No matter what stage you’re at in your computer science education, it can be beneficial to gain practical experience in the field before you move into full time employment. Finding a computer science internship is a great way to develop your skills and enhance your knowledge. Below we explore how to find an internship, what you might do as an intern and highlight some of the ways it can enhance your employability.
Written by Grant Longstaff. Published 14 April 2025.
What do you do during a computer science internship?
You’ll know from studying computer science how expansive the work can be, and an internship is no different. What work you’ll undertake will be determined by what the company you’re interning for does. This is worth considering when it comes to looking for a suitable internship. The company’s work might not align entirely with your future goals but finding work which will help you grow is important.
That said, there are some widespread jobs you might find yourself working on as part of the team you’re assigned to. These could include web development, coding, programming and testing internal systems, data analysis, software development, cybersecurity, networking and system design to name a few.
An internship helps bridge the gap between theory and practice. Whatever your role, it’s an excellent way to put your knowledge to the test, develop your problem solving skills and learn from professionals already working in the field.
What skills do you need for a computer science internship?
It’s impossible to know everything before you start an internship. Enhancing your knowledge is one of the reasons you’re there, after all. But having some essential computer science skills and knowledge can help you stand out when you’re interviewing for an internship.
Some technical skills which might stand you in good stead include:
- Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python, Java and C) is helpful.
- Knowledge of databases, structured query language (SQL) and data analysis.
- Knowledge of software development and coding.
- Familiarity with website and app development.
Regarding soft skills – personal attributes which are essential in the workplace – it’s beneficial for computer science interns to show strong communication skills. It also helps to display keen problem solving, critical thinking and adaptability. Teamwork skills are a great asset too.
How to find a computer science internship
There’s no one way to find a computer science internship. It’s a little like looking for a job and there are several ways of keeping an eye out for opportunities in the sector. Many tech companies, and organisations with tech departments will offer internships. These will likely be advertised in much the same way a job would.
Check tech company websites, follow their social media accounts and keep an eye on industry news for upcoming opportunities. Follow their business pages on LinkedIn and engage with professionals in the sector who seem to have an active presence on the platform. Networking is another way to find out about internships, so attend tech events if you can, and job and internship vacancy websites will also advertise opportunities.
You could also reach out directly to any companies you have a particular interest interning for. Are there any local companies or startups you could approach? They might not offer a specialist internship, but opening a dialogue with them could help you gain some experience or a temporary position. If you’re currently studying with us our Employability teams can also help support your search for an internship. Even if you just need some help with your CV or preparing for an interview our teams can help.
Other ways to gain experience
If you’re unable to find a computer science internship then there are other ways you could look to expand your knowledge.
Some alternatives include contributing to an open source project. This will allow you to build your skills, showcase your coding publicly and allow you to collaborate with developers from around the world. You could also focus on building your own portfolio by undertaking some freelance work. Develop an app. Volunteer to build a website for a family member, friend or local business. Hackathons and coding challenges allow you to hone your tech skills and creative problem solving. They can also be a lot of fun and help you to network with other competitors.
These experiences still allow you an opportunity to showcase your talent and display your love of tech to future employers.
How to apply for a computer science internship
Like the search for an internship mirrors the job search, the application process does too. Tailor your CV and covering letter to the company you’re applying to and let them know why you want to intern with them. What can you bring to the table? Highlight your skills and experience and link it to their work.
Make sure you research the company ahead of interviewing with them. What kind of work do they do? What projects are they involved with? Have they been in the news recently? When you’re interviewed allow your knowledge and passion for the sector to shine through. Don’t be discouraged by rejections. They’re a natural part of searching for an internship. Instead, use it as an opportunity to strengthen future applications and interviews.
The computer science industry is booming, and an internship is a great way to gain real world insight and understanding. Remember, all experience helps strengthen your skillset and future employment.
Interested in the world of computer science? Our BSc (Hons) in Computer Science is your gateway to the future.
