Many undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Computer Science often overlook internship opportunities. Some may find balancing school and an internship challenging, while others may already have jobs in unrelated fields.
However, employers value experienced talent and often seek candidates with practical experience and academic credentials. Making excuses won’t impress potential employers.
Internships can provide students with valuable real-world experience and help them build professional networks, which can be beneficial in securing a job after graduation.
Despite this, some students may feel intimidated or overwhelmed by the prospect of an internship. As a student, you need to understand that internships can offer valuable learning opportunities and hands-on experience that can benefit future careers.
In this blog post, we’re going to explore the benefits of a CS internship, when students should join an internship program, and how much computer science interns make in a year in the US. Let’s get started!
How much do computer science interns make?
First up, let’s find out how much computer science internships pay.
On average, a computer science Intern makes a total pay of $77,090 annually. However, your salary may depend on factors such as experience, location, and the company.
Let’s look at a chart highlighting the highest-paying cities for CS intern jobs in the US!
If you’re looking for a paid computer science internship, consider its pros and cons. Nevertheless, a general perception is that internships should be paid.
When to start a computer science internship
Based on anecdotal evidence, some undergraduate computer science students can secure internships within their first year of studying computer science, even without prior experience.
However, it might take two to three years of hard work and extensive coursework in computer science before you get an internship.
Probably a month of focused study can help you understand how companies hire interns and how you need to prepare for interviews.
However, not everyone will land internships at top tech firms such as Facebook, Google, or Amazon during their four years of study. Insufficient preparation for interviews or a lack of confidence are some of the leading reasons why graduates fail to get an internship.
Top tech firms often seek candidates with knowledge beyond what is taught in class or those who have taken advanced computer science courses, signaling a genuine passion for STEM.
Benefits of doing a computer science internship
Research has shown that individuals who have completed an internship and listed it on their resume receive significantly more job offers, with a 16% increase compared to those without an internship. Here are some notable benefits you can get by participating in an internship program:
- Gain clarity on your career path
Computer science encompasses various specializations ranging from artificial intelligence and mobile networking to software development, database administration, and computer engineering. As an intern, you can explore different positions and learn what you like and dislike. This can help you identify your career interests and narrow your focus to your preferred specialization.
- Enhance your employability
Securing internships can significantly improve your employability prospects. Even if the internship is entry-level, having relevant experience and the ability to adapt quickly to job demands can make you more desirable to potential employers.
Furthermore, internships can help you find future internships or jobs, even after graduation. For example, if you intern in your freshman year, it can help you secure more internship opportunities throughout your college career.
- Get monetary benefits
A paid CS internship with a major tech company can provide valuable financial gains. You’ll be able to cover your expenses and achieve financial stability, allowing you to focus more on your studies and graduation.
- Gain valuable experience
College graduates often face a hurdle when entering the workforce due to the experience requirements of many employers, which they may not have gained through their education alone. Interning can provide valuable first-hand experience, professional development, and personal growth.
In addition, completing an internship can give you a competitive edge in the job market by enabling you to acquire relevant skills that can be highlighted on your resume. A successful internship may also result in receiving a letter of recommendation or even a job offer from the organization where you interned.
How to get accepted to prestigious CS internships
If you want to intern at a big company, pursue your interests rather than forcing yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. Computer science (CS) is a versatile field, and skills acquired from one project can be applied to another.
If you’re passionate about cooking, consider developing a recipe generator or creating an automatic ramen machine instead of memorizing Javascript for web development. There are no bad ideas; even seemingly trivial projects can be worthwhile learning experiences.
Also, it’s crucial to promote your work to gain recognition. Even if you’re a python expert, anyone will unlikely know unless you showcase your abilities. So, don’t hesitate to share your latest project with others, as you never know who may be interested.
For example, a recruiter who is also a biking enthusiast may be impressed by your “electric bike project.” Sharing your work demonstrates your ability to take the initiative and see projects through to completion.
Related: 7 Major Corporations You Can Intern With Abroad
How to find a perfect CS internship opportunity
To effectively search for computer science internships, you can either search broadly for “computer science internships” or focus on more specific opportunities in specialized areas such as network security, artificial intelligence, or information architecture.
Finding an internship that aligns with your academic focus or can help you build foundational skills may also be beneficial.
Students can often find internships through academic institutions by consulting with academic advisors or career services counselors. Not to mention, online job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed can provide a wealth of internship listings in various locations.
When you apply for an internship, highlight relevant technical and workplace skills on your resume. You can acquire such skills through part-time work, volunteer activities, or personal projects.
While you don’t have to develop a full set of skills for an internship, showcasing your existing abilities is still essential, particularly in competitive settings such as large tech firms.
Related: How to Get an Internship: Where to Find & Land Internships
Things to avoid when looking for a computer science internship
Fresh graduates are likely to make mistakes when applying for an internship. However, a little research can help you identify and avoid those common mistakes.
For instance, it’s best to steer clear of internships that appear to be brand new or poorly designed, as such programs often lack mentorship, real-world experience, and networking opportunities that are vital for an internship’s success.
When interviewing for an internship, be sure to inquire about the program’s specifics, including what tasks you’ll be assigned, what you’ll learn, and whether previous interns have provided feedback.
A computer science degree is highly valuable, and a top-quality internship can help you establish your credibility, connect with seasoned professionals, gain valuable practical experience, and determine the best post-graduate job for you.
Related: 6 Mistakes To Avoid When Applying for an Internship
Common types of CS internships
Computer science is a broad field. If you’re looking for an internship, you probably know your strengths and interests.
What follows are common types of computer science internship jobs:
- Software engineer
- Android & iOS developer
- Data analyst/scientist
- Back-end/front-end engineer
- Project management
- And so much more
Final thoughts
In a competitive job market, having relevant work experience can be the key to standing out among other candidates.
While it may be tempting to prioritize academic coursework over internships, students should consider the long-term benefits of gaining practical experience in their field. Balancing school and an internship can be challenging, but the experience gained can be invaluable in securing future job opportunities.