When applying for jobs, even entry-level jobs, you will notice that one of the prerequisites is having internship experience. Most jobs expect you to have some working knowledge of the field, industry, or job you are entering into. And this is where having completed some kind of internship demonstrates experience and initiative to learn. For example, there is a lot of stock in becoming a software intern. Companies look for new talent and individuals who have already started taking their careers seriously. Let’s have a look at what it is like to be a software intern and where to start.
What to Expect in Your Software Intern Position?
Many companies post an ad or two for internships each year. And this is usually around graduation time or summer break. When hiring, businesses will look for experience in developing new software and maintaining and working with existing software. They will also look for interpersonal skills, computer literacy, the ability to use simple technology, and a good understanding of the industry. For example, a telecom company will expect you to have a working knowledge of virtual phone numbers.
Presently, companies hire interns for a variety of reasons. Let’s have a look at some of the different ways a software intern work.
Reasons Why Companies Will Hire a Software Intern
Some companies could use the extra help. Interns come cheap. Such scenarios are a win-win situation where the intern gets to learn while the company gets their work done. In other cases, businesses are looking to appear as “giving back to society” and may offer token positions to improve public relations. These may not be the best places to train yourself, especially if you are starting out.
Fortunately, universities and established businesses offer programs and internships with the aim to train new talent and mold them into good software engineers and more. These are the positions you want to get if you truly want to learn and grow your skills. And they have the right people and mentors to oversee your progress.
Work Environment and Learning
The type of internship atmosphere varies as well. For example, some are educational where the business looks to provide study materials, presentations, and seminars, and these are more aimed towards educating the intern. Some internships work like real jobs where you become a part of a software development team. And they treat you as a team member. Here too, you will have a supervisor or mentor to guide you.
Other internships may host a more competitive spirit. Here a team of interns works on one project. Interns who do well in such internships often land job positions in the company. Or, you work on a specific project with an end goal and very little direction. It becomes your job to prove yourself and accomplish the task on your own.
Things to Keep In Mind As A software Intern
Every software intern will tell you that the internship is where you will learn practical tools and skills that come in handy when you land a real job. And so, it is important to study every aspect of your internship and ask your mentors or supervisors to clarify everything that isn’t clear. Observe, make notes, revise, and study hard. Be meticulous, take your time, and review before you submit or complete tasks. Get involved with your office community. Make connections and networks. These will be helpful when you are officially in the job market.
Closing: Take the Next Step
Now that you know what a software internship can look like, it’s time to get applying. Get started by looking at job boards and university internship boards. University career centers have professionals who can help you develop a good resume and practice mock interviews. These resources can help you prepare for the upcoming interview and give you the confidence you need to ace it. And before you know it, you’ll be a software intern!
This article was written by Global Call Forwarding, a virtual phone number provider offering local, international, and toll free numbers to businesses in over 150 countries.
Meryl D’Sa has written content for the business, travel, and fashion industries, covering the latest trends and news through research. You can find her work in Neapolitan, Chicago Writers Association, United World Telecom, and more. In her spare time, she writes reviews of books she believes can change the world.
