I'm a high school student interested in computers and tech. Are there any jobs or internships that would be suitable for a beginner like me? Would appreciate any insight into pathways for high schoolers into computer-based careers.
Absolutely, there are several ways high schoolers can gain experience in computer-based careers.
One entry point could be internships or work experience placements. Companies like Google and Microsoft, to name a few, offer summer programs specifically for high school students interested in tech. These experiences mark a great opportunity to gain insight into the industry and learn essential skills. Local tech startups may also offer internships or job shadowing opportunities to high school students.
Competitions and hackathons can also be a great way to get involved. Opportunities like the USA Computing Olympiad, Hack High School, or Google's Code-in competition are available to passionate high school students. These not only allow you to learn and practice your skills, they're also an excellent place to network with others interested in the same field.
Volunteering or contributing to open-source projects online can provide real-world experience as well. Websites like GitHub host a multitude of projects, many of which are open to contributors at any experience level.
On a more casual note, online platforms provide resources to learn coding at your own pace. Websites such as Codecademy, Khan Academy, or Coursera offer courses in a variety of programming languages and technology-related topics.
Lastly, remember to also leverage in-school resources - if your school has a computer science class or a club, take full advantage of these resources.
These experiences and the skills you gain can provide a springboard for your future career in tech.
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