The Best Computer Science Internships
The best computer science internships can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream tech job. It’s a crucial addition to your resume that speaks to your ability to work well with experienced engineers and solve real-world tech problems. Internships for computer science majors are available at major tech companies all over the country.
In this article, we walk you through everything you need to know to land a top-paid computer science internship. We also discuss how to land computer science internships with no experience if you’re a high school student. Let’s dive in.
The Top Tech Companies for Computer Science Internships
The best computer science internships can be found at top tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Meta. The right internship program can help you break into the tech industry, provide you with valuable experience, and give you the chance to learn from seasoned professionals in your field. Below is our list of the best tech companies that offer internships for computer science majors.
| Company | Internship Position | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Hardware Technology Internship, Software Engineering Internship | Yes |
| Information Technology Internship, Software Engineering Internship | Yes | |
| Meta | Research Scientist Intern (PhD), Meta University for Engineering, Meta University for Analytics, Meta University for Product Design | Yes |
| Intel | Software Internships, Hardware Internships, AI Internships | Yes |
| Hewlett Packard | Software Engineer Intern, Data Science Intern | Yes |
| IBM | Software Engineering Internship, Infrastructure and Technology Internship, Data & Analytics Internship | Yes |
| Microsoft | Engineering Internship, Data and Applied Science Internship, IT Operations Internship | Yes |
| Netflix | Software Engineer Intern, Security Engineering Intern, Data Engineering Intern, Analytics Engineering Intern | Yes |
| Adobe | Intern – Software Engineer, Intern – DevOps Engineering, Intern – Machine Learning Engineer | Yes |
| Blizzard | Analytics Internship, Computer Graphics Internship, Cinematic Software Engineering Internship, Computer Graphics Internship | Yes |
Apple
Apple offers computer science internships that allow interns to get hands-on experience with its latest technology. Depending on their interests, students can work in data science, product management, computer engineering, or mobile technology. Interns learn more about the iOS system and Apple’s coding languages, and get the chance to participate in product launches and predictive analysis for future products.
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Leadership is a key focus of Apple’s internship programs. This is why interns are taught and expected to offer original ideas and take the lead. Apple’s internship opportunities are paid, with positions offered worldwide.
Known for consistently claiming top spots in lists of the best places to work, Google also offers top-notch paid and full-time tech internships. Google internships are designed to allow interns to interact with various departments across the company and are offered at a wide range of locations. Students of all backgrounds are welcome to apply, gain technical experience, and potentially be hired by the company.
Meta
Meta is a tech giant based in Silicon Valley that offers paid internships for a variety of roles. They also run the Meta University program, offering paid computer science internships for students wishing to gain hands-on experience in technical roles. Students from underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply to these 10-week intensive programs.
Intel
Intel interns get to work on professional projects and collaborate with experts in one of the world’s largest software companies in the world. Intel internships offer competitive salaries, provide participants with real-world experience, and emphasize innovation. Close to 60 percent of interns are offered a full-time position upon completion of their internship program, so it’s worth learning how to get an internship at Intel.
Hewlett Packard
Hewlett Packard (HP) is another well-respected tech company that offers an internship program. Hewlett Packard internships can be taken full-time or part-time, are paid, and are offered all over the world. Many HP interns are hired as they complete their third-year studies. Internships for computer science majors are often available in the fields of data science, software engineering, and product management.
IBM
IBM offers internship roles where selected candidates can get involved in meaningful projects from the get-go. IBM emphasizes innovation through diversity and is hoping to train professionals who use tech to create a positive social impact on their communities and the environment. In addition to long-term internship opportunities, they also have a summer internship program.
Microsoft
Microsoft runs an internship program for university students completing bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree programs in a variety of tech roles. Interns receive competitive pay, relocation benefits, and a chance to gain firsthand experience of the Microsoft company culture.
Interns also get the chance to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the development of new technologies. Internship positions are available for full-time students who are planning to return for at least one term, quarter, or semester to finish their degree program.
Netflix
Netflix internships take place during the summer and typically last 12 weeks. The Netflix internship program offers students an excellent chance to gain practical skills over a short period of time. During their internship, participants are supported as they contribute to projects on the technical side. Interns are encouraged to bring fresh perspectives and collaborate openly with other team members.
Adobe
Adobe offers internship opportunities in different areas, including engineering, marketing, and sales, and in locations across the country. This organization is committed to creating equal access for talented students regardless of their background. Getting an internship at Adobe requires you to be aligned with their mission of empowering people to create images, videos, and apps that are both beautiful and powerful.
Blizzard
Blizzard offers a 12-week summer internship program for candidates wishing to dive into the world of game development and work in a fun, stimulating environment. Applicants must return to school after their internship has concluded. Blizzard accepts applications from September to January every year.
The Most Common Types of Computer Science Internships
Computer science is the study of computer programming, software systems, and accompanying algorithms. It’s a tech field that involves using coding languages and design skills to develop computer programs.
To master the field, you can pursue a traditional four-year computer science degree or opt for a much shorter and affordable track: coding bootcamps. Coding bootcamps are immersive and non-traditional training grounds for aspiring computer scientists, programmers, data scientists, and more.
