Obtaining an internship for computer science students is crucial for gaining employment after graduation. An internship can help you obtain your dream computer science career, so it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding on the best computer science internships for college students.
Computer science is the study of computer programming and software systems. Information Technology (IT) is more focused on maintaining computer systems. On the other hand, computer science deals more with mathematics, algorithms, and coding to design and develop computer systems effectively.
If you are interested in diving into this type of career, then it is essential to take part in an internship beforehand. This article outlines the best internships for computer science students below.
Key Takeaways
- Internships are crucial for computer science students as they provide valuable hands-on experience and enhance employment prospects after graduation.
- Some of the best companies for computer science internships include Apple, Boeing, Comcast, Dell, and General Motors.
- When selecting a CS internship, consider factors such as the company’s reputation, whether it aligns with your long-term career goals, and the specific roles and technologies you’ll be exposed to.
- Computer science students can choose from various internship roles, including front end engineering, backend engineering, data science, product management, and mobile technology engineering.
- The average annual salary for computer science internships is approximately $45,979, which translates to around $22 per hour.
- While CS students can apply for internships as early as their freshman year, many companies prefer to hire juniors or seniors as interns.
Best Internships for Computer Science Students
If you are already enrolled in university, it is important to start thinking about internships for computer science students. The benefits of internships include developing your professional aptitude, strengthening your character, and providing you with greater opportunities.
You’ll have the best chance of finding a job after college if you invest in internships for computer science majors. Here are the top companies to intern for as a comp sci major:
- Apple
- AT&T
- Boeing
- Chevron
- Cigna
- Comcast
- Dell
- General Motors
- Hewlett Packard
- IBM
- Intel
- Meta
- Raytheon
- Verizon
- Walmart
What Are the Best Companies to Intern for as a Computer Science Major?
Choosing which company to intern for is a big decision and one that will have a big impact on whether you achieve your career goals. There are many aspects that will influence the decision, including whether you are looking for one of the best computer science summer internships. Another aspect to consider is whether it is a company you would potentially like to commit to long-term.
Apple
An internship or co-op on an Apple campus provides the opportunity to work on critical projects during the summer or during the academic year. You will gain an insider’s perspective on Apple’s operations as well as meet the individuals who lead key initiatives.
Students who pursue an Apple internship for computer science must be enrolled in a college, university, or graduate program to qualify. Students majoring in computer science can pursue an Apple summer internship or co-ops in data science, product management, computer engineering, or mobile technology. Interns also have an opportunity to work with iOS systems and future products, as well as be a part of product launches.
The firm emphasizes its leadership opportunities as a key component of the internship program. The internship is paid, and while Apple is based in Cupertino, California, internships are offered worldwide. Interns rank Apple as 4.4 out of 5.
AT&T
Some of the best computer science internships for college students are provided by AT&T. This large communications and technology company offers hundreds of opportunities for internships in the technology sector.
All interns should be pursuing a computer or engineering-related major as undergraduate or master’s students to be eligible for this paid internship position. Each internship lasts 10 to 12 weeks. During this time, participants are exposed to the newest technologies.
Boeing
Boeing’s IT Intern program matches interns with jobs that best complement their skills and interests. Interns can pursue opportunities in security, architecture, network design, application, and project management, among others. Some of the best CS internships at this aerospace manufacturer are available over the summer, many of them in Australia.
An internship at this Fortune 500 company will also feature site tours, networking events, training and mentoring opportunities, and community engagement. Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or master’s program.
Chevron
Students can pursue an internship with Chevron at any of its locations in California, Texas, the Gulf Coast, and more. Internships with this leading energy provider allow students to gain professional experience working in programming, consulting, analysis, and project management. For example, Chevron is looking for software developer interns, offering them mentorship, and giving them access to a vast network of employees.
Interns will gain proficiency in using business analysis tools and applications/database management like SAP and UNIX O/S. Applicants to this great CS internship opportunity should be pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s in MIS, Computer Science, or related field.
Cigna
Cigna is a Fortune 500 company that offers some of the best internships for computer science students. Cigna summer internships allow students to choose from an array of challenging IT roles. Some internships offered are data science, computer information systems, and risk management.
