<p>I'm currently sophomore standing, but my confidence in my programming isn't very high. I just recently switched over to CS from math and have only taken the more basic CS classes. I've done very well in the classes, but I doubt my knowledge is extensive enough for an internship.</p>
<p>Many of my friends in CS say junior year is a good time to look for internships. Should I start applying next year even if I don't feel I'm ready? Is senior year too late to start? In general, what is required of me in an internship? Is there any way I can prepare myself for an internship over summer Christmas break?</p>
<p>I did my first internship following my soph year. I would encourage you to apply for any available openings. </p>
<p>Most of the interns are assigned to a mentor, probably someone with a few years experience. They will have some specific projects that are straightforward and easy to pick up. </p>
<p>Be aware that employers are going to look at specific skills…languages, environments, tools…that you have. They dont want to train you, so often students whose resumes have these get the nod. If you know employers are looking for specific technologies brushing up on these could help your prospects. GL.</p>
<p>You should start looking into internships after you take your Data Structures & Algorithms class + this is probably the only class that <em>matters</em> if you want to go into software engineering. </p>
<p>Learn how to use Linux command line, Git, and start working on your own side projects so your resume will be competitive. Also don’t be afraid to list other accomplishments outside of CS</p>
<p>Thanks for all the tips. I’ll probably just improve my skillset junior year and look for internships senior year.</p>
<p>lol, in other words, you just asked for advice but decided to ignore it completely</p>
<p>Uh, no. Quoted the replies because it sounds like you didn’t read them.</p>
<p>“Be aware that employers are going to look at specific skills…languages, environments, tools…that you have. They dont want to train you, so often students whose resumes have these get the nod. If you know employers are looking for specific technologies brushing up on these could help your prospects. GL.”</p>
<p>"You should start looking into internships after you take your Data Structures & Algorithms class + this is probably the only class that <em>matters</em> if you want to go into software engineering. </p>
<p>Learn how to use Linux command line, Git, and start working on your own side projects so your resume will be competitive. Also don’t be afraid to list other accomplishments outside of CS"</p>
<p>So I’m going to expand my “languages, environments, tools”, and “learn how to use Linux command line, Git, and start working on [my] own side projects”, then “start looking into internships after * take [my] Data Structures & Algorithms class” next year.</p>
<p>You see, it’s the internship that will help prepare you and give you experience for that job mentioned in the first quote. In internships you won’t be expected to be as proficient as you would if you were looking for a job. Sorry you haven’t taken your data structures course yet. Point is, if you can get an internship suitable for your skills, you should take it. You will be a bit more prepared in summer than you are now. And you will be even more prepared and attractive for your post-Jr year more advanced internship.</p>
<p>oops! you forgot
</p>
<p>good luck anyway, this year or next…</p>
<p>Oh gotcha. I thought Mitch was referring to internships when saying employers. Thanks for the advice though.</p>
<p>It doesn’t hurt you to apply for internships early. If you do and don’t get any, your ego might be hurt, but your chances are infinitely better than if you don’t apply in the first place.</p>