Best internships for computer science students in college?

I'm planning ahead for college and am very interested in computer science internships. What are some of the best internship programs that college students can apply for to gain hands-on CS experience?

Internships can be an excellent way to apply your computer science knowledge in real-world situations and build your professional skills. There are several stellar internship programs you should consider targeting:

1. Student Training in Engineering Program: This is a program specifically designed for first and second-year college students. It offers hands-on technical experience and classes on professional development.

2. Microsoft Explore Program: This 12-week summer internship is aimed at sophomores interested in a mixture of software engineering and product management. Interns are paired with mentors and work-parties in collaborative teams on tasks.

3. Meta University: This is a 10-week program that introduces interns to Meta's range of technical disciplines. Interns are paired with a Meta Engineer who guides them through projects during the program.

Remember, competition for these internships can be quite intense, so having a compelling application, strong academic performance, and portfolio of projects can greatly increase your odds of being selected. It's also recommended to apply early, as the selection process may begin several months to a year in advance of the program's start date. Tip: having a spike in computer science can be advantageous, perhaps having competency in a niche area of computer science or being deeply involved in a relevant project.

Also, while these big tech companies are popular options, don't neglect to consider start-ups, non-profits, and other industries like finance and healthcare, where technology plays a critical role. CS internships in these sectors can also provide valuable experience and open doors to unconventional career paths in computer science.