These 10-12 week internships are offered to rising juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.2 or higher in computer science or a related major. Those students who apply with prior work experience are preferred over candidates without experience.
Comcast
Comcast, a large telecommunications company, provides internship opportunities along the East Coast. These opportunities include positions such as product deployment intern, communications and data intern, data analyst intern, and project management coordinator intern.
Every intern accepted by Comcast must be eligible to work in the United States, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be currently enrolled and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the US as a junior or senior. The internship program lasts 11 weeks and is a paid opportunity.
Dell
Dell is well known for its computer systems and technologies around the world. As such, they give back by providing some of the best internships for computer science students. Dell provides these internships globally to assist students in upskilling by taking on challenging real-world projects.
In order to be accepted into a Dell internship, students must be studying computer science or a related major. Undergraduates and graduates can be considered for these internship positions. Each internship lasts 10 to 12 weeks and the last week ends with a presentation to executives.
General Motors
General Motors offers two college internship and co-op programs, the TRACK Marketing Program and EXCEL (Exploring Careers through Experiential Learning). These internship opportunities equip interns with networking experience, community service events, and leadership training.
General Motors’ EXCEL internship program offers an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring finance, economics, accounting, engineering, and computer science majors, making it one of the best computer science internships available. As an EXCEL intern, you will immerse yourself in the dynamic world of the global auto industry, gaining hands-on experience at one of the industry’s leading players.
As one of the best companies to work for in San Francisco, Google offers a variety of paid full-time computer science internships in engineering, programming, product management, and data science. Interns have ranked Google 4.5 out of 5 stars. In fact, a recent study by QuestResearch Group found that Americans overwhelmingly value an internship at Google over a degree from Harvard.
The tech giant has an internship program called BOLD (Building Opportunities for Leadership and Development). This unique program gives college-aged students from all backgrounds a chance to start a career in computer science. Students are interviewed over the phone and should have basic experience in coding.
Hewlett Packard
This information technology company offers full-time and part-time paid internships all over the United States and the world. Most HP interns are hired as they are completing the third year of their computer science degree.
Interns have the opportunity to pursue an internship in data science, software engineering, or product management. They can help develop and launch new products and get to work alongside industry professionals. Interns have ranked HP internships 4.1 out of 5 stars.
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IBM
IBM’s computer science internship program Extreme Blue has been around for many years. As one of the best CS internships out there, it allows students worldwide to develop skills in business and technology. The internships are located in one of 15 labs across the world.
In this 12-week program, students create business plans, write open source code, and develop client solutions. At the end of the program, they present their work to IBM leaders at the company’s Expo Event. Technical candidates must have experience in JavaTM, Python, Javascript, or C. While MBA candidates do not need proficiency in programming, they are expected to have business experience.
Intel
Every year, students can apply for Intel’s IRISE, an internship program for first or second-year computer science students looking to gain real-world experience. Students will learn about debugging, writing, and code optimization through the IRISE internship.
Students who enroll in an IRISE internship need to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible. The internship gives software engineering interns the opportunity to network and learn how to work on the latest and most advanced computer systems. The internship is full-time and paid. Interns rank Intel at 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Meta
Meta, formerly Facebook, has an internship program that is widely recognized as one of the best computer science internships available. As a Meta intern, you’ll receive world-class mentorship and have the chance to make a real impact on projects that are used by billions of people globally.
The program emphasizes open culture and personalized mentorship. You’ll be encouraged to contribute to real-world projects from day one. If you’re graduating and seeking a full-time position, Meta will consider you for a job. With access to the entire Meta employee community, networking events, and various activities, you’ll not only gain valuable technical skills but also have fun outside of work.
There is also Meta University, which is aimed at students from underrepresented communities. This is a hands-on, immersive ten-week paid internship program that provides technical skill development and professional work experience. Designed to offer relevant technical training followed by project work, this program pairs participants with Meta team members who serve as mentors.
Raytheon
Raytheon offers internship programs for developing future students in high-caliber defense technology. Students can partake in an internship that involves programming, security testing, systems architecture, or project management.
