Miami IT internships?

[orton]

So, basically, I am looking for an internship in Miami in IT area, though I specialize in programming (trust me, I am good at it). And the internship should be paid and no less then 6 a months long. Because, well, I am on my own and I need to make a living. Anyway, I went off-topic a bit. My question is - do you know any bigger companies or starter companies, which could use extra pair of hands in IT area? The only company in Miami I know is IBM.

I would really really appreciate any help in this as I want to live in this awesome place and put my professional skills in use.

[Gus]

Hi Orton,

Welcome to Miami Beach 411, Thanks for posting your question here.

Are you on LinkedIn?.. it seems to be the number 1 site for recruiting.

I have two links to share with you:

First, in addition to IBM, this post lists the largest employers and top industries in Miami. I would start looking for an interenship with some of those companies.

Second, check out this article about finding a job in IT:

In late 2009, I created an online persona named Pete London – a self-described JavaScript ninja – to help attract and hire the best JavaScript recruiters. While I never hired a recruiter from the experiment, I learned a ton about how to compete in today’s Silicon Valley talent war. Based upon two years of non-scientific research, here’s what you should know…

Hands down, the second link I posted has the best data and tips on finding a job in today's market that I have ever read.

I would also suggest attending a Refresh Miami meeting, organized by a guy named Brian Breslin.

Today is also Social Media Day. Starting at 2pm, there is a big event taking place at the Zordik Gallery in the Design District. There will be tons of like-minded people at the event to network with.

[Ingrid]

Upon completion of my 2-year degree in networking technologies in 2005, I did my job search online using monster.com, amongst others. Over a 1-month period I applied to as many postings in my field as I could possibly find. My last two job interviews were far down south in Cutler Ridge, Miami (plant nursery) and up north in Ft. Lauderdale (architectural firm). Both companies called me back a few days later with an offer to hire, which was very fortunate considering that I had just come fresh out of college with very little hands-on experience. The one in the nursery was a position where I would've had to learn more about working with servers. Since my specialty was Cisco routers and peer networks, I felt intimidated. The position in Ft. Lauderdale that I was offered (and which I accepted) was a position as a network technician, working under a senior technician, along with another technician. Together, us two techs were working the help desk and were responsible for about 500 plus users. The head of the IT department was a woman, the senior technician (my boss) was as well, and the programmer a lady, too. Only the two server guys were guys. It seemed like such a well balanced environment, and being a woman myself, made me feel extremely comfortable.

So, bottom line, what I'm trying to say by telling about this great opportunity I had working in a great team, while experiencing an amazing learning-curve and getting a great pay, is that it took a relentless effort in going after that which I knew I would find eventually. It wasn't going to be easy. Just keep on applying, go to as many interviews as you can. Never get discouraged, never take a "no" as a personal rejection. Finding work takes work!

[dylan]

There are a few computer component manufacturing companies out by Doral, and in Ft. Lauderdale I have worked as a bench-tech for both. There should be companies looking for ITs in those areas I would be surprised if there weren't.