HACKER Q&A
📣 0xzer0day

How do I ACTUALLY get an Internship?


I'm a second-year Computer Engineering student in India, and I'm trying to look out for legit internships that doesn't feel like a scam. Trying to avoid those pay-to-intern schemes that sound more like a hustle than a learning experience.

I'm super into Cybersecurity, Web Dev, AI/ML, and Blockchain. Currently geeking out on the MERN stack, hoping it'll open some cool doors.

So, here's the deal—I want an internship where I actually learn stuff and maybe get some pocket money (even if it's just enough for a decent cup of coffee). I've been lurking around forums, and HN seems like the place where people drop some real knowledge.

Any advice on finding the real deal when it comes to internships? Any platforms, companies, or just general tips on how to dodge the shady ones? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Thanks a ton for any insights you can throw my way!


  👤 edent Accepted Answer ✓
Speak to professors at your school - they will often have contacts with industry.

Talk to your school's careers service.

Post on LinkedIn.

Contact the HR department of large companies and ask if they have internships available.

Do not waste your time trying to get a visa for a foreign country - it just won't happen for an internship. Don't pay anyone for introductions, or finders fees, or to interview.

Good luck!


👤 Frummy
I would say spam applications to names that you recognise, then treat eventual interviews as if it’s the only one you’ve got as in taking it seriously. Apply to stuff you may not be directly knowledgeable about but bullshit your way through and learn it on the job. And look for position ads that may be in the niches as in platforms that people normally dont scour, some big names have weird partnerships and advertise positions where noone will actually look, so maybe look through not just the first page of google but check if you want to apply to something you see from a website on the third page of google as well.

👤 brudgers
Understand that in the US, internships are only legal if they are affiliated with an academic program...in other words, in the US internships are only for students.

In other places this is less likely to be the case.

So it might be better to just find a job.

Or not.

Good luck.