As a Computer Science Major (or any CS related major) who has no prior work or internship experience, what do you suggest I do to get a programming job or internship?
As the question states, I am a CS major who has little experience and has only done a few side projects that were not too advanced (in web dev and basic networking principles). I am trying to get an internship and I have been sending out resumes and going to career fairs, but most companies have not responded to me or have rejected me due to lack of experience. Should I be pursuing more personal projects, or should I join a club and/or form a team to try to put out a product? Any help or advice would be great. #science #computer #experience #internship #job-application #career-details
2 answers
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Albert!
The first bit of advice I have for you is to not belittle or downplay your side projects. Every project you attempt increases your knowledge and your portfolio. Add them to your resume. Second, figure out where you want to go and where your interests lie. If you want to get into web development, see if any local charities need work done. They usually can't hire someone but are very happy to get help. Also, set up your own web site. Check sites you think are really done well and try to determine what exactly you like about them and what makes them good.
If you like networking, lots of private schools would love to have a volunteer to help. When I was Director of Computer Science at a local university, my students and I rebuilt the network and classroom infrastructure at a church run private school. Also, there are several open source projects that are always looking for contributors. I contributed to the syslinux.org project in my last job. Search for open source projects.
Another bit of advice is to look at small companies for your internship. They tend to be overlooked by students. Have you checked with your college job placement group? They usually have info about many different internship options. Also check with your department head. Ask people whom you or your family know who own or are in a high level position about any internships. Spread the word to everyone that you are looking.
Best of luck and let us know how it goes.
Jeff
Thank you for the advice! I am starting a new project over winter break and I will talk to my career counselors and faculty and see what opportunities I could get. Hopefully something will arise!
Albert
Skyler LaBuff
Skyler’s Answer
Albert - I just hired an intern getting a BS in CS who had put together a great set of self-taught/self-developed software programs on this website:
https://github.com/
You can build your resume, and link via LinkedIn or on your PDF resume to link to a suite of code/programs you have developed to show your skills and interests. So make it great! Hiring managers like me will check it out, so make it unique and personal to impress!
Feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn and I'll give you comments on your resume.
Good luck,
Skyler
Thanks for the advice! Just a couple of months ago I created my own github, and I plan on adding any future/existing projects that I have on there.
As for LInkedIn, I have created a profile, but I find that I can't add too much to my profile. I don't have much experience and as such I can't add much to my profile, which does make it seem a bit barren. Should I be concerned?
Again, thanks for the help, I do really appreciate it! I love to hear back from people, especially when I see that they gave such a thoughtful and helpful response.
Albert
Don't worry about a light profile on LinkedIn, just use it to put your resume out there electronically and as a way to network with and reach out to people in your desired companies/industries.
Skyler LaBuff