<p>I am currently looking for something to do over the summer, preferably as CS-related as possible. I am a CS major, although I only recently made a switch from molecular biology, so I've only taken 3 major-related courses in college. I am, however, very comfortable with programming and did research in an artificial intelligence lab last summer (and got a conference paper published). I attend Harvard and have a 3.86 GPA, though I don't know how important that is, given that most of my coursework is in biology/chemistry. I am also in 2 leadership positions - one in a public service group, and another on the design board of the college newspaper. Since I've just recently gotten into CS, I don't really know much about my chances of getting an internship and don't really know where to apply, aside from the obvious big-name companies like Google and Microsoft. If you have personal experience similar to mine or know more about this than I do, can you tell me if it is possible for me to get an internship at Google/Microsoft, and what other companies/programs I should apply to?</p>
<p>I doubt you will get an internship and Google or Microsoft as a Sophomore and only have taken a couple courses related to the Major. They typically take Juniors. You pretty much have to have taken a Data Structures class or you have no shot. I don’t know how good of a CS school Harvard is either, I attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying CS and I’m a sophomore. I’ve already locked down a few interviews and I’m currently in New York (just got flown out today) to do one. I would recommend maybe doing some summer research or something with CS professor or something if you can’t get an internship.</p>
<p>Try the Explore Microsoft internship, it is one of the few for freshmen and sophomores. Though they are probably all filled for this summer, it is worth investigating.</p>
<p>Have you talked to career services at Harvard? They must have some pointers for you.</p>
<p>Son is a CS in engineering grad from Tufts up the road. His internship after his sophomore year was MITRE. After Junior year, he interned at MIT Lincoln Labs. He works there now full time.</p>
<p>D is a Harvard freshmen. Still waiting on the “official” offer in the mail but D should have an internship with Genzyme this coming summer.</p>
<p>In my opinion, with your level of CS experience you will not be looking at things like Google and Microsoft. Personally, for this coming year I would be looking for companies that might blend your biology and CS.</p>
<p>I realize your post was a month ago. Hopefully you have been fortunate since then and have some application leads.</p>
<p>DS is soph at CMU. He is going to Intel at Portland, OR this summer. Also interviewed at IBM - NC, Texas, MA, and Pgh and Citadel in Chicago. Highest paid that he knew of were the sophomores who got into Amazon; like Citadel, it was over $30/hr, but Amazon also threw in housing. Intel was the best fit for DS - he’s a double SCS/ECE major and the job is a combo EE/CS.</p>
<p>Thanks to all who have replied! Just to follow up (in case anyone in a situation similar to mine is following this thread) I got an offer from Motorola. It’s exactly what I was looking for, so I’m really excited for this summer.</p>