Mixing
How to get an internship, or something like one, long after college
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
Some particulars, to be followed by a generalized, yet specific question:
I got my BA (in English) 6 years ago. I had been an occasional programming dabbler since 1995-ish (HTML/CSS/JavaScript, mostly). After a couple of years of dissatisfying corporate work (neither English nor programming related), I began seriously training myself in software development a few years ago, specifically in Java and Android, with yet more dabbling in python.
I believe I am prepared for software development full-time, but it's tough to prove without workplace experience or a relevant degree.
Basically, how do I convince a company to take me on as a lower-paid trial employee, or essentially an intern without the current school connection?
internship
edited Jun 24 '15 at 13:42
Mast
433613
asked Apr 20 '13 at 2:03
anthropomo
1355
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
Some particulars, to be followed by a generalized, yet specific question:
I got my BA (in English) 6 years ago. I had been an occasional programming dabbler since 1995-ish (HTML/CSS/JavaScript, mostly). After a couple of years of dissatisfying corporate work (neither English nor programming related), I began seriously training myself in software development a few years ago, specifically in Java and Android, with yet more dabbling in python.
I believe I am prepared for software development full-time, but it's tough to prove without workplace experience or a relevant degree.
Basically, how do I convince a company to take me on as a lower-paid trial employee, or essentially an intern without the current school connection?
internship
edited Jun 24 '15 at 13:42
Mast
433613
asked Apr 20 '13 at 2:03
anthropomo
1355
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
Some particulars, to be followed by a generalized, yet specific question:
I got my BA (in English) 6 years ago. I had been an occasional programming dabbler since 1995-ish (HTML/CSS/JavaScript, mostly). After a couple of years of dissatisfying corporate work (neither English nor programming related), I began seriously training myself in software development a few years ago, specifically in Java and Android, with yet more dabbling in python.
I believe I am prepared for software development full-time, but it's tough to prove without workplace experience or a relevant degree.
Basically, how do I convince a company to take me on as a lower-paid trial employee, or essentially an intern without the current school connection?
internship
edited Jun 24 '15 at 13:42
Mast
433613
asked Apr 20 '13 at 2:03
anthropomo
1355
Some particulars, to be followed by a generalized, yet specific question:
I got my BA (in English) 6 years ago. I had been an occasional programming dabbler since 1995-ish (HTML/CSS/JavaScript, mostly). After a couple of years of dissatisfying corporate work (neither English nor programming related), I began seriously training myself in software development a few years ago, specifically in Java and Android, with yet more dabbling in python.
I believe I am prepared for software development full-time, but it's tough to prove without workplace experience or a relevant degree.
Basically, how do I convince a company to take me on as a lower-paid trial employee, or essentially an intern without the current school connection?
internship
edited Jun 24 '15 at 13:42
Mast
433613
asked Apr 20 '13 at 2:03
anthropomo
1355
edited Jun 24 '15 at 13:42
Mast
433613
edited Jun 24 '15 at 13:42
Mast
433613
edited Jun 24 '15 at 13:42
Mast
433613
433613
asked Apr 20 '13 at 2:03
anthropomo
1355
asked Apr 20 '13 at 2:03
anthropomo
1355
asked Apr 20 '13 at 2:03
anthropomo
1355
1355
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
9
down vote
accepted
It's still possible to get an entry-level position without a Computer Science related degree, at least in my part of the world.
One of the keys to success might be to try to find a position where you can capitalize on your domain knowledge and/or the degree you have. Assess your actual experience and try to find companies in that field who are looking for beginners. Perhaps even the company where you currently work has an opening? I have hired entry-level folks from other departments within my company in the past. They had something that other entry-level people couldn't have - knowledge of the company's culture, products, etc. In many cases it worked out very well.
You might also try to contribute to an open-source project as a way to add to your reputation, and to give you opportunities to network with people who might have job leads. I have friends who took that route and were able to land contracting positions as a result, without having a formal Computer Science background.
