Working as an intern at Lyft is a great way to advance your career. You will not only work at one of the top ride-sharing companies, but you will also meet new people and add an outstanding employer to your resume. Lyft hires interns and integrates them into the team every year.
Internships are beneficial because they aid in professional development, provide networking opportunities, and give students the confidence to enter the workforce after graduating. However, before submitting an internship application, you should learn how to get a Lyft internship.
This article will explain the hiring process for job seekers, the company’s background, and the role of interns at Lyft. We’ll also take a look at compensation and Lyft’s prioritization of individuals with disabilities. Continue reading to find out more.
What Is Lyft? A Brief Lyft Background
Lyft is a ride-sharing app that connects passengers with drivers. Users will download the app to their smartphones, create an account, and request a ride from one destination to the next. You don’t have to deal with the hassle of hailing a cab if you have Lyft installed on your phone.
Lyft, which was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer, has grown substantially in the last ten years. The company has its headquarters in San Francisco, California, and offers a wide range of services, including rental cars, scooters, bikes, and food delivery. Lyft operates in more than 600 cities in the United States.
Lyft Internships: General Overview
Lyft internships are part of the company’s university programs, which focus on hiring interns, apprentices, recent graduates, and associate product managers. Usually, the internship program takes 12 weeks to complete. Due to the pandemic, however, it has been reduced to eight weeks. The company has small intern cohorts, and each intern is paired with a mentor.
What Does a Lyft Intern Do?
As a Lyft intern, you will be integrated into the team, where you will work on projects, share ideas, and solve various problems. Interns work on real projects that can be added to the company’s products, so you must be fully prepared. A typical day in the life of a Lyft intern might include coding, analyzing data, and experimenting.
Fortunately, in this friendly culture, you will be working with a mentor who will provide support and insight into your projects. Lyft establishes a small group of three to six employees to mentor all interns. During the 8-week internship, you will work from 9am to 5pm five days a week.
Lyft Internship Reviews: What Is the Experience Like?
Lyft has received over 3,000 intern reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Glassdoor. Like all companies, Lyft has received mixed reactions, with most reviewers commending the work environment, mentorship programs, and growth opportunities. Additionally, others note that their employees are friendly and willing to teach interns.
One data science intern fondly wrote, “The people are super nice and ridiculously smart. You will learn a ton!” The positive remarks prove that Lyft is an incredible place to work for interns who enjoy being immersed in a team of friendly people.
Is It Hard to Get an Internship at Lyft?
It is hard to get an internship at Lyft. Lyft maintains small intern cohorts of approximately 15 to 20 interns, effectively eliminating hundreds of applicants. Additionally, the company seeks highly skilled people who are quick learners and enthusiastic about the role. You will be subjected to a rigorous interview process, with only the crème de la crème progressing to the next stage.
Furthermore, Lyft strives for diversity in the hiring of interns and makes sure internship offers are fair. Students from underrepresented communities are given preference in the hiring process. There is even a consideration for employment for those with criminal histories, which will make sure that all qualified people get a chance to participate in these gratifying projects.
Lyft Intern Salaries: How Much Does a Lyft Internship Pay?
Lyft compensation packages are approximately $9,500 per month, according to the statistics on Glassdoor. Additionally, the company assists interns in securing housing by providing a $1,000 to $1,500 monthly stipend.
However, the housing stipend was excluded when students joined the virtual internship program in 2020. Other Lyft internship benefits include full medical coverage insurance, 401 (k) plan, pre-tax commuter benefits, Lyft Pink access, one day paid time off, and three days of paid sick time.
How to Apply for a Lyft Internship: A Step-by-Step Guide
Lyft summer internships are popular and highly sought after among university students. You will have the unique opportunity to work in one of the best tech companies with a team of like-minded people. However, the first step toward landing your dream internship is to submit an outstanding application. A step-by-step guide to the application process is provided below.
Find the Right Internship Opportunity
Lyft offers a wide range of internship opportunities under different departments. You can visit the career page to look at various internship programs. Read the job description to see which role matches your qualifications. Lyft internships can also be found on third-party job search sites such as Glassdoor and LinkedIn.
