Software Engineering Internships

What is software engineering?

Software engineers develop applications that enables users to complete tasks on computers and all other electronic devices. Who created the apps on your phone? A software engineer.

The work of other engineers is often a lot more obvious. Take civil engineers for example, they build bridges and roads. It’s quite hard not to notice a bridge when you walk past it; you look up and think, ‘Wow, that’s a big-ass bridge’. Mechanical engineers design and build cars.

Their handiwork is everywhere.

Software engineers’ work is invisible, it’s hidden beneath the screen and inside your phone. And yet, we interact with their work everyday, everywhere. They are very much responsible for the digital age.

Most software engineers have degrees in computer science or, in strange cases, software engineering. It’s also not uncommon for individuals to move into software engineering from other IT-related degrees.

So, what do software engineers do on a day-to-day basis?

• Preparing and installing solutions by designing system standards

• Documenting solutions through the development of flowcharts, diagrams, charts, code etc.

• Recommend purchases

• Testing and subsequently approving products

• Maintaining personal networks

• Designing software solutions by conferring with users

• Providing pertinent data through collection, analysis and development

Software engineering is just one of the careers available to you if you’re looking to pursue an IT-related field. You could become a Data Detective, a job that involves a lot of running and undercover keyboard work.

Software engineering internships

FOR: All students

DURATION: 1-3 months

WHEN TO APPLY: Sep-Mar​

The majority of software engineering internships take place during the summer. It’s a busy period for interns. Just as it is for ice cream vans.

A student internship is not just a great addition to your CV, it’s an opportunity to find out what it’s really like to work as a software engineer. Think of it like watching a trailer for a film, before you stream it online.

Interns do real work too. IT and tech companies don’t hire students to sort paperclips and keep an eye on the printer ink levels.

During a software engineering internship, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, and see first-hand what they do on a day-to-day basis.

How much will you be paid?

The average salary for internships and placements in the IT sector is £19,292. That’s based on reviews submitted by former placement students and interns last year. In fact, IT students get paid (on average) more than undergraduates in other subject areas.

According to PayScale, the average pay for software engineering professionals is £39,566. Don’t spend it all at once, unless you’re buying Nutella.

Of course, salaries can vary from company to company, and region to region, but the figures show good earning potential for software engineering students in the UK.