How to get into the tech industry and find a job as a 15 year old?

Hey Nate.

The best way that I've found to get a job, period, is to talk with people. Meaning, ask around to your friends to see if they know anyone in the industry you're looking at, go to events and introduce yourself, ask friends to introduce you to someone new (not necessarily in your industry) with the intent to introduce yourself and also ask if they know someone you can speak with about jobs aka networking.

For tech, I'm finding that what is really looked at is what your skills are. So, build build build build. Get some examples up of your work, even if they are small and only show your code. This gives companies and idea of how you work and what you can do.

Also, don't be afraid to step into a place, introduce yourself and ask for any opportunities to get your foot in the door.

That last one is a tough skill to get, but will get you so much with everything in the future.

Lastly, no matter what, if you meet with someone, hand write (if possible) or email (if can't hand write) a thank you note for them taking time out of their day to talk with you. (make sure that you pay for coffee / food if you meet them out for that too :>).

I know I am late to the party but I think I qualify.

Talking to people is the way to start freelancing. Just mention what you do when asked. Talk about projects your building, show them off to friends and family. My first job was offered to me by a friends mom who needed one for her company. My next found me through my school. My current contract attends a meetup I go too. You can do this and attend school.

In reference to what James Gill said the only problem with being a full time freelancer in high school is not telling your client your schedule and life when they hire you. If they hire you expecting a veteran with 10 years experience doing this as a full time job you are both going to have a horrible time. Be honest, tell them you are a full time student and you will need extra time to complete the project then someone else might. Maybe you give them a price cut for that fact.

Keep learning and keep building but take time just to relax and have fun with friends. Don't let it consume you. We have time to become the best developers ever. It doesn't have to be next week, next month or even next year.

Goodluck! --Ricky

I don't think growth minded tech companies care about age when hiring. They want to see what you've built and you're eager to learn.

Nate, are you still in school? If so, how are you planning to take on full-time work in software development?

Programming is great, but when you're 15, I suggest that you keep making and learning about what most interests you.

I've seen people get decent jobs with less in their portfolio. I'm not an employer, so don't take my word as being fact, but by the time you graduate high school you might very likely be eligible for a mid-level developer position. That's really good money, good security, and still a lot of room for growth.

I'd highly recommend looking into internships, contracts, and part-time developer jobs. Working with an established team at a company will probably do more for your resume than freelance work. Also, even if you only work during the summer months you'll still be earning more than any of your peers.

If I was 15 again, I would do exactly what you're doing; pursuing something that's important and valuable. I'm still young at age 24, but even so, my journey would have been so much easier if I started studying programming when I was a teenager.

Good luck, and as Mark Twain said, "Don't let schooling interfere with your education."