Fill the Application Form
When you choose an internship program, an application form will appear below the job description. The job search websites will also direct you to Lyft’s website, where you can fill out an application.
The form includes personal information, education background, self-identification information, and a link to prove you’re an ongoing student. You will also attach your resume before submitting the form.
Prepare for the Interview
After submitting your application, you will receive an email response within a week indicating whether you are qualified or not. If you make it to the interview stage, be prepared for a three-part interview in which recruiters will assess your technical skills, learning speed, and personality. Be sure to practice answering tough interview questions with a mock interview.
Typically, the interview process consists of a screening test, a phone interview, and a final interview in San Francisco. However, due to the effects of Covid-19, all interviews are currently conducted remotely.
How to Get an Internship at Lyft: Internship Opportunities in 2022
Lyft has a wide range of internship opportunities across all its locations. Lyft’s policy of giving an equal employment opportunity to all applicants is consistent with its company culture and has proven beneficial in terms of success.
Although the positions may change every year, Lyft is committed to training more interns as the company expands. Below we’ve listed the open internship positions for 2022, according to Lyft’s careers website.
Data Science Intern, Algorithms
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Mathematical Sciences, Economics, or Data Engineering
- Skill Requirements: Experience with Python, R, SQL, ML tools, data science libraries, machine learning fundamentals, and experimental design
- Length: Eight weeks
- Start Date: Summer 2022
The data science intern collaborates with product managers, engineers, and other cross-functional teams to mathematically and logically solve problems. You’ll design and run traffic experiments, write modeling code, and analyze data. The hiring team is looking for interns familiar with various programming languages, machine learning tools, and experimental design.
You must also specialize in either optimization, machine learning, or inference. The science manager is in charge of all interns in this department.
Hardware Engineer Intern – Transit, Bikes, and Scooters
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: BS or MS Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in eCAD tools, electrical engineering fundamentals, communication protocols, and hands-on lab experience
- Length: Eight weeks
- Start Date: Summer 2022
Hardware engineering interns will play a significant role in helping Lyft provide better passenger and driver experiences. You will collaborate with optics, electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to design, test, and manufacture products.
Furthermore, hardware engineering interns will validate designs through power modeling, system coexistence testing, signal characterization, and functional verification. You must have a passion for community and transportation, excellent communication skills, and outstanding knowledge of computer hardware.
Software Engineer Intern, Generalist
- Location: Seattle, New York, San Francisco
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a degree in computer science (CS) or a related field
- Skill Requirements: Knowledge of CS fundamentals, communication skills, mobile development, experience working with databases
- Length: Eight weeks
- Start Date: Spring 2022, summer 2022, or fall 2022
The software engineering intern works with the top software engineers at Lyft. Contributing ideas to user-interface products, participating in code reviews, updating codes, and performing unit, integration, and load tests will be among your responsibilities.
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Lyft hires interns who can thrive in a startup environment, solve tech problems in real-time, and contribute to open-source projects. To improve your chances, you should also demonstrate your work on social media. The position is available in three locations, with internship opportunities available in spring, summer, and fall.
Software Engineer Intern, Mobile Android
- Location: Seattle, New York, San Francisco
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field
- Skill Requirements: Communication skills, Strong knowledge of Kotlin and Java, CS fundamentals, mobile development, and problem-solving skills
- Length: Eight weeks
- Start Date: Summer 2022
Lyft is looking for passionate and aspiring app developers to join its Android team. The Mobile Android intern will collaborate with the team to create apps, analyze and write code, run quality assurance tests, and contribute to the overall improvement of Lyft’s Android features.
You will also work on individual projects from beginning to end, with assistance from other team members. You must be a quick learner with a strong interest in transportation and developing innovative projects.
Software Engineer Intern, Mobile iOS
- Location: Seattle, New York, San Francisco
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field
- Skill Requirements: Strong knowledge of Swift, communication skills, knowledge of CS fundamentals, mobile development, problem-solving skills
- Length: Eight weeks
- Start Date: Summer 2022
If you are an aspiring app developer with the necessary skills, this internship position is ideal for you. Lyft is looking for students who can write code, run tests, and manage a project from beginning to end. It is a demanding role that relies heavily on Swift for iOS app development because the Lyft codebase is written in Swift.
