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I read the subject line and essentially the same reply popped into my head. :-) I won't disagree that the most important thing is to enjoy life, meet people w
by dogruck 9y ago
I read the subject line and essentially the same reply popped into my head. :-)
I won't disagree that the most important thing is to enjoy life, meet people who have real problems that need solving, and to build relationships that could last a lifetime.
That said, I spent a lot of time on the computer when I was 17 (and 18, 19, ....). I still draw upon that experience today. Sometimes, when I solve a problem or fix a bug, it's rooted in something I did way back when I was 17.
On the other hand, I also wasted a lot of time too.
My advice is to get close to a real problem. Intern somewhere. Do it for free. Get close to real work, roll up your sleeves, and try to contribute. And have fun.
- wai1234 9y agoNever, I mean NEVER, intern for free. You will almost certainly be the equivalent of 'drink run boy' and learn nothing. If you are willing to work for free, find a volunteer group where everyone is unpaid. That has its own problems but at least it's sane. BTW, 'non-profit' is not the same as volunteer.
- dogruck 9y agoI hear where you are coming from, and I was always fortunate to have interesting, paid internships. I don't follow your logic though. If you are being paid, they very might well ask you to fetch lunch and dry cleaning. And, since you're being paid, you feel obligated to comply. Many interns have that unfortunate experience. If you're not being paid, then you just say no thanks, I'll go home instead.