Computer science internships are a great way for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the field and potentially land a job after graduation. However, like with any opportunity, there are pros and cons to consider before committing to an internship.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the benefits and drawbacks of getting a computer science internship, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s the right move for you.
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Pros Of Getting A Computer Science Internship
There are plenty of pros when it comes to interning as a Computer Science student. Otherwise, internships wouldn’t be so competitive and sought after. You probably already have some idea of what these pros are. However, here is a short list of some of the main reasons that most C.S. students get an internship.
Gain Practical Experience In The Field
An internship in computer science can provide you with hands-on experience in a professional setting, giving you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the classroom to real-world problems. Some of the ways you may gain practical experience include:
- Writing code: You will likely have the opportunity to write code as part of your internship, whether it be for a specific project or to contribute to the company’s existing codebase. This will give you the chance to practice your programming skills and learn new languages, frameworks, and tools.
- Working on projects: You may be assigned to a specific project or team, where you will be able to see the development process from start to finish. This can give you a better understanding of how to design and implement software systems, and how to work with other team members.
- Collaborating with other team members: Whether it be working on projects or attending meetings, you will have the opportunity to work with and learn from experienced professionals in the field. This can provide you with valuable insights into the industry and give you a better understanding of what to expect in your future career.
- Learning the industry’s standards and best practices: You will have the opportunity to work with professionals and learn how they are approaching the development process, utilizing the latest technologies, and following the industry’s standards and best practices.
- Understand the business aspect of technology: You may also have the opportunity to learn about the business side of technology, such as how to market and sell a product, how to understand user needs, and how to manage a project budget.
Overall, an internship can provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience in the field of computer science, and help you to develop the skills and knowledge that are necessary to be successful in your future career.
Build A Professional Network And Connections
Building a professional network and connections is an important aspect of an internship in computer science, as it can help you to establish relationships with people who can provide you with valuable advice, mentorship, and support throughout your career.
Some of the ways you may build a professional network and connections during an internship include attending company events, making friends with your coworkers, building relationships with mentors, and staying in touch with LinkedIn.
You never know, you might meet some lifelong friends during an internship. Plus, these relationships can be really helpful when you are looking for job opportunities or need references for future career opportunities.
Improve Your Resume
A computer science internship can be very beneficial in helping to improve your resume, as it can demonstrate to potential employers that you have hands-on experience in the field and that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in a professional setting.
Not to mention, it can also increase your chances of getting a job after graduation. Also, students who have some internship experience will be paid more on average after graduation than their peers who don’t have any experience.
Learning About Different Industries
An internship in computer science can provide you with the opportunity to learn about different industries by working with a company that operates within a specific field. Some of the ways you can learn about different industries during an internship include:
- Working with industry-specific technologies: Depending on the company you are interning with, you may have the opportunity to work with technologies and tools that are specific to a particular industry, such as healthcare or finance. This can give you a better understanding of how technology is used in different industries and what the unique challenges and opportunities are.
- Learning about the company’s products or services: As an intern, you will likely have the opportunity to learn about the company’s products or services and how they are used in the industry. This can give you a better understanding of how the company operates and what the industry looks like.
- Researching industry trends: Many companies will have a lot of resources available to you, such as industry reports and publications, that can help you to learn about current trends and developments in the industry.
Earning Money During The Summer
An internship in computer science can provide you with the opportunity to earn money during the summer or other breaks from school. Many companies offer paid internships, which can help you to earn money while gaining valuable experience in the field.
I remember the feeling of landing my first paid internship. It’s an amazing feeling when someone is willing to pay you to do something you love. Not to mention, some internships can pay quite a lot.
Cons Of Getting A Computer Science Internship
Almost all the talk about getting an internship in tech revolves around the pros. You can make a lot of money, work at a great company, work on cutting-edge technology, meet talented people, etc.
However, there are certainly some drawbacks to landing a C.S. internship which you should consider before chasing any role. It’s time for a dose of reality. Here are a few of the cons of working as an intern in a tech role.
The Workload Can Be Demanding And Time-Consuming
An internship in computer science can be demanding and time-consuming, as you will be expected to work on projects and tasks that are similar to those of a full-time employee. Some of the ways in which the workload can be demanding and time-consuming include:
- Long hours: Depending on the company, you may be expected to work full-time hours during your internship. You may have to spend long hours at the office, which can be challenging if you have other commitments or responsibilities.
- Tight deadlines: Many internships involve working on projects with tight deadlines, which can be stressful and require you to manage your time effectively.
- Heavy workload: You may be given a lot of work to complete during your internship, which can be stressful, especially if you are not familiar with the technologies or tools you are using.
- Learning curve: You may be working with technologies or tools that you have not used before, which can be demanding and time-consuming as you need to learn and get familiar with them.
It’s important to consider these factors when looking for an internship and to find one that aligns with your schedule, goals, and expectations. It’s also important to communicate with your supervisor or mentor if you feel overwhelmed, they can help you manage your workload and set realistic expectations.
The Work May Not Be Directly Related To What You Are Interested In
When I was searching for an internship, I really wanted a software developer internship. However, I wasn’t able to land one. Yet, I was able to land an e-commerce developer internship which is similar but involved less development and more web marketing.
However, even though this is on the con list, that ended up being probably the best internship I could have hoped for. Yet, you may end up taking a role that doesn’t align with what you want and it may turn out to be a disappointment.
The Company Culture May Not align With Your Values
When considering an internship in Computer Science, it’s important to consider the company culture and whether it aligns with your values. Company culture refers to the values, beliefs, and practices that shape the way a company operates, and it can have a significant impact on your experience during the internship.
It’s important to research the company culture and values before applying for an internship and to ask about the culture during the interview process. This can help you to determine whether the company culture aligns with your own values and whether the internship is the right fit for you.
The Location Of The Internship May Not Be Convenient
There may not be any good internships in your area. In fact, there are amazing internships all over the country and if you want a chance at any of them, it helps to apply to a lot of them.
This means that there’s a good chance you’ll spend the summer in a place you’ve never been before. On the bright side, many tech companies offer a housing stipend or even on-campus quarters for interns to live in during their internship.
For some, this can be a great opportunity to see new places they’ve never been before and even have some sort of adventure. However, it may not be everything you hoped for.
It May Be Competitive To Find An Internship That’s Paid
One of the worst things about finding a Computer Science internship is just how competitive it is. It takes a long time to tailor your resume, write cover letters, study for coding interviews, and apply to open positions. However, a very small percentage of C.S. students land an internship.
Are Computer Science Internships Worth It?
So, after hearing all the pros and cons, you may be wondering if it’s even worth it to go after an internship. Whether you do or not is completely up to you. However, if you ask me, it’s totally worth it.
During my internship, I met my boss and became great friends with him. We don’t work together anymore, but we still talk all the time about industry trends, our careers, and just about life.
Plus, my internship led to a full-time opportunity which I accepted. It’s the most money I’ve ever made from a job and I’ve worked a lot of different jobs! Plus, I’m learning so much that I can use outside of work in my own projects. It’s a win-win.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, computer science internships can be a valuable experience for students and recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in the field. They can provide opportunities to work on real projects, make connections in the industry, and potentially land a job after graduation.
However, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides, such as long hours and low pay, before committing to an internship. Ultimately, the decision to pursue an internship should be based on your own goals and priorities. Weighing the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision about whether or not an internship is the right move for you.