Internship tips
Some tips for recruitment season for Computer science students based on my experience.
Note: This is mostly for 1st and 2nd year students. Here is what I did to get my first internship offer.
1. Focus on your resume.
Before you even start applying to jobs, make sure that your resume has the following:
uses a basic template that is easily readable by the ATS. example
includes a Projects section!! this one is very important. You can include projects that you did in your class, in any CS clubs or something that you did on your own.
(optional but good to have) any job experience even if it is not related to cs or engineering + any clubs you are part of or hold leadership positions in.
Note: Think of your resume as a questionnaire. The interviewers will interview you based on what you put on your resume. The more technical projects and experience you showcase, the more you can stand out.
2. Work on some side projects if you don’t have any yet. You can look up tutorials on YouTube on how to make a website (both front end + backend). I recommend code academy, udemy, coursera or edx courses. Learn flutter+dart to make a mobile app. Be able to use java, python and c++ (be confident in at least one language).
3. Start applying to jobs! Cover letters are mostly optional so don’t worry about them too much.
attend your college career fair and talk to recruiters. Ask for their email so you can contact them and send them a thank you message + stay connected. Getting in touch with recruiters is key.
here is a github database of multiple internships to appy for.
reach out to recruiters and alumni on linkedin. try to get referrals.
Note: even if you don’t think you are qualified for an internship, APPLY ANYWAY.
Now you wait for the interviews. Getting an interview is the hardest part :( BUT YOU GOT THIS. Keep applying and networking.
4. Most internships don’t really ask for a technical interview if you are a 1st or 2nd year student. But leetcode is the best place to prepare for technical interviews. Here are some problems to get you started. But besides that make sure you can clearly explain the projects on your resume and maybe even walk the interviewer through your thought process and any issues you had!
5. Time for behavioral interview which is the last final step. Here are some commonly asked interview questions. In a word document try to come up with a situation where you faced the issues described in these questions and then write them down. Also write down how you solved the issues. This is how you will prepare for the interview. Try to memorize the scenarios but also make sure that you speak naturally during the interview lol. They don’t need to know you memorized it. Smile and be pleasant during the interview! Everyone loves happy people!! Always project yourself in a positive light.
Example: Tell us about a time you missed a deadline.
Answer: taken from this website
situation/task - I was once given a deadline to produce an article for a client on a short turnaround time. I believed I could handle the article in addition to the workload I already had, but I miscalculated how long it would take me to write it. The morning the article was due, I realized I would not make it in time and contacted my boss to explain the situation.
action - I apologized, explained what happened and asked for an extension, which he granted.
result - I learned that I need to be honest with myself about the workload I can handle each day. I also learned that when accepting assignments, I need to include a time buffer to ensure that even if unforeseen events arise, I am able to meet my deadlines.
Note: If they ask for a weakness, mention something that is not your job related. For example, you can say something about creativity being your weakness when you are applying for a technical role. Make sure that you also mention what you are doing in order to improve the skill you said you are weak in. In this case, it could be taking a creative writing class etc.
6. Always have questions to ask at the end of the interview. Ask about any doubts you may have regarding the work. Ask if there is any specific technology you need to learn in advance. Ask how the day to day work life would look like. Ask how the company has been dealing with COVID. Ask them to describe a successful intern etc.
7. Send a thank you email to the recruiter and the interviewers! Don’t forget this one!
Lastly, keep working hard and be open to constructive criticism. Have other people look over your resume. Do NOT compare yourself with others. You are competing with YOURSELF during the recruitment process. Believe in yourself and all the work you have put in so far. Accept the fact that the recruitment process is stressful and find healthy ways to cope with stress. Most importantly, be nice to others and do not put other people down during this time :) You got this!! I believe in you. It is never too late to apply. There are internships all year round so do not worry :)


















