By Nelson Dufitimana, Career Peer Advisor
Finding an internship in tech can be a challenging process, but it doesn’t have to be if you have the right strategies in place. Recently, we hosted an event where students who have gone through the internship search process shared some personal insights and advice on how to find an internship in tech. Here are three key takeaways from the event that can help you get started.
- Networking is Key
Networking is a key component of finding an internship in tech. By connecting with others in the industry, you can learn about different companies and their work, get referrals to internships or jobs, and even gain valuable insights into the industry as a whole. The best platform for networking is LinkedIn, so make sure you have a polished profile that showcases your skills and experience. Career Shift is also another helpful platform for networking. You can find contact information of recruiters as well as employees at companies you are interested in.
As you connect with others in the industry, be sure to keep up with industry trends and news so you can stay informed and add value to your conversations. And don’t forget to surround yourself with like-minded people who are also looking for internships– their motivation and support can be invaluable throughout the application process.
- Building Your Technical Skills is a Must
While your CS classes may give you a good foundation, solving interview problems requires a different set of skills. That’s why it’s important to focus on building your technical skills in addition to your coursework. One great resource for this is neetcode.io, which covers common problem-solving patterns and applies them to LeetCode questions.
As you prepare for your technical interview, it’s important to avoid simply memorizing questions Instead, focus on understanding the general patterns and techniques used to solve different types of problems. Additionally, communication and collaboration skills are just as important as technical skills, so make sure you practice these as you work through problems and seek feedback from others. Consider joining organizations like CodePath, which offer free interview prep courses and mock interviews to help you hone your skills.
- Finding Open Positions
The process of finding open positions can be overwhelming, but there are several ways to approach it. You can start by browsing through company career sites, which can often be found by doing a quick Google search using the [company name] + “careers”. LinkedIn and Handshake are two other great resources for finding job postings.
For those looking to get into the startup world, the process may be a bit different. Startups may not always post job openings directly, but they may be open to taking on interns or new graduates through referrals. To find these opportunities, it’s important to be well-informed about the startup you’re interested in and to network with people who work there. This can involve attending events or meetups, or simply connecting with others on LinkedIn or other platforms.
During your internship search, it is important to focus on networking, building technical skills, and exploring open opportunities. Whether you are just starting your search or already in the process, these tips can help you improve your search process and increase your chances of success. If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can drop in during CPA hours every weekday from 1:00-4:30 pm or make an appointment with a career counselor on Handshake.
