If you are in the midst of obtaining your degree in computer science, you are likely considering which internship programs you should apply to in order to get your foot in the door of your future career.
You are likely asking yourself some important questions: is it an engineering or software internship you are interested in? Are you interested in design development or data analytics?
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The internship program you choose can help you obtain your dream job, 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, whereas computer science is involved in mathematics, algorithms, and coding to design and develop computer systems effectively.
Types of Computer Science Internships
When obtaining a degree in computer science, there are several different types of career paths you could pursue, whether you are interested in computer engineering, data science, or product management.
Front End Engineering Intern
Front end engineering interns 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. As an intern, you’ll work side-by-side with industry professionals, and it will give you 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, as well as debugging and fixing any problems with the system. You will learn how to solve complex problems and you will be given 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 in regards 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 will run QA tests, determining whether or not 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, and 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.
Best companies to intern for
It is a big decision to choose which company to intern for, especially when it has such an impact on whether or not you will achieve your dream career. There are many aspects that will sway the decision, including whether you are looking for a summer internship, full-time, part-time, and whether or not it is a company you would potentially like to commit to long-term.
Here is a list of the best companies to intern for in computer science:
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 and 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 paid full-time computer science internships in engineering, programming, product management, and data science. Google also has an internship program called BOLD (Building Opportunities for Leadership and Development) that 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.
Hewlett Packard
Hewlett Packard 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 studies, and they 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
Intel, based in Santa Clara, California, has the IRISE Software Engineering Internship Program, where interns get to work on professional projects writing and optimizing code. The internship gives 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.
Apple
Apple became a household name when the iPhone took the world by storm. Apple offers internships with the latest and greatest technology. Students can work 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 being a part of product launches. Apple 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
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, data science, product management, and mobile technology, there are many different types of computer science careers to pursue. Different companies like Facebook, Apple, and Intel offer great opportunities for students to work alongside industry professionals and gain real-world experience.
