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What does a software developer internship do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
What does a software developer internship do

A software developer intern is responsible for assisting the software engineers with the design implementation and shadowing their duties to understand the processes more efficiently. Software developer interns use their classroom knowledge on practical applications, suggesting recommendations on how to make the project successful. They also respond to clients' inquiries and concerns, attend meetings, and help with maintaining complex systems and networks. A software developer intern must have excellent communication skills, as well as having strong attention to detail and the ability to learn fast.

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Software developer internship responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real software developer internship resumes:

  • Manage various 3D-modeling, visualization and animation projects to create a comprehensive and efficient software package for large-scale 3D animation projects.
  • Update web app remotely to be more responsive and user facing with HTML, PHP and CSS.
  • Create XML calls for post, updating, deleting API calls.
  • Implement test client in Java, J2EE and run test code in Linux.
  • Establish and update databases system using Java, J2EE, HTML, SQL/PL, Perl, WebLogic.
  • Implement the web interface by retrieving the XML data in JSON format from the PHP script residing on AWS.
  • Code review and test for teammates, ensuring JavaScript code to be testable and CSS to be accessible and reusable.
  • Utilize git for maintaining code base for back-end and front-end.
  • Utilize classic DAO design pattern to provide a simplify API to clients.
  • Develop test scripts in python which reduce test time by several hundreds of hours annually.
  • Add feature to custom ASP.NET MVC employee time tracker application for tagging and running reports.
  • Develop a new IOS CLI command to display the Linux core console information on IOS side.
  • Create a centralize API that serves as a single entry point for growing array of microservices.
  • Used PHP extensively which result in easy deployment and quick web pages to make it more user-friendly.
  • Work on AWS where transition of images and contacts needs to take place on S3 storage and database to RDS.

Software developer internship skills and personality traits

We calculated that 13% of Software Developer Interns are proficient in Java, Python, and Software Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Software Developer Interns that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 13%

    Developed software to track incoming customer calls which enabled effective examination of response time and used Java Graphics to display information.

  • Python, 10%

    Automatized and significantly improved the efficiency of Data Analysis procedures by creating sophisticated Python scripts.

  • Software Development, 8%

    Participated in Agile development methodology including interface design sessions and software development to meet the changing demands of the customer.

  • JavaScript, 6%

    Created a JavaScript app for use in Lotus Connections that provided hierarchical and biographical information on company personnel

  • Object Oriented Programming, 4%

    Implemented Business Logic using the concepts of object oriented programming (OOP) with code behind language C#.NET.

  • AWS, 3%

    Worked on AWS where transition of images and contacts needs to take place on S3 storage and database to RDS.

Common skills that a software developer internship uses to do their job include "java," "python," and "software development." You can find details on the most important software developer internship responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a software developer internship to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what software developer interns do because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a software developer internship resume shows how software developer interns use analytical skills: "developed multiple java snippets for various internal software's dealing with database interaction and authentication. "

Communication skills. Many software developer internship duties rely on communication skills. "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project," so a software developer internship will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways software developer internship responsibilities rely on communication skills: "implemented control module using java with java communication library rxtx. "

Creativity. software developer interns are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to software developer internship responsibilities, because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." A software developer internship resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "utilized javascript to creative simulations of the product in action. "

Detail oriented. software developer internship responsibilities often require "detail oriented." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." This resume example shows what software developer interns do with detail oriented on a typical day: "used object oriented programming concepts of java script like prototypes and closures for client side data manipulation and encapsulation. "

Interpersonal skills. A commonly-found skill in software developer internship job descriptions, "interpersonal skills" is essential to what software developer interns do. Software developer internship responsibilities rely on this skill because "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." You can also see how software developer internship duties rely on interpersonal skills in this resume example: "generated a map of interpersonal relationships from an xml file. "

Problem-solving skills. Another skill commonly found on software developer internship job descriptions is "problem-solving skills." It can come up quite often in software developer internship duties, since "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day software developer internship responsibilities: "designed and developed a solution in java to automate report filing for clients in us and eu. "

See the full list of software developer internship skills

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Compare different software developer interns

Software developer internship vs. Developer/consultant

A developer/consultant is responsible for developing system databases and applications, depending on the business' needs and clients' specifications. Developers/consultants design their services to manage optimal performance and maximize productivity for timely submission of projects, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty. They also handle clients' inquiries and concerns, informing them about necessary adjustments to improve strategic procedures and processes. A developer/consultant must have excellent communication and analytical skills, as well as extensive experience with the technology industry.

