Ask HN: Where can an HS student find work in tech?

[alexstore06]

Hi HN!

I'm a 17 year old high school junior, graduating a year early (Spring 2024).

Due to some complications with college credit and scholarships, my schedule's going to be empty over the spring semester and summer (Jan-July), leaving me able to work a full time job. Where could I find a company that would hire a 17 year old to do tech or tech-adjacent work?

[mtmail]

Keep an eye on https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline and it can be worth getting in contact with organizations ahead. There's still an application step but anybody who contributed or even came with their own project is way ahead of other candidates. In my experience many applications are written in mass and shortly before deadline and many don't even understand the project descriptions (last year we even had ChatGPT generated applications, low quality)

GSOC pays based on country and United States is near top of the list https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/help/student-...

[alexstore06 → mtmail]

I've definitely been looking at GSOC for next year. It looks like a great opportunity. I'll start looking around at organizations now - thanks for the advice!

[giantg2]

Probably find a local company willing to hire you as an intern. If it's a company you might want to work for in the future, you could take a non-tech job with them so you have a good work history with them to hire you for a tech related job later.

[jawmes8]

In my area there are local business organizations (chamber of commerces, etc.) that help students connect with employers. Smaller shops appreciate a motivated young person hand-delivering a resume. I got my first job that way!

[spcebar]

Do you know what kind of tech/tech-adjacent work you would be interested in? What field/industry?