Company FAQ

How to Get an Internship at IBM

Want to work at IBM? Keep reading for the Simplify Team's advice on how to land a software internship at one of the largest big tech companies!

Leila Le
Published: (Updated: ) - 6 min read
As an Operations Lead, Leila oversees Simplify's blog & newsletter, reaching 100K job-seekers monthly, where she brings experience curating resources for candidates to help them land their dream job.

Photo by Carson Masterson / Unsplash

Are you looking for an amazing opportunity to gain valuable work experience and begin building your career? An IBM internship could be the perfect opportunity for you! IBM internships provide students with the opportunity to gain professional experience, build networks, and explore the various career paths available at IBM. In this article, you will learn about IBM internships and everything you need to know to become an IBM intern.

Frequently Asked Questions About IBM Internships

If you are interested in gaining valuable work experience and beginning your career with IBM, the first step is to apply for an internship. IBM internships are open to college and university students across a wide range of disciplines. To increase your chances of success, make sure to search for internships through a variety of portals such as the IBM careers website, by attending recruitment fairs, and connecting with current interns or recruiters on LinkedIn. Once you have found the right opportunity, make sure to submit a strong application with a well-crafted resume and  a personalized cover letter. Prove to the recruiters why you are the perfect fit for an IBM internship by highlighting the relevant educational qualifications and experience in your application.

  • Internship Length: 1o to 12 weeks.
  • Salary: The base salary for IBM internships varies based on the position and market, but typically ranges from $32.00/hour t0 $49.72/hour.
  • Number of Interns: 6000+
  • Office Locations: In addition to its locations in New York, IBM has major campuses in several other locations in the United States, including Austin, Texas; Research Triangle Park (Raleigh-Durham), North Carolina; Rochester, Minnesota; and Silicon Valley, California.
  • Application Cycle: The application cycle for IBM internships opens from October to April, with various deadlines depending on the specific internship.

What Experience and Qualifications Do I Need?

IBM looks for students who are passionate about technology, have strong problem solving skills, and excellent communication skills. Depending on the specific internship, additional experience and qualifications may be required. For example, an internship in artificial intelligence may require experience with programming languages and a background in machine learning.

It is important to ensure that your application clearly demonstrates your experience and qualifications to increase your chances of success. IBM looks for candidates with demonstrated experience and interest in the field. For example, include any internships, research projects, coding contests, or hackathons you may have participated in on your resume.

Additionally, IBM looks for interns who possess strong problem-solving and communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to think creatively to handle challenges. Additionally, they want interns who demonstrate experience and interest in the field they are applying to, such as artificial intelligence or cloud computing.  The company also values interns with a collaborative spirit, good interpersonal skills, and the willingness to take initiative!

What does an IBM internship involve?

An IBM internship typically includes a combination of project-based work and learning activities. Interns get to work on real projects that can have a major impact on their chosen field, while also gaining experience with professional development tools and strategies. During their internship, interns collaborate with experienced colleagues and develop lasting professional relationships

At the end of their internship, interns will generally be required to present a project summary to their colleagues. This is a great way to demonstrate what they have learned and the impact they have made on the project. By taking part in an IBM internship, you will gain invaluable work experience and build a career at one of the world’s most innovative technology companies.

When Do Applications Open?

The application cycle for IBM internships typically opens from October to April each year. To increase your chances of success, make sure to start your application as early as possible and keep an eye out on a variety of job portals such as the IBM careers website, professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, or job boards like Simplify.

Applying for an IBM internship can be a competitive process. To ensure the best possible chance of success, it is important to take the time to tailor your application to the specific role and demonstrate your interest in the company. Here are some tips to consider when applying for an IBM internship

  • Read the job description carefully and make sure to highlight any relevant experience or qualifications you possess.
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific role and make sure to emphasize the unique qualities you can bring to the role.
  • Highlight your skills and qualifications on your resume, including any internships or relevant experience.

Overall, an IBM internship can be a valuable opportunity to gain meaningful work experience and develop the skills needed to build a successful career. To be successful, make sure to start your application early, tailor your application to the specific role, and emphasize your experience and qualifications. With the right preparation and by demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role and company, you can be successful in your internship journey!

