Internships for teen developer

[drewse]

Hi Everyone!

I saw another 14-year-old ask for some advice on these forums and I have a few questions myself.

I'm also a 14-year-old developer and have 3 apps on the App Store. I was interested doing an internship this summer in programming (not necessarily for the iPhone, but that would be nice) or a similar technology internship. As I've been looking into it more, I realize that it is going to be tough to find a place that takes interns who are this young and with this little experience. I'm not looking to get paid, just to get experience and learn some things. I'm in California where you can get a work permit at age 14 (but with limited hours). Since many of you on these forums are in this industry or familiar with it, do any of you know a place for someone like me to find an internship? I'm not sure if I have a better chance looking into a big corporate business or a small indie company. I think Apple requires interns to be over 18 but does anyone know about Electronic Arts? I know some iPhone companies such as Tapulous and Freeverse have interns, but I doubt they take anyone who doesn't at least have a college degree.

If nothing works out, I guess I'll just keep publishing apps to the App Store myself. Either way, I will continue to work on apps and build my portfolio to make it easier in the future to find a position. However, I feel like I've missed a lot teaching myself programming and an internship would be perfect to help me expand my knowledge. If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

[F.R.E.E.]

Originally Posted by drewse

Hi Everyone!

I saw another 14-year-old ask for some advice on these forums and I have a few questions myself.

I'm also a 14-year-old developer and have 3 apps on the App Store. I was interested doing an internship this summer in programming (not necessarily for the iPhone, but that would be nice) or a similar technology internship. As I've been looking into it more, I realize that it is going to be tough to find a place that takes interns who are this young and with this little experience. I'm not looking to get paid, just to get experience and learn some things. I'm in California where you can get a work permit at age 14 (but with limited hours). Since many of you on these forums are in this industry or familiar with it, do any of you know a place for someone like me to find an internship? I'm not sure if I have a better chance looking into a big corporate business or a small indie company. I think Apple requires interns to be over 18 but does anyone know about Electronic Arts? I know some iPhone companies such as Tapulous and Freeverse have interns, but I doubt they take anyone who doesn't at least have a college degree.

If nothing works out, I guess I'll just keep publishing apps to the App Store myself. Either way, I will continue to work on apps and build my portfolio to make it easier in the future to find a position. However, I feel like I've missed a lot teaching myself programming and an internship would be perfect to help me expand my knowledge. If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

3 apps in the store already? IMHO, you are doing pretty damn good so I wouldn't worry too much about internships unless you are looking to hire a few to work for you. It's just a thought, hint hint nudge nudge... you need to think bigger.

[georgeburns]

3 apps in the store could be good or bad depending on the quality of the apps.

[drewse]

You can look at my apps from my website: Fun and Addictive iPhone Apps - DREWSE Productions. They aren't that good and I still would like a lot more experience. Anyone have any suggestions?

[F.R.E.E.]

Originally Posted by georgeburns

3 apps in the store could be good or bad depending on the quality of the apps.

jeez just trying to give the kid some encouragement...

[Kalimba]

Originally Posted by drewse

...does anyone know about Electronic Arts?...

When I was at EA, all of the interns I worked with or met were college students recruited from their respective college campuses.

[bbc z]

I was interested doing an internship this summer in programming (not necessarily for the iPhone, but that would be nice) or a similar technology internship

Talk to your friends and family, someone has to have something (or work at a company where) they'd like to have done on the cheap.. that's how most people get their first jobs..

[drewse]

Originally Posted by Kalimba

When I was at EA, all of the interns I worked with or met were college students recruited from their respective college campuses.

Well, thanks for telling me. I guess my best bet is as bbc z said and find a connection to a small company.