I’ve been looking for internships this summer at startups/larger companies, but most require having already studied CS in college or something along those lines. Has anyone heard about good internships (most likely in NYC) for this summer?
Ask HN: Internships for a 13-year-old?
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Re: Ask HN: Internships for a 13-year-old?
#2Surely someone will appreciate your ambition and give you an opportunity, just don't expect it to fall into your lap. No one is listing internships with the expectation that someone pre-college will fill the opening but don't let that deter you. I say this as someone who landed an internship at 17.
Re: Ask HN: Internships for a 13-year-old?
#3Re: Ask HN: Internships for a 13-year-old?
#4http://www.youthrules.dol.gov/know-the-limits/under14.htm
You can legally work as a computer programmer once you are 14, but there are strict restrictions on the number of hours you are able to work.
Re: Ask HN: Internships for a 13-year-old?
#5With that said, there is hope. First off, many companies are lax in their HR departments and you might just slip through if you have the right connections. This means hustling as has been suggested: getting emails for employees, showing them your ambition and character and drive, and getting a foot in the door. This may turn into a frustrating endeavor as you might be rejected a few times, but it could work with perseverance.
Second, what makes you think you need an internship at all? You have skills, start something yourself. Maybe you want to freelance for a while, this could make for a lucrative summer experience and you will learn amazing skills that will stick with you the rest of your life. Maybe you have another app you'd like to build and grow. Again, this would be a fantastic learning experience.
Re: Ask HN: Internships for a 13-year-old?
#6Re: Ask HN: Internships for a 13-year-old?
#7No one is going to publicly solicit someone as young as you. If you really want to find work, you're going to have to hustle for it. Start tracking down emails and contacting people personally. Surely someone will appreciate your ambition and give you an opportunity, just don't expect it to fall into your lap. No one is listing internships with the expectation that someone pre-college will fill the opening but don't…
Re: Ask HN: Internships for a 13-year-old?
#8Enjoy your childhood for the remaining 3-5 years before worrying so much about your professional career. You have decades of working in software ahead of you, if you continue on that path. Just enjoy your childhood, go out and play, or even just work on projects you enjoy. Once your childhood is gone, you'll regret not spending more time "not working."
You sound like you already have the work ethic, now make sure you focus on why you need it.
Re: Ask HN: Internships for a 13-year-old?
#9The first time I had an internship the person I was working for insisted on calling my mom when I showed up because he didn't know how young I was haha. One place you might be able to have success is Eyebeam http://eyebeam.org/ I did an internship there when I was in college, but as a non-profit learning center I think they might be more likely to have something for you, check em out. You might also try contacting the High School for Engineering http://www.afsenyc.org/ and see if they know of anything or have any opportunities.
Also, if you'd ever like advice about working/interning in the NYC tech scene (or programming in general) feel free to email me, contact info in profile.
Re: Ask HN: Internships for a 13-year-old?
#10Maybe not the most popular opinion here, or maybe it will be, but advice from a father of two boys: Enjoy your childhood for the remaining 3-5 years before worrying so much about your professional career. You have decades of working in software ahead of you, if you continue on that path. Just enjoy your childhood, go out and play, or even just work on projects you enjoy. Once your childhood is gone, you'll regret not…