If you're majoring in computer science, it's important to start thinking about computer school internship programs early on in your academic career.
IT jobs tend to be some of the steadiest and highest paying, but with so many people getting trained and building their computer skills it is important to set yourself apart from the competition to get the best jobs.
You can't just take the classes, get the certifications and get a great job right out of school.
An internship helps you stay on top of the game and beat out some of the other well-educated people in the computer field.
Basically, computer school internships equate to experience in the eyes of employers.
There are many educated people who have the credentials to prove they know how to work with software and hardware these days.
You will be more attractive as a potential employee if you can prove that you can translate this education and training into a stellar performance on the job.
If you have completed an internship, paid or not, you've established that you can do the job and work with others in an office environment similar to the one you're applying to work in.
There is another potential advantage of completing a computer school internship - the company you intern with might be hiring once your internship is done.
Students often find internships during the final semester or two of their college programs, and if they do a good job and the company is looking to add employees they will get hired not long after they graduate.
It doesn't always work out this way, of course.
You might not feel like the company you're interning for is a good fit, or they might not be in a position to hire anyone at the time of your graduation.
The experience is invaluable nonetheless.
Employers are looking for computer skills such as knowledge of programming languages including C/C++, Java, Pearl and Visual Basic.
They're also looking for organization, communication skills and the ability to work as an individual or as part of a team.
Computer school internship programs can help prove you have these skills and more.