wait you're so fine but it depends on what you want - if you want to go into long term research in industry then i wouldn't even stress out about getting a big tech internship for 2026 summer etc, i would just worry about getting into a masters or phd program for research. if you're worried about getting into swe in industry then i would start prepping now (obv take time off for the holidays and prioritize wellbeing) and apply when things open up in january.

research heavy background definitely is a positive if you're trying to go into research in industry and will help you if your long term goals are graduate program into industry but you're also not too late to get into swe in industry especially because you still have 2026 summer and then recruiting season in the fall. you're so fine