Aspiring software engineers looking for hands-on experience and growth opportunities often look for the best software engineering internships. In this article, we’ll discuss the top internships that provide invaluable learning experiences, equipping interns with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the competitive field of software engineering.
Why do you need a software engineering internship?
A software engineering internship is essential for aspiring software engineers to gain real-world experience, enhance technical skills, network with professionals, and explore career interests. It also provides practical opportunities to work on software projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Internships also offer a chance to build a professional network, receive mentorship, and potentially secure future job opportunities. Additionally, internships help interns identify their passions and interests within the field of software engineering, guiding their career choices.
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How can I get a software engineering internship?
You can take these steps to help you land the best software engineering internship of your choice.
1. Research and identify companies or organizations that offer internships in the software engineering field. Utilize online job boards, career fairs, and company websites to search for internship opportunities.
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills, coursework, and any relevant projects or experiences. Be sure to showcase your technical skills, programming languages, and any relevant certifications. Networking is also crucial; connect with alumni, professors, or industry professionals to inquire about potential internship opportunities or seek referrals. It’s also important to prepare for technical interviews, coding challenges, and behavioral interviews to showcase your skills and fit for the internship.
3. Be persistent. Follow up on applications, and keep refining your skills and portfolio.
The best software engineering internships
1. Facebook Internship Program
The Facebook software engineering internship is a highly competitive and sought-after opportunity for aspiring software engineers. As an intern, you would work on real-world software projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and contribute to Facebook’s cutting-edge products and services.
Benefits:
- Offers interns the chance to apply their technical skills, learn from industry experts, and gain insights into Facebook’s engineering practices and culture
- Lets you work in various areas such as front-end or back-end development, data engineering, machine learning, or infrastructure engineering, depending on their skills and interests
Duration: Fixed period, usually during summer
2. Infosys InStep Internship Program
The Infosys InStep Internship Program is a prestigious global internship opportunity offered by Infosys, one of the leading global consulting and information technology services companies. InStep stands for “Internship at Infosys” and is designed for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students from top universities around the world. The program provides interns with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology projects, collaborate with Infosys teams, and gain hands-on experience in areas such as software development, data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and more.
Benefits:
- Internships are offered in various countries like India, the United States, Europe, Australia, and other locations
- Work closely with Infosys professionals
- A chance to participate in different training programs including workshops and networking events
Duration: 8-12 weeks
3. Apple Internship Program
The Apple software engineering internship program is a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students to gain hands-on experience in one of the world’s leading technology companies. As an intern, you would have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and contribute to Apple’s renowned products and services.
Benefits:
- Chance to work on various areas such as software development, mobile app development, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and more, depending on their skills and interests
- Offers a supportive and inclusive work environment, with opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and networking.
- Get a chance to attend special events, workshops, and presentations
Duration: Fixed period, usually during summer
4. Slalom Build Internship Program
The Slalom Build Internship Program is a structured internship program offered by Slalom, a global consulting firm that specializes in strategy, technology, and business transformation. The practice focuses on helping clients build custom software solutions and applications to meet their specific business needs. The Slalom Build Internship Program provides interns with the opportunity to gain practical experience in software development, consulting, and client engagement.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to work on real-world projects and gain practical experience in software development, consulting, and client engagement
- Enhance your technical and consulting skills, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and participate in training sessions
- Chance to network with Slalom employees, participate in company events, and gain exposure to Slalom’s consulting practices and methodologies
- May lead to potential full-time employment opportunities with Slalom upon successful completion of the internship, depending on business needs and individual performance
Duration: 10-12 weeks during summer but may vary depending on location and the internship position
5. New Relic Internship Program
The New Relic Internship Program is a structured internship program offered by New Relic, a leading technology company that specializes in application performance monitoring and observability. The program provides interns with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work on real-world projects, and learn from industry experts in a dynamic and innovative environment.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to work on real-world projects and gain practical experience in cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices
