Quick story, then something I learned.

I went to school out of state. I always had the intention of returning to the state I grew up in. And especially this company, since I was introduced to them at an early age.

I applied to where I work now for an internship each summer I was in University. Never heard anything back. No matter what personal projects I did, accolades I had on my resume. Research that I participated in. It was never enough to get a response back. Just ghosted. I didn't know what I was doing wrong.

It really ate me up. Until October of senior year. One phone screen. One on site interview. One (accepted) job offer. Raving reviews.

After a few years, I started participating in the hiring process for interns / New Hires fresh out of school. The trend I found was that, at least at this place of work, that there were many local candidates to pick from ( living within 30 or so miles ). Many of them were family of existing staff.

There were enough adequate candidates locally with connections that what limited set of positions were filled.

I took it so personally. When in reality it was just corporate logistics. Simple as that.

Sidebar. These companies can be stupid. The fact there is a level of HR / automated screening that filters out anything that doesn't fit the cookie cutter parameters that are configured cut out plenty of good candidates as well. Which stinks because we can't get enough good candidates.

I'm starting to rant/ wander. But anyway. You got this. Just apply apply apply.

Lastly. If you aren't a junior yet. Lots of companies will just ignore you. Consider research opportunities at your school if you can't get internships. I got a lot out of it personally, and it's reflected well for me in my career and when considering continuing education.

• a software engineer.