Furthermore, you must be a good communicator, demonstrate skills in CS fundamentals, and have a strong interest in the job. The hiring manager will look into your projects to see if you’ve contributed to open-source projects, which will give you an advantage over your competitors.
Software Engineer Intern, Security
- Location: Seattle, San Francisco
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a BS or MS in Computer Science or a related field
- Skill Requirements: Communication skills, Proficiency in Python or Go, presentation skills, multi-tasking
- Length: Eight weeks
- Start Date: Summer 2022
Security is a critical component of app development. Lyft is an app that manages millions of user accounts and personal information. Therefore, a security-focused software engineer is required. You will work with the security team to improve and maintain Lyft’s security architecture.
The role entails designing and developing new security features, as well as performing penetration testing, breach readiness, and code reviews across all Lyft platforms. Lyft expects the intern to have a hacker mindset, participate in bug bounty programs, and collaborate with the team to ensure the system is secure.
Technical Program Manager (TPM) Intern
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a BS or MS in Software or Hardware Engineering or a related technical field, must be graduating between December 2022 and June 2023
- Skill Requirements: Experience in project management, communication skills, knowledge of design tools, knowledge of CS fundamentals, and programming languages
- Length: Eight weeks
- Start Date: Summer 2022
As a TPM intern, you will lead your teams to deliver complex company programs from concept to execution. It is a multifunctional position requiring excellent communication skills and in-depth knowledge of various hardware and software systems. To build a collaborative communication network, you will interact with everyone from business leaders to engineers.
In addition to project management experience, you must have worked with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. Any technical program management candidate must also be proactive and enthusiastic about the community.
Data Science Intern, Decisions-Product
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a BS or MS in Computer Science, Economics, Statistics, Engineering, or a related field, must be graduating between December 2022 and June 2023
- Skill Requirements: Experience analyzing data in R or Python, communication skills, and proficiency in SQL
- Length: Eight weeks
- Start Date: Summer 2022
Data science interns work on data analysis to help Lyft understand the needs of passengers and drivers and the company’s market efficiency. You will conduct research, analyze data, and uncover insights to assist executives in making sound decisions. However, as a data science intern focusing on decision-making, you will delve into data science for humans.
Some of your responsibilities will include partnering and collaborating with diverse teams, as well as analyzing customer data to understand passenger and driver patterns. In addition, you will design experiments to increase app engagement. Although data science interns work with a mentor, you must always report to the science manager.
Content Design Intern
- Location: San Francisco
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or in a boot camp for liberal arts, social sciences, journalism, education, or a relevant UX or writing field, present a writing portfolio with at least three writing samples
- Skill Requirements: Experience with Sketch and Figma for design, knowledge of accessibility best practices, and experience writing for an ESL audience
- Length: Eight weeks
- Start Date: Summer 2022
A content designer at Lyft simplifies complicated ideas and uses storytelling to make sense of complex scenarios for the users. You will also partner with designers, researchers, engineers, and product managers to design solutions for the organization and the user. However, you will work under the guidance of a department manager who assigns tasks.
As a content designer, you must be solution-oriented, an analytical thinker, and have a passion for writing. The job is in San Francisco and requires a writing portfolio with at least three writing samples. Lyft looks for design students who have the experience level to succeed independently, which means you must be about to graduate to qualify.
Software Engineering Intern – CDMX
- Location: Mexico City
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science or a related field, left with only one term to complete your degree after the internship
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in computer science fundamentals, experience with mobile development, communication skills
- Length: Eight weeks
- Start Date: Summer 2022
This software engineering intern will work with top engineers at Lyft to deliver the best Lyft experience to Mexico City passengers. You will write, review, and contribute to codes to ensure code quality and knowledge distribution. Additionally, software engineering interns participate in the unit, load, and integration testing and contribute to user-facing products.
