Dear CareerBabe:

I am interested in finding a summer internship in the Computer Science field. Most of the web sites I visit are geared toward permanent work. Do you know of any sites that have internship postings in high-tech?

Dear Intern:

Regardless of the field you want to intern in, try these web sites:

For summer jobs (not internships) in California, there is some information on Jobsmart

And there is quite a bit of information on internships at The Riley Guide

However, these resources will not replace your own legwork. Start looking for a good internship with every course you take. Stay in touch with your professors and be aware of any grants they may be getting or research they are doing. Study hard and get excellent grades.

When you are ready to look for a specific internship, begin at least six months ahead as this can take a while and there is plenty of competition! Make sure you follow up each suggestion with below with the activities suggested. Here's where and how to begin:

1. the college/university career office of your school
   
   
2. the Chair, professors and alumni of your computer science department
   
   
3. computer science associations
   
   
4. go to the alumni office of your school. Ask if there are any graduates who provide internships in the field you are interested in - and in the city where you will be that summer. Since the most successful networking depends on personal relationships, try writing alumni who have graduated from your school - preferably from your department!
   
   
5. If not, just write the companies which interest you directly. Call first so you can find out the specific name to write to within the HR (Human Resources) Department, and follow up with each by phoning. If someone speaks with you or sees you, write them a thank you, and keep following up with a personal call or note. Always ask: "Who else should I speak with?" and "Are there any other companies you think I should contact?"

PS I used to teach at the school you are attending!