The Bureau of Labor Statistics says two of the top 20 fastest-growing occupations fall in the computer science field. According to Monster.com Vice President Eric Winegardner, paid internships are booming here, too.
"Over the last 90 days, the top category for internships has been for computer specialists. This is where you'll find your programmers, Web developers and engineers," says Winegardner.
Among the many technology-related internships, students can find the most lucrative ones at big firms like Dell Inc. or Cisco Systems Inc., both of which made Bloomberg BusinessWeek's top 50 internships list last year and paid from $19 to $29 an hour. While job-search sites will provide plenty of options, students can find specialized positions through their college computer science department and through government jobs offices.
No matter where you begin your internship hunt, Vault.com's Dalal advises students to start early, tap local resources and check out their school's internship fairs.
"Starting in winter, if you're looking for a summer internship, is crucial in getting a job in this economy," says Dalal. "Students have to cast their nets wider and earlier."