The best part is Lyft allows autonomy for all interns, which means you will be in charge of your projects. Interns collaborate with other engineers and present daily briefs to ensure their work syncs with the small cross-functional team.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Lyft Internship
Lyft prioritizes people with disabilities and students from underrepresented groups. However, internship hiring is a rigorous process, and only the most qualified candidates are offered internships. How can you increase your chances of being hired as an intern? Below are some tips to get you started.
Attend a Bootcamp
Most, if not all, Lyft careers are technology-based, from software engineering to design and hardware engineering. Therefore, attending a coding bootcamp is definitely a good idea. Coding bootcamps are short-term immersive programs that equip students with in-demand tech skills like programming and project management.
Furthermore, bootcamps offer short courses, meaning you can acquire more than one skill in under a year. In-depth knowledge in various fields not only increases your chances at Lyft but also enhances your internship experience. In addition, bootcamp education makes you viable for a wide range of careers at Lyft.
Network
As a college student looking for a Lyft internship, you must network extensively. According to Peter Morelli, Lyft recruits its interns through internship fairs, employee referrals, college campus visits, and conferences like the Grace Hopper program. Attend these intern events, meet new people, and share your LinkedIn profile.
You never know, maybe someone from the conference or internship may offer you a referral to Lyft based on your qualifications.
Broaden Your Skillset
Every internship opportunity at Lyft has a set of strict requirements for all applicants. The easiest way to secure an intern role at Lyft is by improving your skills before applying. You may be required to be proficient in Kotlin, Python, Java, Swift, and other systems languages and tools.
Enrolling in a coding bootcamp or taking an online course is the quickest way to gain these skills. Most bootcamp courses are also available as short-term online courses, allowing you to balance schoolwork and additional learning. You can also gain hands-on experience by working on challenging projects or contributing to various open-source projects.
Prepare an Excellent Resume
Although Lyft’s equal opportunity and affirmative action policies require a fair and inclusive hiring process, a poorly written resume can reduce your chances of landing an internship. Your resume must be well-written and organized to impress the recruiter no matter how skilled you are.
Learn how to write a great resume, match your skills to the job description, and highlight your accomplishments. If you are a veteran or a disabled veteran, be sure to mention your time in the armed forces in your resume.
Should I Apply for an Internship at Lyft?
Applying for an internship at Lyft is a great way to start your career. Lyft is an affirmative action employer, which means that all applicants will be considered for employment regardless of their national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, medical condition, religion, or affiliations.
The company also provides excellent office space, medical benefits, and competitive pay packages. Lyft is keen on creating an environment for candidates that will encourage everyone to learn from real-life experience and strive for success.
Although Lyft is still considered a startup in the tech industry, it is rapidly growing into a billion-dollar company, making it an excellent place for an intern to learn and grow. Furthermore, most interns receive job offers upon graduation. You have to stand out and showcase your passion for community, transportation, and sustainability.
Lyft Internships FAQ
Yes. Lyft offers a 12-week summer internship program, which changed to an 8-week internship due to the pandemic. Applicants must be college students enrolled in an ongoing degree program who want to improve their skills over the summer. Other internship opportunities are available in spring and fall.
Yes. All interns and employees must provide documentation of their complete vaccination history. A remote internship was offered to interns in 2020 and 2021. Nonetheless, as the workforce returns to normal, Lyft allows employees to work a daily in-person or hybrid schedule, resulting in possible exposure.
You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing the recommended series of vaccination jabs. Following federal, state, and local laws, Lyft also keeps a record of your vaccination details. Interns who require religious or medical exemptions are exempt from this requirement if approved through Lyft’s accommodation process.
Yes. After qualifying for the intern position, you will be integrated into the system as a full-time employee. Lyft interns contribute ideas, participate in project review and testing, and complete all tasks assigned by the department manager. In addition, you will take charge of individual projects while being mentored by experienced professionals.
Yes. You will receive other impressive benefits in addition to a competitive intern salary and assistance in finding housing. They include fantastic medical, dental, and vision insurance options, mental health benefits, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, one day of paid time off, and three days of sick leave.
Interns also have access to pre-tax commuting benefits and Lyft Pink, where you can test the new Ridership Program benefits.
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