Qualcomm, like many other top American companies, hires interns in undergraduate and graduate programs. If you are a student with dreams of working at Qualcomm, you may be wondering how to get an internship at Qualcomm. The process is straightforward if you have the right resources.
This article is your complete guide to securing your first position as a Qualcomm intern. It covers the steps you need to take apply, the duties you can expect to have, and tips that will enhance your candidacy. It also details the summer Qualcomm computer science internship opportunities that are currently available.
What Is Qualcomm? A Brief Qualcomm Background
Qualcomm is an American multinational corporation with headquarters in San Diego. The company has been around since 1985 and is popularly known for manufacturing semiconductors. Other signature products by the software and electronics company are CDMA/WCDMA chipsets, CPUs, Snapdragon, and mirasol displays.
Does Qualcomm Hire Students?
Yes, Qualcomm hires students for internship jobs that last for three to 12 months. These interns work with permanent staff to complete regular Qualcomm projects, gaining hands-on experience along the way. Some fortunate students are invited to come back for a permanent position after graduation.
Qualcomm Internships: General Overview
For the Qualcomm internship, students need to meet eligibility requirements if they are to be employed. The requirements vary across departments but opportunities are typically reserved for students with good grades. The section below provides an overview of what you can expect.
What Does a Qualcomm Intern Do?
A Qualcomm intern works on creating software and hardware products on behalf of Qualcomm. Specific job duties depend on your field of study, but you can expect to work under supervision. Qualcomm interns get a chance to contribute to cutting-edge technological developments.
Each intern is assigned to a mentor who encourages them and provides them with all the tools they need to thrive throughout their internship. There is also a good flow of communication between the interns and managers.
Qualcomm Internship Reviews: What Is the Experience Like?
According to Glassdoor reviews from Qualcomm interns, interns typically enjoy their experience at the company. The company scored 4.5 out of five stars and was reviewed by 8,359 former and current interns at Qualcomm. About 94 percent of all reviewers noted that they would recommend Qualcomm to their friends.
The average hourly pay is high, there are learning opportunities for interns, and the mentorship program is incredibly effective. It is also important to note that Qualcomm values diversity in the workplace and chooses interns regardless of race, religion, or gender.
Is It Hard to Get an Internship at Qualcomm?
Yes, it is hard to get an internship opportunity at Qualcomm, especially if you are going through an off-campus placement. People who apply through their universities are more likely to get the opportunity compared to those who apply on their own. When you are applying on your own, you can boost your chances by ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements before sending in your application.
Qualcomm Intern Salaries: How Much Does a Qualcomm Internship Pay?
The average salary for Qualcomm interns is $40 per hour. However, salaries range between $19 and $50 depending on the department. Engineering interns earn about $41, software engineering interns earn between $37 to $41, and marketers earn $21 hourly.
How to Apply for a Qualcomm Internship: A Step-by-Step Guide
The section below guides you through the process of applying for a Qualcomm internship. These three steps are simple and will help you ensure you’ve correctly completed the application process.
Apply Online
If you have the technical skills required for your desired internship, visit the official Qualcomm career page and search for an intern position in your field. Read the job requirements thoroughly and ensure you meet all of them. If you have a referral, state it in your application, as it increases your chances of getting chosen.
Ace the Interviews
If the hiring team is impressed by your resume, you will be invited for an interview with a human resource representative. The HR officer will ask you general behavioral interview questions and candid career questions. These questions seek to understand your motivation for pursuing an internship and why you believe you’re a good candidate.
Get Started
If you qualify for the internship, you will be assigned a mentor and placed on a team to begin working. Make sure you build a good work relationship with your team members, mentors, and managers. A handful of interns are called to come back for permanent positions and the people you work with during your internship may be instrumental when HR is trying to determine your future at the company.
How to Get an Internship at Qualcomm: Internship Opportunities in 2022
There are currently over 200 internship positions available on the official Qualcomm career page online. Below are some of the most recent internship opportunities that you might be interested in applying for.
Secure Systems Engineering Internship
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in programming languages like Python, C, C++, strong coding skills, ethical hacking, cyber security
- Length: 12 to 14 months
- Start Date: Summer 2022
This program is for computer science and cyber security professionals with coding skills, as the intern will be part of the cyber defense team at Qualcomm headquarters. The qualified candidates will perform network administration tasks on major operating systems like Linux.
IT Data Analyst Internship
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or Data Analytics
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in programming languages Python, Perl, C++, C, HTML, SQL, Java, and JavaScript
- Length: 10 to 16 weeks
- Start Date: Summer 2022
Working as a data analyst at the Qualcomm headquarters is a big deal, even if you are an intern. You will work with the rest of the IT department to implement cutting-edge technology for drawing insights out of undefined data. You will report with data visualization tools and use other tools for statistical analysis.
Analog/Mixed-Signal Internship
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in CMOS, Python, Matlab
- Length: Three months
- Start Date: Summer 2022
This internship position comes with several benefits, including international travel on assignment. Qualified candidates will work with the engineering team to design new products for the company. Products could be anything from digital circuits, analog circuits, A/D converters, D/A converters, and ASIC digital integrated circuit design.
