<p>I'm a sophomore majoring in Comp Sci and Japanese, but I have relatively little skill in each. I've taken the beginning two programming courses but only know bits of Java and don't feel comfortable using it in a job setting. I know basic Japanese too, but that as well, I dont feel confident using in any sort of translating job.</p>
<p>What should I do for the summer?
Is there a way to get more skills or marketable abilities?
How do most people get internships?</p>
<p>Also, I've considered research, but I'm not all too sure what that entails. What kind of research can someone do with basic Java and Japanese in Computer Science and an East Asian Concentration in Japanese do?</p>
<p>Is it necessary for college undergrads to get things like a good internship and good professor/networking relations to succeed when they leave school?</p>
<p>I think it’s very, very important to get at least one internship in CS while you’re an undergrad unless you plan on having a solid 3.7+ GPA and do tons of research (grad school path). I recommend you to learn CS over the summer via an online course (I recommend Coursera) or just pick up some tutorials here and there. </p>
<p>It is super, duper important to pick up some side projects and explore new skills on your own. One of the most important skills to have as a computer scientist is to be self-directed and seek knowledge outside of classes. Side projects teach you a lot because it’s really cool to explore an open-ended problem that you create for yourself. Employers are looking for that.</p>
<ul>
<li>Freshman CS major, interning at Google this summer (also had offer from Microsoft; also contacted for interviews by Yelp, Facebook, and more…)</li>
</ul>
<p>RobotUnicorn, how did you get your internship for google? Was it from a recruiting fair or something?</p>
<p>I applied through the Google Freshman Engineering Practicum. However, you can easily get companies interested in you via other ways. I was also accepted to the Microsoft Explore Program, but I never had to apply, I just dropped my resume off at a recruiting booth. I got interview requests from Facebook and Yelp just by giving them my resume too.</p>
<p>Hi RobotUnicorn,
Thanks for sharing such a valuable information. Soon I will forward my resume to them. Keep sharing more info.:):)</p>