1) The document discusses the experiences and advice of a computer science student who completed 4 internships over several summers during their college career. 2) It provides tips for finding internships, including gaining relevant experience, attending career fairs, networking, and applying to companies beyond just career fairs. 3) The student shares experiences from each internship including pros and cons of different companies, and lessons learned about making the most of internships and deciding between offers.

1. Confessions of a Serial Intern Debra Lauterbach Senior, Computer Science How to find a job you love

2. Topics of Discussion Why should you do an internship? How do you find an internship? What is a typical internship like? How do you decide between multiple job offers? Other related topics….

3. Internships…what are they good for? Help you decide: what qualities you value in a company which area of computer science is right for you Can often turn into a full time job

4. My story… 4 internships, 4 different companies 2004 2005 2006 2007

5. How to find an internship: Part 1 Getting your first job

6. Getting your first job Get relevant experience during the school year Learn technical skills in your spare time REU: Research experience for undergrads http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu Advice: Don’t be afraid to go to the career fair and start trying early

7. National Institute of Standards and Technology Summer after freshman year Washington, D.C. Speech recognition research

8. Components of most internships Presentations to learn about company Technical talks Intern social activities Mentorship program One-on-ones with manager Project presentations at end of summer

9. Intern Fun Social activities Sports leagues During-work events

10. Pros of working for NIST Independent work Not profit-driven Smart and world-renowned co-workers Cons: Working for government

11. How to find an internship: Part 2 Career Fair

12. Career Fair Tips Research companies ahead of time Prepare for interviews Advice: Consider applying to companies other than just those at the career fair.

13. Interview tips “Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job”

14. General Mills Summer after sophomore year Minneapolis, MN Business application development

15. Pros of General Mills Great work/life balance, diverse workplace, fun people & environment, lots of job perks Cons: Eating TOO much free food.

16. “Imposter syndrome” Most internships will require technical knowledge you won’t have at first. So, the most important things you have to rely on are: Problem solving skills General programming knowledge Communication skills Time management, leadership, initiative, etc.

17. Deciding between multiple offers

18. Evaluating Internship Offers Is it an internship or a co-op? Do I know what type of work I’ll be doing? Will I work on my own project or with a team? Am I interested in this area of the company? Do I have to find & pay for my own housing? Advice: Don’t necessarily accept the first offer you get.

19. IBM Summer after junior year Rochester, Minnesota Database optimization speed team

20. Pros of IBM Big company - able to move jobs within Focus on innovation and patents Big on open-source Cons: Big company

21. How to find an internship: Part 3 Networking

22. Networking Be proactive - get to know as many people in your field as possible. Be genuine - make real connections and keep in touch Know who you are, what you want, what you have - “elevator pitch” Advice: Never burn bridges.

23. Wells Fargo Summer after senior year West Des Moines, IA Usability work

24. Pros of Wells Fargo Business side of computing LDP - Leadership Development Program Cons: Mostly MIS majors

25. How to make the most of your internship Don't always expect to do an big, innovative, creative project. Don't be afraid to speak up if you have a problem. Do arrive ready to work hard, because the summer is short! Do get to work on time, and minimize slacking. Do get to know as many people at the company as possible. Do demonstrate leadership and initiative.

26. What I would do differently… Not take internships at companies I wasn’t interested in Searched for jobs at companies beyond just the career fair Taken more initiative on internship projects Gotten to know co-workers better

27. Evaluating a Company Small company or large corporation Public, private, governmental, for/non-profit Location Company culture Job perks Type of Industry IT Services, Internet, Financial, Consumer goods

28. Take-home lessons Internships are important…start planning early so you can do one (or more)! Internships are easy to find, and easy to get if you try. Each internship program is different. Make the most of the opportunity. Internships can turn into your full-time job - so choose a company wisely!