborating?
Did I feel motivated by the problem domain?
That’s how fulfillment emerges.
🗓 Suggested Freshman Timeline (Spring ’26 → Summer)
✅ Spring ’26
Learn one core language deeply
Build 1–2 small projects
Join a CS club or hackathon
Create GitHub + LinkedIn
✅ Summer ’26
Apply to underclassmen internships
Do research / startup work / open source
Build a bigger project
This cadence aligns with early-career CS pathways recommended by internship platforms and university programs. [indeed.com], [github.com]
🔑 Final Mindset (Most Important)
The goal of freshman year is momentum + exploration, not perfection.
Students who start early with projects + curiosity consistently outperform those who wait for “official” internships later.
I’ve grounded this in guidance from industry internship programs, career platforms, and underclassmen-focused CS resources.
🚀 Step 1: Redefine “Professional Experience” (Freshman Reality)
As a freshman, professional CS experience ≠ only internships.
Employers and recruiters do count:
Personal & team projects
Open-source contributions
Research assistant work
Hackathons & competitions
Part-time technical roles
Startup / nonprofit tech work
This approach is widely recommended because many internships explicitly open up to freshmen only if you already show hands-on work. [indeed.com], [jamiefoste...cience.com]
🧱 Step 2: Build a Technical Foundation Immediately
✅ What to focus on in Year 1
Most freshman-friendly roles expect foundational skills, not mastery:
One primary language (Python, Java, or C++)
Basic data structures & problem-solving
Version control (Git/GitHub)
Freshmen internships and research programs emphasize eagerness + demonstrable skills, not advanced coursework. [jamiefoste...cience.com]
✅ Concrete actions
Put every project on GitHub
Write short READMEs explaining what you built and why
Treat projects like mini-products, not homework
🛠 Step 3: Start with Small, Real Projects (Exploration Phase)
Projects are the fastest way to explore fulfillment in CS.
Try 1–2 projects from different areas:
Web app ✅
Automation script ✅
Data analysis ✅
Simple game ✅
This mirrors real internship work and helps you feel what each area is like. [jamiefoste...cience.com]
🚨 Avoid: only listing class assignments on your resume
Recruiters consistently flag this as a weak signal. [reddit.com]
🧪 Step 4: Get Paid or Credited Research Experience (Underrated)
Many CS departments actively hire undergrads—including freshmen—to:
Help maintain codebases
Assist graduate students
Run experiments
Develop tools
Universities and faculty labs explicitly list paid undergraduate research and volunteer roles as a common pathway to early experience. [reddit.com], [curis.stanford.edu]
How to start:
Browse CS faculty pages
Email professors whose work interests you (short + specific)
Ask about undergraduate research, RA roles, or lab volunteering
🧩 Step 5: Apply to Freshman‑Friendly Internships Strategically
Many well-known programs are designed specifically for freshmen/sophomores, including:
Google STEP
Microsoft Explore
Meta University
NASA & government tech internships
A curated GitHub list tracks freshman/sophomore-only programs updated for 2026. [github.com]
Key insight:
These programs value potential, curiosity, and learning ability over deep specialization.
🧠 Step 6: Explore Fulfillment, Not Prestige (This Is the Secret)
CS has many paths, and freshman year is for sampling:
Building vs. research
Solo coding vs. team collaboration
Abstract theory vs. applied products
Career guidance and internship platforms emphasize that early exposure helps students avoid misalignment later. [indeed.com], [coursera.org]
Ask yourself after each experience:
Did I enjoy debugging?
Did I like collaborating?
Did I feel motivated by the problem domain?
That’s how fulfillment emerges.
🗓 Suggested Freshman Timeline (Spring ’26 → Summer)
✅ Spring ’26
Learn one core language deeply
Build 1–2 small projects
Join a CS club or hackathon
Create GitHub + LinkedIn
✅ Summer ’26
Apply to underclassmen internships
Do research / startup work / open source
Build a bigger project
This cadence aligns with early-career CS pathways recommended by internship platforms and university programs. [indeed.com], [github.com]
🔑 Final Mindset (Most Important)
The goal of freshman year is momentum + exploration, not perfection.
Students who start early with projects + curiosity consistently outperform those who wait for “official” internships later.