Good luck!
answered Apr 20 '13 at 11:10
Joe Strazzere
224k107661930
4
I got hired (BS agriculture, self-taught dev) through an open-source project. It's especially worth attending meetups related to whatever you chose to contribute, as it's a fantastic way to network.
– Melissa
Apr 20 '13 at 17:36
I have joined a mobile dev meetup and am slated to present on one of my of my projects. It definitely seems like one of the more promising avenues.
– anthropomo
Apr 23 '13 at 18:39
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Have your efforts with Java and Android led to you finishing and releasing any Android apps? That would probably be the most effective entry into a development role without any workplace experience or a degree.
Mobile app development is not as "wild west" as it was a few years ago, but from my observation it's still a field - particularly in an agency environment - that you could break into on the strength of an app that you've developed, rather than a previous Android developer role on your résumé.
If you haven't completed and released any apps, do you have any half-finished ones or any ideas bubbling around that could become finished apps with some focused time?
answered Apr 20 '13 at 2:46
Carson63000
7,1712748
I have a few unpolished apps on Play. About 500 users between the three of them. They were more learning projects than something I expected to be particularly successful. They are functional, if not impressive. I have tended to move on when a project has taught me what it can. Same name on play, if you want to judge for yourself.
– anthropomo
Apr 20 '13 at 4:27
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
You might consider approaching some non-profit organizations in your area. They usually can't afford programmers, so it would be more in the nature of an unpaid internship. But developing an app for them would give you solid work expereince that would include determining requirements and dealing with the users to get things the way they need it as well as the development parts. You might even consider suggesting a mobile app for them. You might even research grants and apply for one to get a chance to be paid for your work. As an English major, you could probably do a pretty good job of writing a grant application and thus might have a good shot of getting one.
edited Apr 23 '13 at 19:19
anthropomo
1355
answered Apr 23 '13 at 14:57
HLGEM
133k25227489
add a comment |Â
StackExchange.ready(function ()
$("#show-editor-button input, #show-editor-button button").click(function ()
var showEditor = function()
$("#show-editor-button").hide();
$("#post-form").removeClass("dno");
StackExchange.editor.finallyInit();
;
var useFancy = $(this).data('confirm-use-fancy');
if(useFancy == 'True')
var popupTitle = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-title');
var popupBody = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-body');
var popupAccept = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-accept-button');
$(this).loadPopup(
url: '/post/self-answer-popup',
loaded: function(popup)
var pTitle = $(popup).find('h2');
var pBody = $(popup).find('.popup-body');
var pSubmit = $(popup).find('.popup-submit');
pTitle.text(popupTitle);
pBody.html(popupBody);
pSubmit.val(popupAccept).click(showEditor);
)
else
var confirmText = $(this).data('confirm-text');
if (confirmText ? confirm(confirmText) : true)
showEditor();
);
);
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
9
down vote
accepted
It's still possible to get an entry-level position without a Computer Science related degree, at least in my part of the world.
One of the keys to success might be to try to find a position where you can capitalize on your domain knowledge and/or the degree you have. Assess your actual experience and try to find companies in that field who are looking for beginners. Perhaps even the company where you currently work has an opening? I have hired entry-level folks from other departments within my company in the past. They had something that other entry-level people couldn't have - knowledge of the company's culture, products, etc. In many cases it worked out very well.
You might also try to contribute to an open-source project as a way to add to your reputation, and to give you opportunities to network with people who might have job leads. I have friends who took that route and were able to land contracting positions as a result, without having a formal Computer Science background.
Good luck!
answered Apr 20 '13 at 11:10
Joe Strazzere
224k107661930
4
I got hired (BS agriculture, self-taught dev) through an open-source project. It's especially worth attending meetups related to whatever you chose to contribute, as it's a fantastic way to network.
– Melissa
Apr 20 '13 at 17:36
I have joined a mobile dev meetup and am slated to present on one of my of my projects. It definitely seems like one of the more promising avenues.
