<p>I am starting my junior year and have never worked before. I was an accounting major but recently changed to a computer science major because I never realized that a business major required so much networking (something I hated as an introverted person on a field I was already unmotivated in--I honestly figured that I could just rely on good grades to get a job--I did not go to career fairs or do any networking). </p>
<p>To take the first step, I tried creating a resume, but it pretty sad that I literally had nothing to put under Experience or Accomplishments, and as a result, I don't know how I can get an internship (resume was basically half a page with the bare minimum that a 17 year-old could have filled out). I have only taken basic intro courses for business, Computer Programming 101, and core classes for an arts and science school. I have a 3.3 GPA.</p>
<p>I am currently applying for Federal Work Study, but I need some experience that will actually be relevant for future internship/job. I have been feeling very depressed ever since college started (college is not what depresses me--it was my lack of motivation and failure to take the initiative), but I hope I can find renewed motivation and confidence with actually finding a relevant job that will begin the start of my career.</p>
<p>Everyone, at some point, gets their first “career” related job. Perhaps you can get to know a professor or two better and see if they can hire you over the summer. Go to the Career Office and tell them what you told us and see what they have to say. They are an office of people who want to get you hired somewhere…you pay for them…use that resource!! I would think that for CS that you could get a work study job in a computer lab somewhere.</p>
<p>I planned on doing that, but I don’t want them to think I’m unprepared when I don’t really know how I should be. Will do that sometime soon after I get settled in on my schedule. Thanks.</p>
<p>If you’re feeling depressed - go talk to your university’s counseling services! They’re there to help out and they know the issues that college students deal with.</p>
<p>As for trying to get relevant experience: can you get a work study job related to CS, like working at your university’s IT department or help desk? It’s not programming, but at least it’s related to the field. Also, start making projects on your own. Make a GitHub account and add anything cool that you make, even if it’s not complicated or fancy. You can use that to show potential employers what you’re capable of and that you can work independently. Also, try learning some additional languages beyond what you’ve covered in class. I’ve taught myself Python, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Matlab on my own, and I got a lot of responses on my resume based on the fact that I know Python! Also, the key to getting an internship is to apply to a LOT of places - not just the big names, but local places that are looking for someone to do some programming work.</p>