As a 16 year old, I find it nearly impossible to find work on software that I can do, because of EULA's on most freelancing(i.e Upwork) and pay-for-fix sites(Bountysource). I already contribute to open-source software. What other options are available for me to gain experience?
Ask HN: How does a 16 year old go about getting work on software?
1–10 of 46 posts
Re: Ask HN: How does a 16 year old go about getting work on software?
#2Google summer of code?
Re: Ask HN: How does a 16 year old go about getting work on software?
#3You could work on things for yourself. As a 16 yr old presumably living with your parents there's no risk.
I'd suggest starting with a small mobile iPhone or Android app. Make a little bit of side money while building a portfolio you can use to your advantage later.
Re: Ask HN: How does a 16 year old go about getting work on software?
#4Google summer of code?
From the site:
Google Summer of Code is a global program that offers post-secondary student developers ages 18 and older stipends to write code for various open source software projects.
Re: Ask HN: How does a 16 year old go about getting work on software?
#5You could work on things for yourself. As a 16 yr old presumably living with your parents there's no risk. I'd suggest starting with a small mobile iPhone or Android app. Make a little bit of side money while building a portfolio you can use to your advantage later.
How would you go about finding a concept to build a app around? You don't want to end up building a so-called "sitcom" app which no one uses.
Re: Ask HN: How does a 16 year old go about getting work on software?
#6Look first for local software development shops and contact the CTO, group manager, or if available, HR about your interests. Consider looking first for services companies (e.g. web development shops, digital agencies, etc.) as they typically can use an extra set of hands. LinkedIn should be a good source of contacts. Explain your background and that you are interested in shadowing or being an intern. Even though you may be beyond the abilities of an intern, take it if the opportunity looks interesting and you have an opportunity to learn and expand your skills.
Be prepared to show your work and have something in a document, or better a portfolio website, describing your background and that you can send on request.
If that doesn't produce results, you could try expanding your search to companies that are not in your area, but it will likely be more difficult.
Re: Ask HN: How does a 16 year old go about getting work on software?
#7You could work on things for yourself. As a 16 yr old presumably living with your parents there's no risk. I'd suggest starting with a small mobile iPhone or Android app. Make a little bit of side money while building a portfolio you can use to your advantage later.
How would you go about finding a concept to build a app around? You don't want to end up building a so-called "sitcom" app which no one uses.
> You don't want to end up building a so-called "sitcom" app which no one uses.
Why not? The point is to learn. Good software engineering skills take years of practice and experience.
One good experience to have is finding out that something you enjoy building might not be something people enjoy using.
Re: Ask HN: How does a 16 year old go about getting work on software?
#8Google summer of code?
From the site: Google Summer of Code is a global program that offers post-secondary student developers ages 18 and older stipends to write code for various open source software projects.
How about... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Code-in ?
Re: Ask HN: How does a 16 year old go about getting work on software?
#9Just build something - it really doesn't matter what. You have a good window of time where you have very little requirements in terms of paying rent, bills, etc., so take advantage of that and just write as much code as you possibly can.