Software Engineering Internships for High Schoolers

I'm curious if there are any software engineering internships specifically for high school students. I have some programming experience and really want to work on a real-world project. Any suggestions or leads? Thanks!

Absolutely! There are software engineering internships and programs available for high school students, which will give you the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the field early on. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

1. Look for local tech companies and startups: Reach out to companies in your area to inquire if they have internship programs or opportunities tailored for high school students. Smaller, local startups might be more flexible in accepting young talent, as they are often more invested in the growth of their young community members.

2. Check out big tech companies: Major tech players like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook are still woth looking into, as they often have summer programs, internships, or workshops specifically designed for high school students, such as Google's Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) and Microsoft's High School Internship Program.

3. Explore online platforms: Websites like Internships.com, LinkedIn, and Indeed often post internships for high school students. You can filter your search to find software engineering positions.

4. Utilize your school's resources: Talk to your school counselor, computer science teacher, or career center for leads on local internships or partnerships with tech companies. They might have connections or be aware of opportunities that match your interests.

5. Join coding clubs or competitions: Engaging in extracurricular activities like coding clubs or participating in programming competitions (e.g. Hackathons or CodeWars) will not only help you further develop your skills, but also connect you with like-minded peers who may have insights into internship opportunities.

6. Network with professionals: Attend local tech meetups, career fairs, or conferences to make connections with software engineers, who might be able to give you advice or inform you about opportunities. You can also reach out to any family members or family friends who may have connections in the tech industry.

Finally, you can get an initial list of internships and programs related to computer science on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-computer-science-summer-programs. Some of these options may be in your area, while others are even online and thus offer you maximum flexibility.

Make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your programming experience, coursework, and personal coding projects, as that will best show your enthusiasm and dedication. Good luck in your search!