Pair your education with the practical experience from computer science partnerships, and you’re good to go. A computer science internship is often the best way for students to learn the “ins and outs” of the industry. It prepares them for the workplace as they learn how to work in teams and brainstorm ideas with industry experts.
The Most Common Types of Computer Science Internships
As a computer science intern, you’ll have a chance to propel your career forward as you learn from experienced professionals in your field. Below are the most common types of CS internships you should consider.
Front End Engineering Intern
Front end engineering is the development and design of the elements that users see when they click on a website or use a platform. Front end engineers write code and build user interfaces using languages like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.
As a computer science intern working on the front end, you’ll work side-by-side with front end engineers. This will give you the opportunity to help create new systems and work through real-world challenges as you learn front end development. If you are interested in web design, this is the internship for you.
Backend Engineering Intern
Backend engineering focuses on writing code with high-level programming languages like Java, Ruby, Python, and Kotlin. This code connects the server to the database and works with the front end to deliver the final product back to the user.
Backend engineering interns typically support the engineering team in managing end-to-end backend development for the company’s products. Their tasks may include implementing or maintaining application functionality. They may also review code to ensure it is bug-free.
Data Science Intern
Data scientists help businesses make informed decisions by gathering, analyzing, and deriving insights from massive volumes of data. For example, data scientists work to better understand consumers by using statistical techniques and data models to evaluate social trends.
As a data science intern, you will perform data analysis to develop solutions to real-world business problems. This entails applying and interpreting complex mathematical models to gain insights from particular data sets.
Data science internships also allow you to work with big data, a rapidly growing field that deals with complex data sets. These are ideal if you want to become a data scientist, a data analyst, or any data-centric role.
Product Management Intern
Product management professionals work with computer engineers and marketing teams to ensure a product’s functionality before it’s deployed in the market. Interns assist in the process by running quality assurance (QA) tests, determining whether the product is up to quality expectations.
These professionals also help in conducting market research and creating a strategy to build efficient products and launch successful campaigns.
Mobile Technology Intern
Smartphones have become one of the most convenient ways for the masses to use virtual Internet systems. With both iOS and Android platforms being so popular, mobile tech has become a sought-after path by computer science students.
Mobile technology engineers code for both front end and backend systems. Depending on the platform you’re building for, you will work with different programming languages. As a mobile tech intern, you can help create new apps, build mobile features, and ensure every system is user-friendly.
How to Find Computer Science High School Internships
If you’re committed to a career in tech, computer science internships for high school students can give you the upper hand as you prepare for college and then for applying to jobs in the field. Both schools and employers tend to favor candidates with at least some hands-on experience, which serves as a testament to their passion and commitment to their chosen profession.
Coding internships for high school students can be hard to land, but the effort is worth it. They will give you a chance to network, be mentored by experienced professionals, and gain practical experience that will help you build a solid foundation for your career. A strong computer science resume can help you intern at a top company.
The Best Computer Science Internships for High Schoolers
- Microsoft Discovery Program. In addition to its main internship program, Microsoft offers high school students the chance to gain hands-on experience and explore opportunities in the tech field through its Discovery Program.
- Girls Who Code Summer Program. This free, virtual program lasts either two weeks in immersive mode or six weeks in self-paced mode. Interns learn about various coding languages by building a series of short games.
- NASA OSTEM Internship. This paid internship opportunity at NASA allows high school and college students to contribute to the agency’s projects while being mentored by a NASA staff member.
- NSA High School Work Study Program. This program, created by the National Security Agency, is open to high school juniors who are at least 16 years old. Interns get a chance to assist in the development of NSA hardware and software.
- Boston University RISE Program. This six-week program was designed to allow high school students in their junior year to explore the world of STEM through university lab research projects.
Is a Computer Science Internship Worth It?
Yes, an internship in computer science is usually worthwhile. The best computer science internships give you the chance to work alongside computer science professionals, build a professional network, and gain invaluable hands-on experience in your field. The guidance you receive during this type of program can help you kickstart a career in computer technology.
Future employers are also more likely to trust your technical abilities if they see that you have undergone an internship program. On top of that, an internship is one of many opportunities for you to assess your interest and capabilities in a specific field. A computer science internship can be a life-changing experience that is highly recommended for anyone interested in pursuing a tech career.
Computer Science Internships FAQ
Computer science is the study of computer programming, software systems, and accompanying algorithms. It’s a tech field that involves using coding languages and design skills to develop computer programs. To master the field, you can pursue a computer science degree or opt for a coding bootcamp, which is a much shorter and more affordable track.
Computer scientists earn an average salary of $131,490 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To learn more about the opportunities computer scientists receive, check out our computer science salary guide.
To get an internship at a top tech company, you need to create a strong resume and cover letter, research internship opportunities that align with your career goals, and start applying. Having a portfolio with a few projects can help bolster your application and improve your chances of landing an internship.
Yes, it is possible to land computer science internships with no experience. There are steps you can take to boost your value as an intern, including participating in clubs, extracurricular classes, and even volunteering opportunities. Participating in these kinds of programs and groups demonstrates your commitment to honing your computer science skills.