If we compare the average software developer internship annual salary with that of a developer/consultant, we find that developer/consultants typically earn a $60,028 higher salary than software developer interns make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between software developer interns and developer/consultants are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like java, python, and javascript.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, software developer internship responsibilities require skills like "software development," "aws," "c," and "ui." Meanwhile a typical developer/consultant has skills in areas such as "project management," "hr," "mvc," and "business development." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Developer/consultants earn the highest salaries when working in the technology industry, with an average yearly salary of $101,340. On the other hand, software developer interns are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $41,281.developer/consultants tend to reach similar levels of education than software developer interns. In fact, developer/consultants are 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.6% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Software developer internship vs. Php developer

A PHP developer is an individual who writes PHP scripts and coding to create or modify software and applications according to the needs of clients. PHP developers must develop programs, applications, and websites by using the dynamic scripting language of PHP that is known for web development and business applications. They are required to administer websites and test software applications as well as provide training for end-users. PHP developers are also required to solve complex issues for developing and integrating data storage.

On average, php developers earn a $52,530 higher salary than software developer interns a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Software developer interns and php developers both require similar skills like "java," "python," and "javascript" to carry out their responsibilities.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that software developer internship responsibilities requires skills like "software development," "aws," "data analysis," and "c." But an php developer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "wordpress," "laravel," "lamp," and "mvc."

Php developers may earn a higher salary than software developer interns, but php developers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $120,305. On the other hand, software developer interns receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $41,281.php developers earn similar levels of education than software developer interns in general. They're 3.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for software developer internships in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Software developer internship vs. Net developer

A NET developer specializes in crafting and producing various software and information systems through extensive computer and information technology knowledge. A NET developer's responsibilities range from designing and developing applications, generating codes and building a secure database, implementing regulations, and providing continuous support and maintenance. A NET developer must also have an active line of communication and coordination as there are instances when one's work revolves in a team setting or meets particular demands or specifications from a client.

On average, net developers earn higher salaries than software developer interns, with a $50,504 difference per year.By looking over several software developer interns and net developers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "java," "javascript," and "object oriented programming." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a software developer internship is likely to be skilled in "python," "software development," "aws," and "linux," while a typical net developer is skilled in "sql server," "t-sql," "database," and "wcf."

Net developers earn the best pay in the retail industry, where they command an average salary of $94,650. Software developer interns earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $41,281.When it comes to education, net developers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to software developer interns. In fact, they're 2.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Software developer internship vs. Android developer

An android developer is responsible for creating digital applications for the Android system market. Android developers design applications depending on their clients' specifications, business needs, or personal use. They analyze the current trends, developing an application that meets the users' demands and public interests. An android developer should have strong knowledge of software systems, computer codes, and programming languages, ensuring the smooth navigation of the application, boosting its optimal performance, and identifying inconsistencies through running multiple diagnostic tests.

Android developers average a higher salary than the annual salary of software developer interns. The difference is about $60,015 per year.While both software developer interns and android developers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like java, javascript, and object oriented programming, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between software developer interns and android developers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a software developer internship might have more use for skills like "python," "software development," "aws," and "linux." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of android developers require skills like "kotlin," "android sdk," "sqlite," and "eclipse. "

The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for android developers, with average annual pay of $104,110. Comparatively, the highest software developer internship annual salary comes from the finance industry.android developers reach similar levels of education compared to software developer interns, in general. The difference is that they're 1.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of software developer internship

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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