High School Software Engineer Intern | Startup Internship Opportunity (SIP)

Startup Internship Opportunity (SIP) Program: High School Software Engineer

🚀 Internship Opportunity: Be the Next Innovator in the Future of Work

Are you a high school student dreaming of becoming the next Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg? Respiris, a fast-growing startup disrupting the outplacement assistance industry, is offering a unique opportunity to join our team and work closely with our co-founders on a groundbreaking project. This internship is designed for a future software engineer eager to make a mark in the world of technology and career transitions.

🔎 What You’ll Work On:
You’ll play a key role in developing our AI Companion Coach—a cutting-edge tool to support Job Search Coaches and empower individuals navigating career transitions. This is an exciting chance to create innovative software using technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and more, redefining how people engage with AI in the future of work.

🎯 What We’re Looking For:

• A motivated high school student with a passion for software engineering and a curiosity for building innovative tools.
• Interest in technologies like AI, LLMs, and conversational agents.
• A bold, entrepreneurial spirit ready to help build a product from scratch—no existing tech stack, just endless possibilities.
• A collaborative mindset and eagerness to work closely with the co-founders of a mission-driven company.
  

✨ Why Join Us?

• Ground-floor opportunity: Be part of shaping the future of work at a company that’s redefining career transitions.
• Real-world impact: Your work will contribute directly to a platform that helps individuals thrive during times of change.
• Mentorship: Work side-by-side with experienced co-founders who will guide and inspire you.
• Innovation: Learn what it’s like to build a tech product in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.
• Resume-building experience: Gain standout skills that set you apart in college applications and future job opportunities.
  

📅 Details:

• Timeframe: Flexible, designed to fit your school schedule.
• Location: Remote, with opportunities for virtual collaboration with our team.
• Compensation: Unpaid, but the experience and mentorship you’ll gain are priceless!
  

🌟 Apply Now:
If you’re ready to dive into the world of software engineering, AI, and innovation, we’d love to hear from you! Send us a short intro about yourself, your software interests, and why this opportunity excites you to us..

Let’s build the future of work together! 🌈

Basic Requirements:

1. Interest in Software Engineering:
   A genuine passion for technology, coding, and building software.
2. Basic Programming Knowledge:
   Familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., Python, JavaScript, or similar).
   Understanding of basic coding concepts such as variables, loops, and functions.
3. Curiosity About AI and Emerging Tech:
   Interest in exploring technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs), conversational agents, or other cutting-edge tools.
4. Problem-Solving Skills:
   An eagerness to tackle challenges and find creative solutions.
5. Ability to Work Independently and Collaboratively:
   A self-starter with the ability to take initiative while being open to feedback and collaboration.
6. Strong Communication Skills:
   Clear written and verbal communication to share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate with the team effectively.

Preferred (But Not Required) Skills:

• Experience with coding projects (school, extracurricular, or personal).
• Familiarity with AI tools like ChatGPT, RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation), or APIs (e.g., OpenAI API).
• Interest in the future of work, startups, or entrepreneurship.

Soft Skills:

• Curiosity: A desire to learn and explore new ideas.
• Growth Mindset: Willingness to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes.
• Team Player: Ready to work closely with co-founders and contribute to a collaborative environment.

This unpaid internship is meant to provide an exciting learning experience for someone with potential and ambition, not necessarily years of experience. If you’re motivated, curious, and ready to grow, this could be the perfect opportunity!

Interning at an early-stage company like Respiris via this unpaid Empowerly's Startup Internship Program (SIP) offers a unique opportunity to gain skills, experiences, and stories that will stand out in your college applications to top-tier universities like Harvard, MIT, or Stanford. Here’s how this experience can benefit you:

1. Real-World Impact:

• Hands-On Experience: Unlike internships at large companies, where you might be one of many interns, at Respiris, your contributions will have a direct impact on the company’s success.
• Build Something Meaningful: You’ll work on creating an AI Companion Coach from scratch, a tool that helps real people navigate career transitions—a compelling story to share in essays and interviews.

2. Innovation and Creativity:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Learn and work with AI technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)—skills that are highly relevant in today’s tech-driven world.
• Entrepreneurial Environment: Gain firsthand experience in building products in a startup environment, where creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving are key.

3. Leadership and Ownership:

• Major Responsibilities: At Respiris, you won’t just follow instructions—you’ll take ownership of projects, showcase leadership, and learn how to manage responsibilities effectively.
• Work Closely with Founders: Collaborate directly with the co-founders, gaining mentorship and insights into building a company from the ground up.

4. Unique College Application Edge:

• Standout Experience: Few high school students can say they’ve interned at a startup where they contributed to developing innovative AI solutions.
• Showcase Passion for Innovation: Your work will highlight your interest in AI, software engineering, and entrepreneurship—fields highly valued by Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
• Compelling Essays: You’ll have real-world stories about challenges you faced, solutions you developed, and the impact you made—perfect for personal statements and supplemental essays.

5. Networking and Mentorship:

• Connections: Build relationships with startup founders, tech leaders, and professionals who can guide your future and potentially provide strong recommendations.
• Mentorship: Receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced professionals, helping you refine your technical and professional skills.

6. Future-Ready Skills:

• Technical Mastery: Gain proficiency in coding, AI integration, and software development.
• Soft Skills Development: Improve communication, problem-solving, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptability: Learn how to navigate ambiguity, iterate quickly, and develop solutions in a startup setting.

7. Inspiring a Vision for Your Future:

• Entrepreneurial Spark: Working at a startup can inspire you to launch your own ventures or pursue innovative projects in college.
• Understanding the Future of Work: Engage in meaningful projects that explore how technology is transforming careers, a critical topic at leading universities.
  

This internship isn’t just a resume-builder; it’s a life-changing opportunity to dive into technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. For students aiming for top universities, this experience demonstrates initiative, passion, and a drive to make a difference—qualities that Harvard, MIT, and Stanford deeply value.