– anthropomo
Apr 23 '13 at 18:39
add a comment |Â
up vote
9
down vote
accepted
It's still possible to get an entry-level position without a Computer Science related degree, at least in my part of the world.
One of the keys to success might be to try to find a position where you can capitalize on your domain knowledge and/or the degree you have. Assess your actual experience and try to find companies in that field who are looking for beginners. Perhaps even the company where you currently work has an opening? I have hired entry-level folks from other departments within my company in the past. They had something that other entry-level people couldn't have - knowledge of the company's culture, products, etc. In many cases it worked out very well.
You might also try to contribute to an open-source project as a way to add to your reputation, and to give you opportunities to network with people who might have job leads. I have friends who took that route and were able to land contracting positions as a result, without having a formal Computer Science background.
Good luck!
answered Apr 20 '13 at 11:10
Joe Strazzere
224k107661930
4
I got hired (BS agriculture, self-taught dev) through an open-source project. It's especially worth attending meetups related to whatever you chose to contribute, as it's a fantastic way to network.
– Melissa
Apr 20 '13 at 17:36
I have joined a mobile dev meetup and am slated to present on one of my of my projects. It definitely seems like one of the more promising avenues.
– anthropomo
Apr 23 '13 at 18:39
add a comment |Â
up vote
9
down vote
accepted
up vote
9
down vote
accepted
It's still possible to get an entry-level position without a Computer Science related degree, at least in my part of the world.
One of the keys to success might be to try to find a position where you can capitalize on your domain knowledge and/or the degree you have. Assess your actual experience and try to find companies in that field who are looking for beginners. Perhaps even the company where you currently work has an opening? I have hired entry-level folks from other departments within my company in the past. They had something that other entry-level people couldn't have - knowledge of the company's culture, products, etc. In many cases it worked out very well.
You might also try to contribute to an open-source project as a way to add to your reputation, and to give you opportunities to network with people who might have job leads. I have friends who took that route and were able to land contracting positions as a result, without having a formal Computer Science background.
Good luck!
answered Apr 20 '13 at 11:10
Joe Strazzere
224k107661930
It's still possible to get an entry-level position without a Computer Science related degree, at least in my part of the world.
One of the keys to success might be to try to find a position where you can capitalize on your domain knowledge and/or the degree you have. Assess your actual experience and try to find companies in that field who are looking for beginners. Perhaps even the company where you currently work has an opening? I have hired entry-level folks from other departments within my company in the past. They had something that other entry-level people couldn't have - knowledge of the company's culture, products, etc. In many cases it worked out very well.
You might also try to contribute to an open-source project as a way to add to your reputation, and to give you opportunities to network with people who might have job leads. I have friends who took that route and were able to land contracting positions as a result, without having a formal Computer Science background.
Good luck!
answered Apr 20 '13 at 11:10
Joe Strazzere
224k107661930
answered Apr 20 '13 at 11:10
Joe Strazzere
224k107661930
answered Apr 20 '13 at 11:10
Joe Strazzere
224k107661930
answered Apr 20 '13 at 11:10
Joe Strazzere
224k107661930
224k107661930
4
I got hired (BS agriculture, self-taught dev) through an open-source project. It's especially worth attending meetups related to whatever you chose to contribute, as it's a fantastic way to network.
– Melissa
Apr 20 '13 at 17:36
I have joined a mobile dev meetup and am slated to present on one of my of my projects. It definitely seems like one of the more promising avenues.
– anthropomo
Apr 23 '13 at 18:39
add a comment |Â
4
I got hired (BS agriculture, self-taught dev) through an open-source project. It's especially worth attending meetups related to whatever you chose to contribute, as it's a fantastic way to network.
– Melissa
Apr 20 '13 at 17:36
I have joined a mobile dev meetup and am slated to present on one of my of my projects. It definitely seems like one of the more promising avenues.
