<p>Hello, I'm currently an Electrical Engineering student with concentration in Computer Engineering. I was wondering what type of internships I should do that would be considered relevant to the employers. For example, would a programming internship doing web development or a software engineering internship be considered relevant? Does it have to be more hardware focused? </p>
<p>I really don't think I'm ready to take on a hardware related internship. I have a lot of programming experience but little to no hardware experience as I'm yet to take the upper div classes. The only hardware related experience I have is tinkering with micro-controllers but nothing too serious. So what are your suggestions?</p>
<p>I was under the impression that employers like to see internships that are related to the job and not some random activity that has nothing to do with the job that I’m applying for. Am I wrong in saying that?</p>
<p>An internship doing software development is relevant enough, and much better than bagging groceries, for example. I’m a EE manager and I require good software development experience in the people I hire. </p>
<p>If you could get a hardware internship, sure that would also be good, but given that you haven’t taken upper level classes, it would be unlikely that you would be able to find one. Look for an internship like that after another year or two, after you have taken more EE classes.</p>
<p>I meant any engineering internship you can get. Really doesn’t matter if it’s hardware, software, or whatever. At your stage, take whatever you can get, which will likely be dependent on what you have already learned. It’s tough out there, especially for underclassmen. Cast a wide net. You might not have many choices. The first internship is a stepping stone to the next internship. You will eventually have opportunities in the areas you enjoy and have some knowledge.</p>