Mobile Portfolio SOC Design
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in Matlab, C, SystemC, Python, C, machine learning, wireless signal processing, data science, neural networks, and cloud technology
- Length: Three months
- Start Date: Summer 2022
The intern who is employed for this role will work with the SOC design team at Qualcomm. You will come up with strategies to improve chip performance and fix issues. Even if the minimum qualification for this role is a bachelor’s degree, people in master’s and PhD programs will be given priority.
Embedded Software Engineering Intern
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in programming languages including Python, C, C++, Perl, and Linux
- Length: 10 to 16 weeks
- Start Date: Summer 2022
This software engineering internship as an embedded software engineer will involve participating in the entire software development life cycle of projects in the company. You will work on real-world operating systems like Linux, Kernel, Android, and Windows. While you are working with a team of permanent staff, you will be an equal contributor and receive credit for your work.
Machine Learning Systems Engineering Intern
- Location: Markham, ON, Canada
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in Python, C, C++, machine learning APIs, object oriented design, software debugging
- Length: 8 months
- Start Date: Winter or summer 2022
Machine learning is at the forefront of the industrial revolution and you can hit the ground running by applying for this internship at Qualcomm. You will work on creating artificial intelligence and machine learning systems with the permanent team. While machine learning is the primary focus, you will be expected to perform software development tasks.
Computer Science Intern
- Location: Cambridge, England
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or PhD in Computer Science, or Electronics Engineering
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in GIT, wireless communications, programming with Python, C, C++, excellent communication skills
- Length: 3 months
- Start Date: Not stated
As a computer science intern, you will work with the IT department at Qualcomm’s Cambridge branch. You will build and maintain software tools required for the successful completion of business at the company. When new tasks are assigned to your department, you will be charged with task definition, presentation, and in some cases, risk estimation.
Deep Learning Intern
- Location: Amsterdam Drenthe, Netherlands
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Technology
- Skill Requirements: Knowledge of artificial intelligence, deep learning, neural network design
- Length: 4 months
- Start Date: Ongoing
The qualified intern will work with Qualcomm’s leading-edge technology team, bringing innovative technology with artificial intelligence. The deep learning products you will work on will be used for signal transmission, wireless tracking, data processing, and audio compression.
Electronics Engineering/Signal Processing Intern
- Location: Bristol, England
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or PhD in Electrical Engineering
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in signals analysis, C/C++, Matlab, Python/Perl
- Length: 3 months
- Start Date: June or July 2022
This role is for upcoming electrical engineers with excellent math and analytical skills. The intern will work in the electronic development department to design modern carrier systems and algorithm solutions. Even as an intern, you will present results with the rest of the team.
Engineering Internship
- Location: Farnborough, England
- Eligibility Requirements: Holding a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Telecommunications
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in programming languages including Perl, Python, C/C++, or C#, experience in data networking, signal generation
- Length: 3 months
- Start Date: Not stated
This internship is for people who already have their degrees. It is a high-level position working directly with the engineers on the latest 5G development and testing. You will also work on virtual reality, augmented reality, and communication chips.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Qualcomm Internship
Whether you are applying for an internship at Qualcomm on your own or through your school, there are many ways to improve your chances of getting an internship at Qualcomm. The tips below will help you enhance your candidacy.
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Get a Referral
Like many other top firms, one of the best ways to get an internship at Qualcomm is through a referral, preferably from someone at the company. If you cannot find someone from Qualcomm to vouch for you, you can still get a referral from a reputable industry leader.
Do Your Research Before the Interview
The last thing you want is to get an interview opportunity for an internship and then fail because you are unable to answer questions about the company. Thoroughly research the company to understand its services, products, and history. The interviewer will likely want to gauge how much you know.
Take Tech Classes
People with tech knowledge will always be ahead of those who don’t know anything about technology. Irrespective of the field of study, you should consider taking courses on software engineering, data science, and similar topics. Coding bootcamps offer affordable ways to learn tech skills within a short period. Learn tools like Linux, Python, and C, which are some of Qualcomm’s most used tools, to increase your chances
Should I Apply for an Internship at Qualcomm?
Yes, you should consider applying for a Qualcomm internship if you are a student who is looking for real-world working experience and mentorship from professionals in their field. Qualcomm interns get paid more than interns in other similar companies. They also stand a high chance of securing a permanent position if they succeed in their role.
Qualcomm Internships FAQ
Yes, Qualcomm has limited slots for summer internship positions for college students. There are options for undergraduate and graduate students. The best way to get a summer internship opportunity is to apply through your school.
Start by creating an account on the Qualcomm careers page. With your account, you will see all of the available positions and can apply for. You can apply for more than one position at a time as long as you match the qualification requirements. However, you should not apply for more than five positions at a time.
Yes, Qualcomm is a great company that pays workers well and gives them competitive benefits. The working environment is conducive to opportunities for professional growth. Occasionally, there are training opportunities and seminars for professional development.
Yes, Qualcomm hires entry-level candidates with little to no experience. You can start there, work hard, grow, and get more advanced roles at the company. Experienced workers are also welcome to apply for available job opportunities in the company.
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