– anthropomo
Apr 23 '13 at 18:39
4
4
I got hired (BS agriculture, self-taught dev) through an open-source project. It's especially worth attending meetups related to whatever you chose to contribute, as it's a fantastic way to network.
– Melissa
Apr 20 '13 at 17:36
I got hired (BS agriculture, self-taught dev) through an open-source project. It's especially worth attending meetups related to whatever you chose to contribute, as it's a fantastic way to network.
– Melissa
Apr 20 '13 at 17:36
I have joined a mobile dev meetup and am slated to present on one of my of my projects. It definitely seems like one of the more promising avenues.
– anthropomo
Apr 23 '13 at 18:39
I have joined a mobile dev meetup and am slated to present on one of my of my projects. It definitely seems like one of the more promising avenues.
– anthropomo
Apr 23 '13 at 18:39
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Have your efforts with Java and Android led to you finishing and releasing any Android apps? That would probably be the most effective entry into a development role without any workplace experience or a degree.
Mobile app development is not as "wild west" as it was a few years ago, but from my observation it's still a field - particularly in an agency environment - that you could break into on the strength of an app that you've developed, rather than a previous Android developer role on your résumé.
If you haven't completed and released any apps, do you have any half-finished ones or any ideas bubbling around that could become finished apps with some focused time?
answered Apr 20 '13 at 2:46
Carson63000
7,1712748
I have a few unpolished apps on Play. About 500 users between the three of them. They were more learning projects than something I expected to be particularly successful. They are functional, if not impressive. I have tended to move on when a project has taught me what it can. Same name on play, if you want to judge for yourself.
– anthropomo
Apr 20 '13 at 4:27
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Have your efforts with Java and Android led to you finishing and releasing any Android apps? That would probably be the most effective entry into a development role without any workplace experience or a degree.
Mobile app development is not as "wild west" as it was a few years ago, but from my observation it's still a field - particularly in an agency environment - that you could break into on the strength of an app that you've developed, rather than a previous Android developer role on your résumé.
If you haven't completed and released any apps, do you have any half-finished ones or any ideas bubbling around that could become finished apps with some focused time?
answered Apr 20 '13 at 2:46
Carson63000
7,1712748
I have a few unpolished apps on Play. About 500 users between the three of them. They were more learning projects than something I expected to be particularly successful. They are functional, if not impressive. I have tended to move on when a project has taught me what it can. Same name on play, if you want to judge for yourself.
– anthropomo
Apr 20 '13 at 4:27
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
Have your efforts with Java and Android led to you finishing and releasing any Android apps? That would probably be the most effective entry into a development role without any workplace experience or a degree.
Mobile app development is not as "wild west" as it was a few years ago, but from my observation it's still a field - particularly in an agency environment - that you could break into on the strength of an app that you've developed, rather than a previous Android developer role on your résumé.
If you haven't completed and released any apps, do you have any half-finished ones or any ideas bubbling around that could become finished apps with some focused time?
answered Apr 20 '13 at 2:46
Carson63000
7,1712748
Have your efforts with Java and Android led to you finishing and releasing any Android apps? That would probably be the most effective entry into a development role without any workplace experience or a degree.
Mobile app development is not as "wild west" as it was a few years ago, but from my observation it's still a field - particularly in an agency environment - that you could break into on the strength of an app that you've developed, rather than a previous Android developer role on your résumé.
If you haven't completed and released any apps, do you have any half-finished ones or any ideas bubbling around that could become finished apps with some focused time?
answered Apr 20 '13 at 2:46
Carson63000
7,1712748
answered Apr 20 '13 at 2:46
Carson63000
7,1712748
answered Apr 20 '13 at 2:46
Carson63000
7,1712748
answered Apr 20 '13 at 2:46
Carson63000
7,1712748
7,1712748
I have a few unpolished apps on Play. About 500 users between the three of them. They were more learning projects than something I expected to be particularly successful. They are functional, if not impressive. I have tended to move on when a project has taught me what it can. Same name on play, if you want to judge for yourself.
