<p>I'm planning on interning during the summer, and for my application, there is a section for "attachments", which, according to the company, is used for "the candidate record (e.g.: cover letter, resume, references, transcripts, etc.)" My question is whether it matters what kind of references you provide for an internship. I have no work experience whatsoever in the field, but I only have a few references when it comes to the internship I am applying for, that is, a software engineering intern. Would it put me at a disadvantage if I don't include them, per se, because they're not as professional? Surely I've written some code before, made my own discussion board software, did a few algorithms involving math etc. I'm just not sure whether I should include these references. If I should, how do I include chunks of code and would it even be impressive or overwhelming to the employer?</p>
<p>References refer to people who can speak to your skills and professionalism…I think you’re referring to something else in your post. If you have teachers/professors or volunteer leaders you’re worked with/for, then that would be appropriate. I wouldn’t put family as a professional reference unless you worked for a family business. </p>
<p>I would not include chunks of code. You can have a section in your resume for related experience and list projects you’ve worked on with some brief details on what you contributed. This would show that you have some experience, even if unpaid, that qualifies you for the job. Otherwise you can mention them in your summary at the top of the resume.</p>
<p>You can also provide a link to a portfolio of completed projects, if you have one.</p>
<p>Internships are where you get experience, so it would not be all that wise to demand existing experience to get an internship! If you have done anything - worked at McDonald’s, been a lifeguard, babysat - then figure out how to get your best experience on your resume in a clean and organized fashion, even if it is completely irrelevant to what you are doing.</p>