[kelnos]

The parent's confusion stems from the fact that the OP is a nearly-40-year-old man who did programming earlier in his life, quit for 16 years, and is now trying to get back into it. "Do an internship during college" isn't really actionable advice for this guy.

[clebio]

Thank you.

[Latteland]

Sorry, I missed that important point, bad reading comprehension. I thought he said he was getting a degree and was a junior in college but I read it again and he didn't mention college. He's looking at "junior engineer" or beginning programmer jobs.

College internships aren't available, he's not a student. Still, he or she needs one recent dev job on his resume, that will unlock further job opportunities. I think going to recruiting events in person and talking to devs and recruiters in person is one way to make that personal connection that could put you over the hump. Go to an event related to your area of biggest interest, try to make a personal connection.