[blueatlas]

Look first for local software development shops and contact the CTO, group manager, or if available, HR about your interests. Consider looking first for services companies (e.g. web development shops, digital agencies, etc.) as they typically can use an extra set of hands. LinkedIn should be a good source of contacts. Explain your background and that you are interested in shadowing or being an intern. Even though you may be beyond the abilities of an intern, take it if the opportunity looks interesting and you have an opportunity to learn and expand your skills.

Be prepared to show your work and have something in a document, or better a portfolio website, describing your background and that you can send on request.

If that doesn't produce results, you could try expanding your search to companies that are not in your area, but it will likely be more difficult.

[jlees]

This is good advice. I got my first programming job at 16 working for a local web agency as a summer internship. I actually responded to an ad - I was lucky in that they were looking for someone like me. If they aren't, I think there is a lot of value they could get from you, and your task is to convince them of that fact :)

I also think that having a strong track record of contributing to open-source software says a lot more than the kind of job I had; I wish I had discovered and gotten really involved with a project like Python or Debian back when I was that age. Instead, I released game mods, which isn't too bad a use of your time if you find that sort of thing fun.