Hey everyone, I'm an incoming freshman majoring in computer science. I'm wondering if there are any internships or opportunities available for freshmen? I'd love to get some real-world experience early on!
Hi there! It's fantastic that you're eager to gain real-world experience early in your college journey. While it's true that many internships target juniors and seniors, there are opportunities out there for less-experienced students as well.
1. Google STEP (formerly Engineering Practicum) is a summer internship designed specifically for freshmen and sophomores studying computer science. The program involves working on a software project with a team of engineers at Google and attending development-focused workshops.
2. Microsoft Explore is another freshman- and sophomore-friendly program that combines software engineering with project management. It aims to provide practical experience in managing projects from start to finish, collaborating with others, and addressing real-world challenges.
3. Facebook University is an 8-week program created for underrepresented freshmen and sophomores interested in computer science or related STEM fields. You'll get the chance to work on various engineering projects while learning about Facebook's culture and meeting other students with similar interests.
In addition to these larger tech companies, smaller startups and local businesses may be open to taking on freshmen interns. Don't forget to reach out to your school's career center for help identifying internship opportunities and making connections in the industry. Attending tech-focused career fairs, hackathons, and clubs on campus can also help you network with prospective employers and fellow students with similar interests.
Lastly, while you're on the hunt for internships, you can also work on your own coding projects, contribute to open-source projects, or participate in competitive programming to further hone your skills and build a solid portfolio.
Good luck, and I hope you find an amazing opportunity!
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