If you are pursuing a degree in computer science, obtaining a computer science internship is crucial to getting your foot in the door. An internship can help you obtain your dream computer science career, so it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.
What is Computer Science?
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.
Best Computer Science Internships
When obtaining a degree in computer science, there are several types of career paths you could pursue. 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 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
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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 engineering 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, back end engineering interns focus on writing code with Java, Ruby, and Python to connect the server to the database. Back end 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 by 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 back end 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.
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 a summer internship, full-time or part-time. Another aspect to consider is whether it is a company you would potentially like to commit to long-term.
If you are majoring in computer science, here are some of the best companies to intern for:
- Chevron
- General Motors
- IBM
- Boeing
- Hewlett Packard
- Intel
- Apple
Chevron
Students can gain 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. Interns will gain proficiency in using business analysis tools and applications/database management like SAP and UNIX O/S.
Applicants to this program should be pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in MIS, computer science, or another related field.
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.
IBM
IBM’s 12-week Extreme Blue Internships Program is not the typical internship program. Interns are grouped into teams of both technical and business expertise. These teams then create business plans, write open source code, and develop client solutions. At the end of the program, interns present their work to IBM leaders at IBM’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.
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.
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 or Bachelor’s/Master’s program.
Facebook emphasizes its teamwork mentality and upholds its interns as an essential part of the company. Various full-time and paid computer science internships are offered throughout the United States. Interns rate Facebook at 4.6 out of 5 stars. They love that challenges are given to them to help them master their problem-solving skills.
Google is based in the Silicon Valley region of California. The company offers a variety of paid full-time computer science internships in engineering, programming, product management, and data science.
In addition, 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.
Interns have ranked Google 4.5 out of 5 stars. Students are interviewed over the phone and should have basic experience in coding. Additionally, consider a recent study by QuestResearch Group that found out that Americans overwhelmingly value an internship at Google over a degree from Harvard.
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 their third year in 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.
Intel
This semiconductor chip manufacturer is based in Santa Clara, California. Intel boasts the IRISE Software Engineering Internship Program, where interns get to work on professional projects writing and optimizing code. 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, and interns rank Intel at 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Apple
The Cupertino-based tech giant became a household name when the iPhone took the world by storm. Apple offers internships with the latest and greatest technology. 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.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Computer Science Internship
Computer science is becoming more popular with college-aged students every year, and internships allow students to get their foot in the door of their dream job.
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.
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