For a college freshman planning to major in computer science, how important is it to get an internship over the summer? Would not getting one affect my chances of getting into more competitive internships (such as Facebook) in the future, once I’ve gained more experience?
I’m currently playing around with the idea of spending my first summer working on personal projects I’m passionate about (for example, I’m especially interested in learning more about computer vision, which is something I probably wouldn’t be able to work on at a startup) instead of beefing up my resume at a paid internship. What do you think? Would I be missing out on a lot if I choose to put off internships for a year?
I think it’s alright to not have an internship freshman year as long as you’re doing something, and if you can get results with your independent project, then that’s definitely something that can look as good as an internship. It’ll show that you have self-discipline and independence, which are always good qualities to see.
Nope- A freshman year internship would be a waste of time. You wouldn’t be doing anything useful.
It’s much better for you to do something at home so you can show to prospective employers in the future.
I don’t think it is true that it would be a waste of time. You might look into whether any of the CS profs on your campus are looking for research help this summer (hopefully paid). My freshman CS major did that last summer on her campus, and it gave her a little bit of “beef” on her resume this summer (and a strong recommendation from the prof, too) while she is looking for an internship. She has been getting interviews, so it seems to be working.
You are absolutely correct, intparent.
I forgot to mention that. This is an excellent idea. I did it myself (except in Biomedical engineering field).
It will be a great way to get something on your resume, as well as do work that the professor knows you can do.
Yes, this prof even made an introduction for her to a former student of his who is working at one of her target companies, and said all kinds of glowing things about her in his email (copied her on it). So now she just has to not blow the interview (which is a possibility!).
That’s why I love to make connections with professors. They have many connections!
Good luck to your daughter.
Completely honest answer: not having freshman internship experience could very well hurt you if you apply to an uber-competitive program later. Unfortunately, just about every tech company is done hiring now. Your best bet is to try to get a lab research position as others have suggested.