What Is a Software Engineer Intern and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A software engineer intern works under the guidance of an experienced software engineer who is usually mid or senior level. As a software engineer intern, your responsibilities are to learn as much as you can about software engineering as well as learn how to navigate the politics and dynamics of a corporate or startup setting. Your job duties as a software engineer intern include tasks like coding and debugging software applications and experimenting with design elements. You also review other engineers’ code, test software applications and patches, and implement changes and updates when necessary.

The qualifications you need to become a software engineer intern vary widely among companies. Some employers hire interns straight out of high school while others prefer candidates with some training. You may complete a coding boot camp that lasts from four to twelve weeks, or you may choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology before applying to internships. Certifications in specific software applications or programming languages are a useful way to demonstrate your skills.