I've taken programming as a hobby, studying it since I was 10 or so. 7 years to date, I've become progressivly good at C++, PHP, C#, Assembly, Lua, and the web languages such as HTML and CSS. Though I've never taken a class, I've been able to complete most, if not all of the questions from different "Programmer Interview Questions" articles and have participated in some small scale projects in the past. Summer starting yesterday for me, I've been thinking about how to keep busy while maybe earning some money along the way. Now, some kids mow lawns, others get fast food jobs, but what about programming jobs? Is there even such a thing?
+4
A:
There is only "such a thing" if you can find a company that offers it. I would suggest that if you are talented and passionate, and you express this to various companies, you should be able to make such a position for yourself.
So go out and just ask around; knock on doors, show off your stuff, call people up, and generally make sure they know how passionate you are about your work and how good you are, and under what conditions you are willing to work (perhaps an initial trial of 1 week, then paid, or whatever you think works).
Noon Silk
2010-05-23 05:50:42
I selected this as the answer because it has the most upvotes, but also sums up the majority of answers so far.
Gbps
2010-05-23 06:25:24
A:
Try checking job listings. There are many companies who would be more than happy to have you work with them. There's a lot of respect for talented youth so try emailing a few and let them know you're a student interested in internship.
Gabriel Evans
2010-05-23 05:51:23
Looked at this as well. It's Mac only, unless you want to work with the iphone's less-than-par speeded browser and code in JavaScript with canvas... Also, we don't know Objective C.
ItzWarty
2010-05-23 05:59:13
A:
It may not help you now, but my first job was a summer programming internship I "won" at our State Science Fair.
blindJesse
2010-05-23 05:56:54
+1
A:
I would also look around your local college/university. Possible opportunities include the following:
- Summer camps and programs for prospective math, science, and engineering students.
- Introductory college-level classes that you could take, possibly for credit.
- Research opportunities. College students obviously have the advantage, but high school students working on college projects in the summer is not unheard of. (Especially if you are a genius.) Edit: I, a grad student, worked with two high school students a few summers ago, so it can happen.
Steve
2010-05-23 05:57:23
+4
A:
Why dont you work for youself? Get a good app un and running and deploy it either on a website of you own or on iTunes/android store.
May I remind you that this is how Facebook, Google, Twitter, etc. Started?
You seem good, young, intelligent, and passionate. Why work for someone else.
Go. Risk it all.
Arrieta
2010-05-23 06:00:09
I can only imagine the problems I could face running a paid program as a high schooler. When death threats start coming because I leaked a credit card number, I'll be wishing I never went there. Plus I won't be able to manage it after the season is over.
Gbps
2010-05-23 06:07:17
If you think this way today, imagine when you grow older and you have some REAL issues to worry about! Don't think that your he entitles you to be afraid. Go and get stuff done. When you look back, you'll be 40 my friend.
Arrieta
2010-05-23 06:10:28
AFAIK, Apple handles credit card sales for you with iPhone apps. Don't know if that's how it works with Android, etc, but you should be fine.
Precision
2010-05-23 06:13:41
I'd like to add to this a little bit.Just like age entitles investors to have a riskier investment portfolio, the OP's age entitles him/her to have a riskier time investment portfolio. I think this answer is great advice!
Dream Lane
2010-06-01 19:17:25
A:
I am 17 and I have a job as a web developer and Linux admin for a relative's company. Ask around, sooner or later you will get something, especially if you have web skills.
chris12892
2010-05-23 06:05:42
I have web skills, but no design skills. This is where the 'make a website for your grandma' falls short.
Gbps
2010-05-23 06:09:23
@Gbps: Outsource the design; consider http://99designs.com/ or other sites providing 'templated' designs.
Noon Silk
2010-05-23 06:14:07
Me too! I hate design work, but my "boss" worked around that and got a graphic designer. All I have to do is write the CSS.
chris12892
2010-05-23 06:29:05
A:
Ability is more important than age. You need to show people what you can do. Spend $25 dollars on obtaining a business license- it will help focus people are your ability, and not your age.
Volunteer work is a great way to get attention. I would suggest making an online resume of projects you have done. Look at craigslist, rent-a-coder, and others, give them a link so they can see your ability. They may never need to know how old you are.
--Dave
the Hampster
2010-05-23 06:12:12
I agree with the last sentence. I can pass for any age really, just gotta show someone years ahead of me up ;)
Gbps
2010-05-23 06:14:20