Ask HN: Tips on getting internship as a mature student? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Tips on getting internship as a mature student?

1 pointJabavuAdams5 comments

Hey folks,

I returned to university to study physics & biology, after dropping out of my last year of computer engineering a couple of decades ago. I'm interested in getting an internship at SpaceX, Google, Amazon, Apple, Oculus, or other top-tier companies.

Does anyone have similar experiences or tips?

Looking at the SpaceX intern site, e.g. one can list clubs (Robotics, Rocketry etc.) that one is a member of. I have knowledge in these areas, but am not currently in the relevant clubs. I'm thinking of how to get past the first filter to really present my case convincingly.

P.S. I'm a dual Canadian-German citizen.

Thanks!

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What have you been doing for the past 20 years? That's going to be highly relevant in an interview. Can anything that you've been doing be applied in any way to the positions they're looking to fill?

Why did you drop out of school the last time around? Frankly if I were the hiring manager I'd be concerned about your commitment to your endeavor in physics. Hopefully you have a really good story for how what you're going through now is different from then. This is another case where what you've been doing for the past 20 years can really help.

Good luck!

Skipped grades 6,7,8, and started university at 15. Failed out in 4th year due to poor study skills and undiagnosed mental health problems.

Started physics last year, and have been getting straight A's in physics, bio, chem, and math.

Experience is game development, VR development, teaching. Machine learning on the side, as well as lurking on rocketry mailing lists during the whole 2001-2010 NewSpace revival.

Thanks!

Sounds like you've got it nailed! The only other thing I can think to suggest is to make sure they know you're not a typical first year student. They need to know your experience. That should definitely help in pulling you through.

leaves comp sci -> gets some sort of physics/bio degree -> wants to work at giant tech company ??

I didn't go back to study physics / bio because I don't like tech. I did it because I want to understand how to build all the things.

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