"2nd-year CSE student deciding between Python backend and web development — need advice for internships in 5–6 months"

Posted by navadeep_07@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 2 comments

Hey everyone,

I’m a 2nd-year CSE student, currently in my 3rd semester. After my 4th semester, I’ll have about 5–6 months to prepare for my first internship.

Right now, I have basic Python knowledge, and I’m trying to figure out which path will give me the best chance to land an internship and build useful skills for the future:

Python backend development (FastAPI / Django) – targeting AI, data, or ML-related internships.
Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, Express.js) – targeting web-based internships.

I’m looking for advice on:

Which path has better demand and growth for internships right now.

Which path would allow me to build strong portfolio projects quickly.

Any learning resources, project ideas, or roadmap suggestions that helped you or others succeed.

I’m seriously committed to learning and putting in the effort, so any guidance, personal experiences, or tips would be extremely helpful.

Thanks a lot in advance — your insights will really help me make the right choice!"*

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dmazzoni@reddit

If your goal is to get an internship, you're completely limiting yourself by trying to focus on one.

There are software teams out there hiring interns that are doing stuff you've never dreamed of. Enterprise software, route planning and optimization, virus scanners, robotic drone control, digital signal processing, assistive technology, fraud detection, and so much more.

The vast majority of senior engineers out there specialize in a field that you don't know exists.

Virtually nobody learns about these things in school. So you're not competing against other interns who are already experts in one or another.

All these companies are looking for are good students who are pretty good at coding and are eager to learn.

To get an internship:

Your resume should show a rigorous courseload of relevant subjects and a good GPA
You should show off an interesting project you built on your own - describe what it does, what technologies you used, why it was challenging, and link to it on GitHub
You'll need to pass a coding test - usually in the language of YOUR choice, not theirs
You'll need to sound enthusiastic
You'll need luck and perseverance - there's a lot of competition

aqua_regis@reddit

As with every single similar posts:

Only the job advertisements in your area, the companies offering internship can tell what you need to focus on.

Contact companies you are interested in and see if they have some internship openings and what you need for them.

As for resources, again, as with all other similar posts: read the Frequently Asked Questions in the sidebar