Java Programming Intern Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Overview
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.
Information Technology Services is responsible for AARP enterprise-wide technology and information security functions. Services range from infrastructure design and operations, system and software lifecycle implementations, enabling the mobile workforce and protecting AARP network, systems and data. A variety of technologies and practices are used including cloud computing, automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning within highly collaborative Agile teams.
Are you a graduate student seeking to put your solid computer science, technology, business, and people skills into practice? Do you have a passion for thinking and acting in an agile manner and implementing ideas that impact the 50+ community? Then AARP's Information Technology Services (ITS) team is looking for you! The ITS mission is to design, deliver, operate, and promote technology solutions that enable AARP to achieve its goals.
As a Technology Intern, you will apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to solve challenging technology problems. On any given day, you could be working with Information Technology Engineers, Platform Managers, Business Partners, or IT Executives, focusing on the most important problems we are trying to solve to ensure we meet the business needs and advance the AARP mission to support the 50+. We'll challenge you to think and work in new ways. We are committed to your growth and cultivating your continued learning and development. This paid internship is set to begin in July 2026, with the possibility of extension for additional semesters.
Responsibilities
Strategic

• Applying innovative thinking and problem-solving skills to address data-related challenges within the Information Technology Services department
• Meeting with key leaders to learn how data science supports the design, delivery, operation, and promotion of technology solutions that enable AARP to achieve its goals

Analytical

• Cleaning, preparing, and analyzing datasets to generate actionable insights for IT-related projects
• Contributing to the interpretation of data analysis results and documenting findings in clear, concise reports for stakeholders

Design Thinking

• Learning and applying AARP's Design Thinking framework to understand user needs and achieve results that align with business objectives
• Exploring innovative solutions for data science projects, focusing on user-centered outcomes

Operational

• Collaborating with technology stakeholders to deliver data-driven service solutions that improve system security, performance, and availability
• Applying agile principles and practices while working on IT capability and platform team initiatives
• Supporting process improvement efforts, including constructing and deploying process-centric Business Process Management (BPM) solutions
• Developing predictive models using supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques to solve IT-related challenges, such as predicting ticket escalations or identifying anomalies in system performance
• Evaluating the performance of machine learning models using appropriate metrics (e.g., R², RMSE, F1 scores) and iterating on model improvements
• Completing an end-of-internship project that showcases your knowledge and presenting findings to IT leadership

Qualifications

• Prospective interns must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program or as post-doctoral students, and must remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Pursuing a graduate degree in Data Science, Computer Science with a Data Science concentration, or Applied Statistics
• Advanced problem-solving skills using logic and data
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Ability to articulate complex technical issues to those not as experienced
• The ideal person will possess the willingness and capacity to learn quickly and apply new knowledge
• They will also have proven analytical skills, excellent written and oral communication abilities
• Must be available to participate in the intern program in the summer, working 40 hours a week
• Advanced user of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• College-level experience with coding practices and languages (such as Java, C/C++, Python, or others)
• Experience with popular business tools (Windows, Office Professional, Visio, SharePoint, etc.)

Preferred (Nice to Have):

• Foundational experience with Python and basic machine learning concepts (e.g., classification, regression, or simple predictive models)
• Exposure to Natural Language Processing (NLP) concepts, such as text classification, keyword extraction, or sentiment analysis
• Familiarity with modern AI tools or frameworks, such as introductory use of models like BERT or similar NLP libraries
• Interest in applying AI to real-world business problems, such as improving IT service processes or analyzing operational data
• Awareness of AI-assisted tools, such as Microsoft Copilot or similar platforms, and curiosity about how they can improve productivity and decision-making
• Interest in building or interacting with lightweight automation or AI agents, such as Copilot Studio, chat-based workflows, or task automation

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Hybrid Work Environment
AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly range is $18.40 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, and $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.