What does a Software Engineering Internship do?
A software engineer intern is responsible for assisting the technology department's operations, using their class knowledge on performing practical applications. Software engineer interns support software engineers on their processes, shadowing their daily tasks, and performing duties under mentors' supervision. They assess ideas, contribute to the development of new applications, and research current technology trends to help with product innovations. A software engineer intern must have excellent knowledge of the technology systems industry, programming languages, and learn efficiently through observations.
Software engineering internship responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real software engineering internship resumes:
- Manage and coordinate a team of Asp.net developers to deploy and deliver successful applications.
- Establish and achieve goals using sprint scrum methodologies and contribute to the retrospective meetings
- Manage various 3D-modeling, visualization and animation projects to create a comprehensive and efficient software package for large-scale 3D animation projects.
- Develop a full web application in MySQL, PHP, and JavaScript, and deploy it using RightScale and AWS.
- Port C++ system across compilers.
- Utilize design input and activities to create HTML, CSS and JavaScript code for the Watson web-interfaces.
- Design programs in MATLAB, Java, C++ for an agile software team and a systems engineering team.
- Improve device and user inventory by building tools, using ruby and python, that run on customer deployments.
- Deploy and implement Java applications to Linux hosts remotely to test compatibility.
- Facilitate bridge between SDET team and manufacturer.
- Establish a git repository on a secure server.
- Test well so far at http: //event.academiacentral.org.
- Handle SDET tasks for deployments of new features.
- Implement AJAX functionality using JQUERY, JSON and XML.
- Design and implement features using C++ on their embed OS.
Software engineering internship skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Software Engineering Interns are proficient in Java, Python, and Object Oriented Programming. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Software Engineering Interns that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 16%
Developed ambulatory infusion pump GUI java program and adaptable embedded C code to assist in automated pump infusion accuracy testing
- Python, 12%
Investigated existing C++ code repositories to capture message structures and business logic and implement in Python for protocol processor code execution.
- Object Oriented Programming, 5%
Worked directly with software engineer to build software for production line testing to increase efficiency using Object Oriented programming methodology.
- Software Development, 5%
Managed the project and development of the software package using Agile software development methodology and Git distributed version control respectively.
- Cloud, 4%
Planned and initiated redesign of existing standalone application, utilizing object-oriented programming in creating a cloud distribution system.
- Emerging Technologies, 3%
Attended numerous technology conferences as a representative for the company and prepared reports on emerging technologies for senior management.
Common skills that a software engineering internship uses to do their job include "java," "python," and "object oriented programming." You can find details on the most important software engineering internship responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a software engineering internship to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what software engineering interns do because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a software engineering internship resume shows how software engineering interns use analytical skills: "designed and programmed a utility for internal flight data and message analysis and visualization. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform software engineering internship duties is communication skills. Software engineering interns responsibilities require that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Software engineering interns also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "coded automatic tests in java and applied them to test the telecommunication database system to ensure system's reliability and stability. "
Creativity. software engineering interns are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to software engineering internship responsibilities, because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." A software engineering internship resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "created, software and android application which help user to maintain the relationship with customer and also to maintain the inventory. "
Detail oriented. software engineering 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 engineering interns do with detail oriented on a typical day: "employed object oriented programming to create a java gui application to interface with application lifecycle management software through a soap api. "
Interpersonal skills. Another crucial skill for a software engineering internship to carry out their responsibilities is "interpersonal skills." A big part of what software engineering interns relies on this skill, since "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." How this skill relates to software engineering internship duties can be seen in an example from a software engineering internship resume snippet: "strengthen interpersonal skills through participation in daily scrum meetings and pair programming provide code reviews to colleagues through stash"
Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what a software engineering internship does. Software engineering internship responsibilities require this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." This resume example highlights how software engineering internship duties rely on this skill: "implemented linearbench explore data visualization solution which allows user to analysis multiple layers of data dynamically and interactively. "
The three companies that hire the most software engineering internships are:
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Compare different software engineering interns
Software engineering internship vs. Research and development internship
When it comes to Research and Development Internship, the duties will vary according to the organization or company. Most of the time, the responsibilities will revolve around observing the industry, taking part in the research and analysis, lend a helping hand in experiments and surveys, explore theories and attempt to create a model of out it, present findings for evaluation, and develop more innovative designs and systems. Moreover, in the Research and Development Internship, it always helps to be critical in solving complex problems.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, software engineering internship responsibilities require skills like "software development," "cloud," "emerging technologies," and "c." Meanwhile a typical research and development internship has skills in areas such as "c #," "powerpoint," "donor database," and "api." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Research and development interns earn the highest salaries when working in the health care industry, with an average yearly salary of $41,635. On the other hand, software engineering interns are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $54,203.On average, research and development interns reach lower levels of education than software engineering interns. Research and development interns are 8.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Software engineering internship vs. Software analyst
A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that software engineering internship responsibilities requires skills like "python," "cloud," "emerging technologies," and "c." But a software analyst might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "troubleshoot," "test data," "business process," and "technical support."
Software analysts may earn a higher salary than software engineering interns, but software analysts earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $86,986. On the other hand, software engineering interns receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $54,203.software analysts earn lower levels of education than software engineering interns in general. They're 8.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Software Engineering Internships in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Software engineering internship vs. Software developer
A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, software engineering interns are more likely to have skills like "cloud," "c," "aws," and "windows." But a software developer is more likely to have skills like "javascript," "database," "api," and "confluence."
Software developers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $96,138. Comparatively, software engineering interns have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $54,203.When it comes to education, software developers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to software engineering interns. In fact, they're 2.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Software engineering internship vs. Software architect
A Software Architect develops new programs for a variety of technological devices for businesses, computer games, mobile networks, and/or operating systems. They ensure architectural integrity and consistency across the entire product and work closely with executives to explain the benefits of the software.
Types of software engineering internship
Updated January 8, 2025
