Ask HN: Resources for finding internships?

[adbge]

Hey, HNers,

I'm a 19 year-old, self-taught programmer (C/systems + ruby experience) and I'm having a hell of a time finding relevant programming internships/job opportunities in the Chicago-land area.

Currently, I've been most "successful" (if you can call it success) by first tracking down software companies operating in Chicago and then checking if they have any available internship opportunities. Is there a better way?

How would you go about looking for internships (or an entry-level job) as a self-taught programmer? Are there any companies in the Chicago-land area willing to take a chance on a passionate programmer without a degree?

[achompas]

Currently, I've been most "successful" (if you can call it success) by first tracking down software companies operating in Chicago and then checking if they have any available internship opportunities. Is there a better way?

Why not contact them anyway? Whether they've posted an internship or not? I know it's easier said than done, but this is a scenario where you'll lose nothing by emailing interesting companies. Give it a shot!

[adbge → achompas]

Hey, achompas,

Good advice. I've already done this with one company, but I will be more proactive about this in the future. After all, as you say, what's to lose?

Now the only rub is finding interesting companies! Especially when the smaller ones, who tend to be more flexible, I'm likely to have never heard of.

[achompas → adbge]

I'd suggest looking for companies funded by Chicago-based incubators (there are a few, right?) or working from co-working spaces. Go through that list one by one and check each company out.

The above has an extra perk: companies who meet the above criteria are probably smaller/newer, and thus more willing to take interns on.

[davidtyleryork]

Have you tried looking at venture websites? They often have a job board for their portfolio companies and I know for a fact that startups are desperate for interns

Some examples: http://www.trueventures.com/jobs/ http://500.co/startups

[md1515]

My experiences with my own startup have told me this: There is no right way to go about anything. There may be some "norms", but just be creative to get the job done.

Hell, just show up to some tech companies and badger them. If you're THAT dedicated to getting an UNPAID internship, they will take notice.

[whackedspinach]

[Shameless plug.]

Go to job fairs like the one at upcoming ACM Reflections | Projections conference at UIUC. We have around 30 companies coming for our informal CS job fair. It's a great way to meet recruiters and get interviews.

[jkjeldgaard]

http://www.enternships.com/