CS Internships for Sophomores & Freshmen

As a sophomore in college majoring in computer science, I found myself faced with the scary task of securing an internship that would kickstart my career. It's a familiar scenario for many CS students! I can certainly relate to the blend of enthusiasm and anxiety that comes with applying for internships and waiting for emails. Along the way, I came across several incredible internship programs that are tailor-made for sophomores and freshmen like me! In this article, I'll share my experiences and insights about these internships that can set you on the path to success.

1. Microsoft Explore Internship This is an excellent choice for students who have just started their CS journey. Microsoft offers a 12-week program that provides a comprehensive introduction to software engineering, product management, and data science. The program is designed to help you build the foundational skills you'll need in your CS career.
2. Google STEP Google's Student Training in Engineering Program (STEP) is targeted at first and second-year students, aiming to immerse them in the world of Google engineering. It's a great program because it has a "sister" program Google BOLD where many STEP engineers go the following year.
3. Duolingo Thrive Program Duolingo, the language-learning app that many of us have used at some point, offers a unique internship program called Thrive. I was drawn to this program because of its focus on social impact. Duolingo allows students to work on projects with a mission of making education accessible to all.
4. Meta University The Meta University program provides valuable experience in software engineering, data science, and product management. It's an excellent way to gain exposure to the fast-paced world of social media and technology, not to mention the vast network you can build during your internship.
5. UberSTAR Program UberSTAR, an internship program by Uber, is a fantastic choice for budding software engineers. I was attracted to the program because it offers challenging, real-world projects, and a mentorship structure that ensures your professional growth. The program places a strong emphasis on technical skills and encourages students to solve complex problems in the world of transportation and logistics.
6. IBM Accelerate Summer Program IBM's Accelerate Summer Program is a great choice for students interested in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data science. It's personally not for me but it could be for you!
7. Amazon Propel Program The Amazon Propel Program is an internship opportunity that brings you into one of the world's largest e-commerce and cloud computing companies. This program offers a well-rounded experience in software development, technical project management, and machine learning.

The internships mentioned in this article, which I discovered during my own search, offer invaluable experiences for students at various stages of their CS education. Regardless of the one you choose, remember that internships are about exploring your passions and interests. It can be scary to click on that link and even try the HackerRank screening assessment, but trust me, you’ll regret it if you don’t try :)