Computer Science / Computer Info. Systems Job & Internship Search Guide

Career Services and Advising Logo

Job searches for recent graduates in computer science differ from other fields due to the high demand for technical skills, rapid industry evolution, and the emphasis on practical experience. Computer sciences grads often face a fast-paced, competitive environment where employers prioritize hands-on expertise in coding, problem-solving, and real-world project experience. Internships, coding boot camps, and portfolio projects carry significant weight. The tech industry also values adaptability, as technologies, languages, and tools continuously change, making continuous learning essential for computer science grads.

The application process for recent computer science graduates also differs from other fields in key ways. In computer sciences, many companies prioritize online applications through tech-specific platforms or specialized job boards. Due to the high volume of applicants, tech companies are less likely to attend in-person recruiting events in favor of online applications and virtual recruiting/networking events (hackathons, coding competitions, etc). Additionally, some companies use automated systems to screen resumes for specific programming languages or technical keywords, placing greater emphasis on tailoring applications.

Focus your search

Consider:

  • What motivates you?
  • What topics spark your interest?
  • What types of problems would you like to help solve?
  • What skills would you like to develop?

Determine: 

  • Location
  • Industry
  • Work Environment
  • Company Culture/Size
  • Type of Experience

Get Organized

Start early! Computer science and Information technology employers recruit for internships and full-time early career roles in summer and early fall for the following summer/fall. Create a Job/Internship Search Spreadsheet to track applications, companies of interest and other opportunities you’d like to apply to.

Smiling Latino college student sitting behind a computer screen
Two college students speaking to a professional man behind a table at a career fair

Job & Internship Search Resources

Handshake: Complete your profile & select your interest areas, check out the Career Center Collections for employers we have relationships with

Look for upcoming Career Fairs and Campus Events, anytime you can connect with an employer one-on-one it’s beneficial. Keep in mind, especially for CIS, all types of companies hire for IT like schools, hospitals, business, and non-profits. Do your research on companies attending on campus events to see what types of openings they have.

Levels.fyi Internships

National Science Foundation- REU – Research Experiences for Undergraduate Program, includes a variety of paid research-focused internships

Builtin.com – tech internships in Boston

Wellfound – internships or short-term projects with startups

Pathways to Science – summer research opportunities at other institutions

Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Internship Challenge – paid internships with Massachusetts life sciences companies, including opportunities in Computer Science and Data Science

Techfetch.com

Dice.com

Arc – remote junior developer jobs & internships

Gracklehq.com – Game Industry

Linkedin.com > jobs – set up & save your search alerts

Generic sites: Monster, Indeed, CareerBuilder, Ziprecruiter, Glassdoor

Use Google’s job search function to set up search alerts

Curate Your Online Presence

  • Update your resume & cover letter – Resume & Cover Letter Guide are available online and at CSA Center, upload the most recent version of your resume to Handshake – consider giving employers the option to view your resume
  • Complete your Handshake profile with your interests.
  • Create or update your LinkedIn Profile and follow companies you are interested in working with
    • Consider writing short LinkedIn articles about topics of interest and relevant to your field

Networking is KEY

Start with personal connections. Develop a list of connections you might have developed such as connections through faculty, alumni, professional connections, classes, peers, or other extracurricular activities & ask for advice!

LinkedIn – Find Alumni Feature—look up Fitchburg State alumni by major or career path

Informational Interviews

Reach out to connections and conduct informational interviews, a 15-20 minute conversations with someone to learn about their career and field. The goal of your conversation is to ask for:

  • Advice on ways to enter the job market and how to market your skills
  • Information such as in-demand skills, places to learn about jobs, relevant industry trends
  • Recommendations of other people, companies and/ or professional associations to reach out to

Sample Outreach Email

Dear Mr. Green,

I am an undergraduate at FSU studying Computer Science. I found your contact information through LinkedIn and I was hoping to set up an informational meeting with you this month.

I am very interested in the work that Company X does and I would like the opportunity to learn more about your experience as a software developer working in the organization. I would also appreciate your advice about the best ways to get started in the field. I would also like to hear about your FSU experience and how it has impacted you after graduation.

Please let me know if you would be available to talk to me for 20-30 minutes within the next few weeks either virtually or by phone. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time.

Best,

Freddy Falcon