How I got Software Engineering and Data Science Internships | Computer Science Job Search Part 1

TL;DR

Navigating internships without a CS background at UPenn.

Transcript

hi everyone in this video i'll talk about my internship and job seeking experience as i was doing my master's degree at penn my master's degree was called masters in computer and information technology or mcit it's a program for people who don't have a computer science or technical background and are transitioning into computer science if you haven... Read More

Key Insights

• The speaker transitioned from a non-CS background to pursuing a master's in computer and information technology, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in such a shift.
• Initial academic struggles, such as failing a probability midterm, led to self-doubt and reconsideration of career paths, emphasizing resilience in the face of academic challenges.
• The importance of career fairs and networking early in the academic journey was underscored, as these events provide exposure to potential employers and opportunities.
• Lead code and similar platforms are crucial for software engineering interview preparation, although the speaker initially underestimated their importance.
• The application process for internships often involves casting a wide net, as seen in the speaker's approach of applying to numerous positions without cover letters.
• Behavioral interviews are a critical component of the hiring process; understanding the expectations and preparing accordingly can significantly impact outcomes.
• The speaker's experience with Goldman Sachs and Amazon demonstrates the unpredictability and variance in interview success, often dependent on preparation and luck.
• Choosing between internship offers involves considering personal interests and career goals, as illustrated by the decision to pursue a data science role at Goldman Sachs.

Questions & Answers

Q: What challenges did the speaker face during their academic journey?

The speaker faced significant challenges, including failing a probability midterm, which led to self-doubt and reconsideration of their career path. This experience highlighted the difficulty of transitioning to a technical field without a prior background, necessitating resilience and a focus on academic improvement.

Q: How did the speaker approach the internship application process?

The speaker applied to numerous internships, casting a wide net without the need for cover letters. This approach was facilitated by the nature of software engineering applications, which often focus on technical skills rather than written submissions. The speaker's strategy involved applying to as many positions as possible to maximize opportunities.

Q: What role did career fairs play in the speaker's internship search?

Career fairs were crucial in the speaker's internship search, providing exposure to a variety of tech companies and potential opportunities. These events allowed the speaker to network and consider different companies, setting the stage for future applications and interviews.

Q: How important was interview preparation for the speaker?

Interview preparation was extremely important, as evidenced by the speaker's initial lack of familiarity with lead code and subsequent realization of its necessity. Behavioral interviews also required specific preparation, with an understanding of expected responses critical to success. Preparation ultimately played a key role in securing internship offers.

Q: What factors influenced the speaker's decision between internship offers?

The decision between internship offers was influenced by the speaker's interest in data science, which aligned more closely with the role at Goldman Sachs. This choice was guided by personal career goals and the desire to gain experience in a field of interest, demonstrating the importance of aligning opportunities with long-term aspirations.

Q: What lessons did the speaker learn from their interview experiences?

The speaker learned that interviews could be unpredictable, with success often depending on both preparation and luck. Despite initial setbacks, such as not knowing answers during interviews, the speaker's experiences underscored the importance of persistence and continued learning, which ultimately led to successful outcomes.

Q: How did the speaker's academic background impact their internship search?

The speaker's non-technical academic background initially posed challenges, such as unfamiliarity with key concepts and platforms like lead code. However, the master's program provided the necessary skills and knowledge, enabling the speaker to compete for internships and eventually secure offers from top companies.

Q: What strategies did the speaker use to cope with academic and career pressures?

To cope with pressures, the speaker focused on academic improvement and strategic application efforts. Taking breaks and prioritizing rest during winter break helped manage burnout. Networking, utilizing resources like lead code, and maintaining resilience were crucial strategies in navigating both academic and career challenges.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video recounts the speaker's journey from a non-technical background to securing internships at prestigious companies while pursuing a master's degree in computer and information technology at UPenn. It highlights the challenges faced, including academic struggles and the importance of interview preparation.

• Career fairs and networking played a pivotal role in the speaker's internship search, providing exposure to potential employers. Despite initial setbacks, such as failing a midterm, resilience and strategic application efforts led to internship offers from Goldman Sachs and Amazon.

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of preparation, particularly through platforms like lead code, and shares insights on navigating behavioral interviews. Ultimately, the choice of internship was guided by an interest in data science, leading to a role at Goldman Sachs.