How Can I Apply?

To apply for an IBM internship, visit the IBM Careers website to browse the various internship opportunities. You can also search for internships on professional networking sites like LinkedIn, job boards such as Simplify, or by attending recruitment fairs. Once you have found the right opportunity, make sure to submit a strong application with a well-crafted resume and a personalized cover letter.

What Benefits Can I Expect?

As an IBM intern, you can expect a number of benefits, including competitive wages, housing allowances, professional development opportunities, and access to a host of resources to help you succeed. Additionally, IBM provides a comprehensive benefits package to interns, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation time; and discounted fitness memberships.

Additionally, interns are also provided with training, mentoring, and feedback to ensure their success while working with IBM. IBM interns also have the opportunity to attend social and networking events, such as happy hours and team outings, to build important connections and relationships within the company.

What to Expect from the Interview

The interview process for IBM internships can be a bit intimidating, but with the right preparation, you can maximize your chances of success. IBM typically conducts three interviews as part of their internship selection process:

  1. A phone or video call with a recruiter. This initial interview will likely be a general conversation about your background, skills, and interests. The recruiter will also want to know why you are interested in the internship and why you think you would be a good fit for IBM.
  2. A technical or behavioral interview. This interview will assess your skills and abilities in the field. You can expect questions related to the job description and the technologies and processes used in the team. It's a good idea to practice common coding questions with an online practice platform like LeetCode before the interview. The interviewer may also ask you to discuss a past project or problem you solved. Be prepared to explain the problem, the solution you came up with, and the steps you took to reach the solution.
  3. An HR interview. The final step in the interview process is an HR interview, where you will be asked about your motivation to pursue an internship and your career goals. Be sure to discuss why you are interested in the role and the company, as well as your long-term career goals and how the internship can help you achieve them.

Overall, the key to success in the IBM internship interview process is to be well-prepared and enthusiastic. Practice common coding questions, prepare answers to behavioral questions, and clearly communicate your interests and goals. With the right mindset and preparation, you can impress the interviewer and secure an IBM internship.

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Want to hear more tips on securing an IBM internship? Read IBM's article on their top 4 tips here!

Types of Positions IBM Offers

IBM offers a variety of internship opportunities, including positions in technology, design, consulting, and business management. These include software engineering interns, data science interns, artificial intelligence and machine learning interns, front-end development interns, cloud computing interns, design interns, marketing and consulting interns, and business management interns.

No matter what type of position you are looking for, there is an opportunity to fit your interests and background. With the right preparation and enthusiasm, you can secure an internship position that allows you to gain meaningful work experience  and develop the skills needed for a successful future career.

How to Secure a Return Offer

Securing a return offer from IBM is not an easy task and requires dedication and hard work. You will stand out as a candidate if you show initiative, demonstrate leadership abilities, and display a strong interest in the role. Focus on networking and building relationships with your colleagues and seek out additional responsibilities and tasks that you can take on. Proactively gathering feedback and acting on any feedback given to you can also help in securing a return offer.

Securing a return offer from IBM requires dedication and hard work. Showing initiative, demonstrating leadership abilities, and displaying a strong interest in the role will make you stand out as a candidate. Building relationships with your colleagues, seeking out additional responsibilities, and proactively gathering and acting on feedback are all important steps to take in order to increase your chances of receiving a return offer.

Get Started With Simplify Today

Overall, internships at IBM are an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and develop the skills needed for a successful future career. Preparing for an internship at IBM involves researching the company and role, creating a strong application, practicing common coding questions, and preparing for the different stages of the interview process. With the right preparation and enthusiasm, you can impress the interviewer and secure an IBM internship.

Simplify is a job search platform that offers internships from companies like IBM and other top employers. Simplify allows users to search for internships from more than 500 companies around the world and filter their search by industries and locations with ease. Take the first step towards securing your dream internship by using Simplify to apply today!

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Ready to start applying to internships? Browse through hundreds of roles roles on Simplify!