– anthropomo
Apr 20 '13 at 4:27
add a comment |Â
I have a few unpolished apps on Play. About 500 users between the three of them. They were more learning projects than something I expected to be particularly successful. They are functional, if not impressive. I have tended to move on when a project has taught me what it can. Same name on play, if you want to judge for yourself.
– anthropomo
Apr 20 '13 at 4:27
I have a few unpolished apps on Play. About 500 users between the three of them. They were more learning projects than something I expected to be particularly successful. They are functional, if not impressive. I have tended to move on when a project has taught me what it can. Same name on play, if you want to judge for yourself.
– anthropomo
Apr 20 '13 at 4:27
I have a few unpolished apps on Play. About 500 users between the three of them. They were more learning projects than something I expected to be particularly successful. They are functional, if not impressive. I have tended to move on when a project has taught me what it can. Same name on play, if you want to judge for yourself.
– anthropomo
Apr 20 '13 at 4:27
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
You might consider approaching some non-profit organizations in your area. They usually can't afford programmers, so it would be more in the nature of an unpaid internship. But developing an app for them would give you solid work expereince that would include determining requirements and dealing with the users to get things the way they need it as well as the development parts. You might even consider suggesting a mobile app for them. You might even research grants and apply for one to get a chance to be paid for your work. As an English major, you could probably do a pretty good job of writing a grant application and thus might have a good shot of getting one.
edited Apr 23 '13 at 19:19
anthropomo
1355
answered Apr 23 '13 at 14:57
HLGEM
133k25227489
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
You might consider approaching some non-profit organizations in your area. They usually can't afford programmers, so it would be more in the nature of an unpaid internship. But developing an app for them would give you solid work expereince that would include determining requirements and dealing with the users to get things the way they need it as well as the development parts. You might even consider suggesting a mobile app for them. You might even research grants and apply for one to get a chance to be paid for your work. As an English major, you could probably do a pretty good job of writing a grant application and thus might have a good shot of getting one.
edited Apr 23 '13 at 19:19
anthropomo
1355
answered Apr 23 '13 at 14:57
HLGEM
133k25227489
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
You might consider approaching some non-profit organizations in your area. They usually can't afford programmers, so it would be more in the nature of an unpaid internship. But developing an app for them would give you solid work expereince that would include determining requirements and dealing with the users to get things the way they need it as well as the development parts. You might even consider suggesting a mobile app for them. You might even research grants and apply for one to get a chance to be paid for your work. As an English major, you could probably do a pretty good job of writing a grant application and thus might have a good shot of getting one.
edited Apr 23 '13 at 19:19
anthropomo
1355
answered Apr 23 '13 at 14:57
HLGEM
133k25227489
You might consider approaching some non-profit organizations in your area. They usually can't afford programmers, so it would be more in the nature of an unpaid internship. But developing an app for them would give you solid work expereince that would include determining requirements and dealing with the users to get things the way they need it as well as the development parts. You might even consider suggesting a mobile app for them. You might even research grants and apply for one to get a chance to be paid for your work. As an English major, you could probably do a pretty good job of writing a grant application and thus might have a good shot of getting one.
edited Apr 23 '13 at 19:19
anthropomo
1355
answered Apr 23 '13 at 14:57
HLGEM
133k25227489
edited Apr 23 '13 at 19:19
anthropomo
1355
edited Apr 23 '13 at 19:19
anthropomo
1355
edited Apr 23 '13 at 19:19
anthropomo
1355
1355
answered Apr 23 '13 at 14:57
HLGEM
133k25227489
answered Apr 23 '13 at 14:57
HLGEM
133k25227489
answered Apr 23 '13 at 14:57
HLGEM
133k25227489
133k25227489
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f11226%2fhow-to-get-an-internship-or-something-like-one-long-after-college%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
