8 tips for getting a job after an apprenticeship or internship in software engineering

If you're trying to get your dream job in the tech industry, getting your "foot in the door" at a company is half the battle. A common way for aspiring developers to gain a foothold in tech and get entry-level positions is through apprenticeships and internships.

These programs allow people from non-traditional backgrounds to work (and get paid) as an engineer at a company for a period of time, with the goal of eventually being hired. An internship or apprenticeship is a great opportunity to put your coding skills to the test through hands-on technical projects, build relationships with developers who could become your colleagues, and experience what it's really like to work at a company. However, depending on the program, a job offer is not 100% guaranteed for all trainees and interns.

Whether you're currently on a summer internship or just looking for advice on an entry-level position, these tips will help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting hired.

Ask questions

If you apologize for asking "stupid questions", we totally understand - but there's nothing wrong with having questions and being curious. Learning and asking questions is a hugely important part of a software engineer's job, so you should get into the habit of doing it.

As an apprentice or trainee, you may worry that your questions will betray your inexperience. Don't let this fear stop you from asking important questions: The sooner you ask, the sooner you'll get out of trouble. Always ask and don't be afraid to feel stupid. Most of the time, you don't feel stupid at all. You just think it.

Pretend it's the real job

Your workload as an apprentice or trainee will probably not change much when you are permanently employed. Even if you are only a trainee, you should approach your work as if you were already employed.

As an intern or trainee, you often think that you're not capable of doing the work of other full-time engineers and that you'll be given easy tasks, but don't be fooled - you're getting the real deal. So give it your best shot and don't think of yourself as "just" an intern or trainee. You are fully capable and ready for the next step in your career.

Set goals based on competencies

Apprenticeship programs are often structured so that participants have a clear idea of the competencies they need to achieve in order to be eligible for a full-time offer at the end (a "competency" is another word for the measurable knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors that define success in a role).

Work with as many people as possible

At the beginning of your training, set yourself the goal of working with as many engineers as possible, including those who are not part of your direct team, so that you can learn more about the different tasks in the company. In this way, you will look for opportunities to work across departments and help facilitate introductions.

A good way to break the ice when getting to know people outside your department is to ask someone what they are currently working on and what they are excited about. 

Get feedback from your mentor

It is quite normal for a trainee or apprentice to be assigned a mentor to guide and supervise them. Your mentor is there to help you. So try to get their feedback and support right from the start and work with them towards a full-time position.

Mentors can also help with the less technical aspects of your career development. This way you can focus on your soft skills, such as communication, during your training.

Remember: your mentor also gets practice guiding you, so everyone benefits. "A big part of a senior engineer's job is to support engineers who are younger than you. Helping them solve problems and advising them on projects is a key factor in helping them move up in their careers too.

Share your opinion

Impostor syndrome occurs at every stage of a professional career - but it is particularly relevant when you are at the beginning of your career. People starting out in their careers usually find it difficult to express their opinions confidently because they are afraid of being wrong. Sometimes a career change can help.

Use the community of the company

Integrating into the company where you are doing an internship or apprenticeship can feel difficult at first (especially if you are working remotely), but you should take every opportunity to socialize with other people in your company. Are there any extra-curricular activities you can take part in or clubs that are open to apprentices?

I hope this advice will help you feel confident when you start an apprenticeship or traineeship. Remember: there is no one path to a more fulfilling working life.