- Enhance your technical and consulting skills, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and participate in training sessions
- Opportunity to work on innovative projects and contribute to New Relic’s mission of helping customers build better software
- Potential full-time employment opportunities with New Relic upon successful completion of the internship, depending on business needs and individual performance
Duration: 10-12 weeks
6. Ball Aerospace Summer Internship
The New Relic Internship Program is a structured internship program offered by New Relic, a leading technology company that specializes in application performance monitoring and observability. The program provides interns with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work on real-world projects, and learn from industry experts in a dynamic and innovative environment.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to work on innovative projects and contribute to Ball Aerospace’s mission of advancing aerospace technology
- Network with Ball Aerospace employees, participate in company events, and gain exposure to Ball Aerospace’s products, technologies, and company culture
- Potential full-time employment opportunities with Ball Aerospace upon successful completion of the internship, depending on business needs and individual performance
Duration: 10-12 weeks, with the first two weeks on part-time and the remainder on full-time
7. Google Software Engineering Internship
The Google Software Engineering Internship is a highly competitive and prestigious internship program offered by Google, one of the world’s leading technology companies. It provides undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with Google engineers, and gain hands-on experience in software development in a dynamic and innovative environment. On top of that, the company also pays their interns well compared to other companies.
Benefits:
- Enhance your technical and professional skills, receive mentorship from experienced engineers, and participate in training sessions
- Opportunity to work on innovative projects that have a real impact on Google’s products and services
- Potential full-time employment opportunities with Google upon successful completion of the internship, depending on business needs and individual performance.
Duration: 12-14 weeks
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I put on my resume when applying for a software engineering internship?
Software engineering interns should include the following key elements on their resume. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job application and emphasize the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. Be truthful and accurate in your resume, and make sure to proofread it thoroughly for any errors or inconsistencies.
- Internship experience
- Technical skills
- Projects
- Achievements
- Education
- Soft skills
- Extracurricular activities
- References
Are software engineering internships paid?
Yes, most software engineering internships, including the Google Software Engineering Internship, are paid. As interns, you are typically compensated for your work and contribution to the company. The exact compensation package may vary depending on the company, location, and duration of the internship, but it generally includes a stipend or salary, which may be prorated based on the number of weeks worked during the internship. In addition to the stipend or salary, some internships may also offer other benefits such as housing or housing allowances, transportation allowances, and/or meal allowances. These benefits may vary depending on the company’s policies and the location of the internship.
How much do software engineering internships make?
The compensation for software engineering interns can vary widely depending on factors such as the company, location, duration of the internship, and the intern’s level of education and experience. In general, internships at larger technology companies and in high-demand locations tend to offer higher compensation compared to smaller companies or less competitive markets.
As of 2021, in the United States, software engineering interns can expect to earn an average monthly salary ranging from $4,000 to $7,000 or more, depending on the company and location.
What can you learn from a software engineering internship?
A software engineering internship can provide hands-on experience, improve coding skills, foster teamwork, expose interns to industry best practices, and help develop important soft skills such as communication and problem-solving.
Are internships necessary for software engineering majors?
Internships are not strictly necessary for software engineering majors, as there are alternative ways to gain experience and skills in the field, such as personal coding projects, open-source contributions, online coding courses, and coding bootcamps. However, internships can provide unique benefits and advantages for software engineering majors. Internships offer real-world, practical experience in a professional environment, allowing students to apply their technical skills to real projects, work with a team, and understand industry practices and standards.
Our take on the best software engineering internships
Software engineering internships can provide valuable opportunities for hands-on experience, skill development, and networking in the field of software engineering. They offer a chance to work on real-world projects, learn industry best practices, and develop technical and soft skills. Internships can also enhance a resume, providing a competitive edge in the job market. While not mandatory, software engineering internships can be highly beneficial for students pursuing a career in software engineering. Also helping them gain practical experience, expand their professional network, and increase their employability.
Now that we’ve shared the best software engineering internships with you, you will be able to choose which one suits your needs and preferences. Let us know what you think in the comment section. Good luck!
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