Skip to main content

Finding an Internship or a Job in Computer Science

General Overview:

  • Create and tailor your resume for the positions for which you would like to apply. Make sure that your resume matches (not verbatim) the jobs to which you are applying. 
  • Meet with a career counselor. You can do this either with Stephanie Johnson, the CS Career Development Lead, or with one of our awesome CS Career Assistants. 
  • Utilize tools such as Handshake, LinkedIn, Otta, Stack Overflow, Builtin, SimplyHired, Rise, and RippleMatch.
    1. Tips for using Handshake
    2. Tips for using LinkedIn
  • Network! Check out this helpful article on how to network and connect with fellow students and professionals in the tech industry. Also, attend as many recruiting-related events as possible in the fall and spring semesters. Be on the lookout for announcements regarding these events in departmental newsletters and social media. Having templates of outreach messages might also be useful.
    • Professional organizations can be a great place to build your network. Think about areas of tech in which you are interested; cybersecurity, SWE, tech consulting, etc. Then, attend conferences and meet-ups where you can make new professional connections.
    • Alumni networks, such as UNC CS Career Connections, are a great place to meet individuals who were once in your shoes as a CS major at UNC. You can also use tools such as the LinkedIn Alumni Tool to connect.
  • Build a tech portfolio and develop a professional online presence. Create a personal website and/or GitHub where you can tangibly showcase any major projects.

Other Tips:

  • Be mindful of the recruitment cycles: Most tech internship recruiting typically takes place from August through December. However, there is a second cycle (with fewer employers) that goes from January through April, depending on market conditions.
  • Apply to more positions than you might think: While technical skills are among some of the most in-demand, it is still important to apply to as many positions as you can (within reason). Even if you might not see yourself working there, the interview experience is valuable. Keep track of your applications in a spreadsheet, or find a method that works for you.
  • Use tools such as Simplify Copilot to help with the completion of many online applications.
  • Stay organized by using tools such as spreadsheets, and PM software like Asana, to keep track of your applications and any relevant deadlines.
  • Cost of living calculators such as the CNN Cost of Living Calculator and Levels.fyi salary guides can help you understand how far your salary will go, especially in expensive cities.

General Job/Internship Search Cycle:

 

Additional Resources: