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Internship Search

Finding and securing a tech internship requires strategy, preparation, and persistence. This guide provides practical tips to help you navigate the internship search process effectively.

Understanding the Internship Timeline​

When to Start Applying​

  • Big Tech Companies: 6-8 months before internship start date (July-September for summer internships)
  • Banks and Financial Institutions: 5-7 months before (August-October)
  • Startups and Smaller Companies: 2-4 months before (November-March)
  • Government Agencies: 4-6 months before (September-November)

Typical Application Process Timeline​

  1. Application Submission: Resume and cover letter
  2. Online Assessment: Algorithmic and coding problems
  3. First Interview: Technical screening, often virtual
  4. Final Interviews: Multiple rounds with different team members
  5. Offer and Negotiation: Usually within 1-2 weeks of final interview

Finding Opportunities​

Job Portals and Platforms​

  • University Career Portals: NUS TalentConnect
  • General Job Sites: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor
  • Tech-Specific Platforms: AngelList, HackerNews "Who's Hiring"
  • Company Career Pages: Bookmark and check regularly
  • Job Aggregators: Simplify, Levels.fyi, Pitt CSC GitHub Repo

Networking Strategies​

  • Career Fairs: Prepare your elevator pitch and research companies
  • Alumni Connections: Reach out to NUS graduates at target companies
  • LinkedIn Networking: Connect with recruiters and engineers
  • Student Organizations: Participate in SCDS and other tech club events
  • Hackathons and Competitions: Meet company representatives and showcase skills

Crafting Strong Applications​

Resume Tips​

  • Format: Clean, one-page, ATS-friendly
  • Projects: Highlight relevant technical projects with impact
  • Skills: List programming languages, frameworks, and tools
  • Experience: Focus on achievements and metrics, not just responsibilities
  • Education: Include relevant coursework and academic achievements

Portfolio Development​

  • GitHub: Maintain an active GitHub with clean, documented projects
  • Personal Website: Showcase your best work and technical writing
  • Technical Blog: Demonstrate your knowledge and communication skills
  • Open Source Contributions: Show collaboration and code quality

Cover Letters and Application Notes​

  • Personalize: Tailor each application to the specific company and role
  • Research: Demonstrate knowledge of the company's products and technologies
  • Value Proposition: Clearly state what you bring to the organization
  • Conciseness: Keep it brief and focused, usually under one page

Managing the Application Process​

Tracking Applications​

  • Spreadsheet Tracking: Company, role, application date, status, contacts
  • Follow-up Timeline: When to check status (typically 1-2 weeks after applying)
  • Response Management: Organize your email for application communications

Handling Rejections​

  • Learn from Feedback: Request feedback when possible
  • Continuous Improvement: Identify and address weaknesses
  • Persistence: Don't be discouraged; the tech recruiting process is highly variable

Balancing with Academics​

  • Planning: Create a schedule that accommodates both applications and studies
  • Prioritization: Focus on quality applications over quantity
  • Time Management: Set aside dedicated time for applications and interview prep

Singapore-Specific Tips​

Local Tech Ecosystem​

  • Multinational Tech Companies: Google, Meta, ByteDance, Amazon, Apple
  • Local Tech Giants: Sea (Shopee, Garena), Grab, Carousell
  • Financial Tech: DBS, OCBC, UOB, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan
  • Government Tech: GovTech, DSTA, A*STAR
  • Startups: Keep track of the growing Singapore startup ecosystem

Visa and Eligibility Considerations​

  • International Students: Understand work pass requirements
  • Returning Service Obligations: Consider scholarship commitments
  • Part-time vs. Full-time: Different rules may apply

Success Stories​

"I applied to 40+ internships, got rejected from most, but ended up with three offers including my dream company. Persistence is key!" - CS Year 3 Student

"I didn't have impressive grades, but my GitHub projects and hackathon experiences helped me stand out and secure a great internship." - Data Science Year 4 Student

Additional Resources​