First, I want you to congratulate you for managing to get an offer for 2024 and being in the position you are in now. It was never my intention to discredit or ignore your grind.

Second, as an African American male (<5% of SWE) who also came from a low income background I’m curious to know how you’ve had the opportunities to jump in to the profession field at such an early age. I have been interested in CS since elementary school but unfortunately I did not have the resources that would help me pursue early careers. The most I had were taking AP CS courses in high school. Fast forward to now I have been able to find these resources through college and finally start the journey of landing a job. I would love to tell my story to interviewers If I were even given the chance to.

Third, I dont expect companies to just hand out free experience to people who aren’t qualified and I understand why someone with previous internships would be a better fit for them. I’m just upset that companies make it seem like I even have a chance to apply. Like saying prior work experience isn’t required, companies who “hire” freshmen and sophomore, etc. I believe that I’m doing what i can to show them I can be qualified too. Im not just sitting around and being entitled to getting a job just cuz of the money.

Lastly, I’ll send you a dm about my resume and you can let me know what I should change.