The internships provided at Raytheon are available in the spring, summer, and fall. Raytheon only accepts students into the program who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and are enrolled in a technology-related undergraduate program.
Verizon
Verizon also offers summer internships and co-ops to computer science students. Verizon is well known for its machine-to-machine communication and cloud storage technologies. Internships for prospective data analysts, architects, engineers, and developers are available annually.
In order to be considered for an internship position with Verizon, students must have completed one year of a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Students must also have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Walmart
Walmart’s internships for computer science students are lucrative and highly sought after. During this 10-week internship, students are paid to work on a project to present to shareholders and executives. The company pays to relocate students and often offers its interns jobs or returning internships at the end of the program.
Students must be majoring in computer science or related field and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Internships are open to undergraduate and graduate students.
Types of Computer Science Internships
When obtaining a degree in computer science, there are several types of internships for computer science you can apply to gain real-world experience. You could go down the road of computer engineering, data science, or product management, to name a few.
Here are several of the best computer science summer internships that you can pursue:
- Front End Engineering Intern
- Backend Engineering Intern
- Data Scientist Intern
- Product Management Intern
- Mobile Technology Engineering Intern
Front End Engineering Intern
Interns in front end engineering focus on what users see in a web application. Front end engineers write code and build user interfaces using languages such as JavaScript and CSS, along with markup languages like HTML.
During your computer summer internship, you’ll work side-by-side with industry professionals. You’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable experience, help create new systems, and work through real-world challenges.
Backend Engineering Intern
On the flip side, backend engineering interns focus on writing code with Java, Ruby, and Python to connect the server to the database. Backend engineering interns write code and ensure that the code is working properly.
Likewise, they debug and fix any problems with the system. With this computer engineering internship, you will learn how to solve complex problems and receive code reviews from superiors to help you master your craft.
Data Scientist Intern
Data scientists take a very mathematical approach to computer science, focusing on statistical and quantitative analyses. Data scientists work to better understand consumers by using statistical analyses and models to evaluate social trends in information systems.
This internship would help you learn how to apply and interpret these complex mathematical models with regard to the product and business.
Product Management Intern
Product management interns work between the computer engineers and marketing teams to make sure the product is functioning properly and is attractive to consumers. Interns run QA tests, determining whether the product is up to quality expectations.
You will help analyze the market and create a strategy with the engineers and marketing team to implement a successful campaign.
Mobile Technology Engineering Intern
Mobile devices have become one of the most popular ways for the public to use virtual systems. With both iOS and Android taking the world by storm, this has been an increasingly popular career path for those majoring in computer science.
Mobile technology engineers code for both front end and backend systems. Depending on whether it is iOS, Android, or another company, you will work with different programming languages. You can help develop apps, create new mobile features, and ensure the code integrates smoothly and is user-friendly.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Computer Science Internship
An internship for computer science students is an excellent way to start a career in this field and get your foot in the door at your dream company.
From software engineering and data science to product management and mobile technology, there are many types of computer science careers to pursue. Companies like Facebook, Apple, and Intel offer great opportunities for aspiring information technology professionals to work alongside industry experts and gain real-world experience.
Internship for Computer Science Students FAQ
According to ZipRecruiter, the average computer science internship salary is $45,979 annually. This converts to about $22 per hour. Computer science interns make well above the national average. Internships often lead to employment or future internship opportunities.
How important are internships for computer science?
Internships are very important for computer science majors. Internships provide students with the hands-on experience they need to gain a competitive edge in the job market. Technology companies are more likely to hire a graduate with internship experience than one without any prior experience.
Are there remote computer science internships?
There are remote computer science internships available. Companies like IBM and Walmart offer remote internships for very specific fields within their company. These remote internships often require the student to be top of their class and also be junior or senior at university.
What year do CS students get internships?
CS students can apply for an internship as early as their freshman year if they find the right program. While this is possible, most internships prefer to hire students in their junior or senior years of study. Researching internships in your first year will provide you with the information you need to prepare to apply to internships in the future.
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