Everything You Need to Know About the Intel Internship Program

Are you looking to gain real-world experience in the tech industry? Thinking of applying for an Intel internship? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Intel Internship Program.

In this article, we cover the different types of internships available, resources available to you at Intel, the unique culture at Intel, and useful tips from Intel itself as to what you need to do to land this coveted internship.

About Intel

Intel has over 121,000 employees working in more than 50 countries. It has invested $15.2 billion in R&D and produces over 10 billion transistors every second. Intel creates world-changing technology that improves the life of every person on the planet.  It is a tech leader with diverse business lines and a workforce full of industry leaders. Those who are fortunate enough to intern at Intel will not only benefit from the well-developed internship program but will also gain invaluable industry insight.

Intel is a mission-focused organization. Here is how Intel describes its core mission:

“We are driven by our purpose: To create world-changing technology that improves the life of every person on the planet. We develop technologies that bring down barriers and enable tomorrow’s greatest scientific breakthroughs and cultural achievements.”

Learning Experience

Internships Intel offers a variety of internship opportunities that are designed to give students and recent graduates the chance to learn and develop valuable technical, manufacturing, and business skills.

Types of Internships Offered

These internships include software, AI, business, hardware, manufacturing, sales and marketing, and rotational programs. Here is what each entails:

  • Software Internships: Put your problem-solving skills and passion for learning to use! By joining the Software Internships team, you’ll have the opportunity to gain practical experience by modifying, editing, and debugging software products as well as writing, testing, and profiling source code. You can find Intel Software Internships here.
  • AI Internships: Are you enthusiastic about exploring advanced solutions in deep learning, machine learning, and AI? If so, then this is your perfect opportunity to put theory into practice. You can find Intel AI Internships here.
  • Business Internships: Jump right into the company’s operations and help ensure that Intel meets its goals – Opportunities in HR and Finance to make and support vital decisions. You can find Intel Business Internships here.
  • Hardware Internships: Be a vital part of developing better, faster, computer platforms – Innovative process architecture and state-of-the-art wireless technology. You can find Intel Hardware Internships here.
  • Manufacturing Internships: Create the next generation of products using advanced manufacturing processes – Learn and develop technical and manufacturing skills. You can find Intel Manufacturing Internships here.
  • Sales & Marketing Internships: Amplify customers’ voices and provide personalized support – Solve critical business problems and drive Intel’s revenue and brand. You can find Intel Sales and Marketing Internships here.
  • Rotational Programs: Discover opportunities to leverage skills and explore multiple areas within Intel – Rotation Engineer Program, DRIVE Program, Finance Program, or Sales. The rotational programs are designed to give you the chance to explore multiple areas within Intel and build a unique skill set. You can find Intel Rotational Internships here.
  • Graduate Programs: Challenge yourself and begin a career at the forefront of the industry – Leverage graduate degrees in mechanical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and more. You can find Intel Graduate Program Internships here.

How to apply for the Intel Internship

  1. The first step is to explore the available positions at jobs.intel.com
  2. Then create your profile and submit your resume for the positions you are interested in. Make sure your resume is a perfect fit for the role. Only apply for internships that match your interest, background, and experience.
  3. The portal explains how to create your profile.
  4. Your profile helps Intel teams find your information quickly. It also makes it easier for you to easier with features such as “Saved Jobs” and “Applicant Login.”

Before the Intel Interview

If you’re fortunate enough to get an interview at Intel, it’s essential that you come prepared.

Intel expects that, before the interview, you would have researched much as you can about Intel and the particular area you are interested in. Before the interview, you should:

  • Search intel.com and industry press to discover what Intel’s biggest challenges are today and what opportunities Intel is pursuing.
  • Be ready to demonstrate how your knowledge and expertise make you the perfect candidate to solve Intel’s problems. Additionally, utilize this opportunity as an avenue for demonstrating your individual personality, nimble thinking skills, and communication abilities.
  • Prepare to clearly demonstrate your understanding of technology and articulate how your skills, knowledge, experience, and passion for the role you seek.
  • Prepare at least 3-5 questions to ask your interviewer about the role, the company, and our culture – whatever is top-of-mind for you.

The Elevator Pitch

At the interview, you will be asked to tell them about yourself. Consider this question as an opportunity to give a compelling elevator pitch and explain why you should be chosen over all other job applicants. Your pitch should be between 2 and 5 minutes, focusing on your experience and how it aligns with Intel, and include:

  • The Present: Provide a brief overview of where you are now.
  • The Past: Reference what classroom or work experiences led you to where you are now.
  • The Future: Talk about a goal for yourself in this role.

The STAR Method

During your interview, you will be presented with questions to show how you solve problems or overcome obstacles. The question will have telltale openings like:

  • Give me an example of…
  • Tell me about a time when…
  • What do you do when…
  • Have you ever…
  • Describe a situation…

When you hear this question, you should be prepared to answer this question using the STAR format. This technique lets you answer tough questions with ease and in a compelling manner. 

The STAR method is an interview technique that gives you a straightforward format to tell a story by laying out the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

  • Situation: Set the scene for your interviewer. Provide the necessary details of your example.
  • Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation.
  • Action: Explain exactly what steps you took to address it.
  • Result: Share what outcomes your actions achieved.

By using these four components to shape your answer, it is easier for the interviewer to follow along and see how you handle yourself.

Because you know that you will be getting at least one version of a question that will trigger a STAR response during your interview, you should prepare it and practice it to the point where it becomes muscle memory.

Intel is for Life-Long Learners

Intel offers an array of invaluable resources to assist interns on their career journey, from expert training and development tools to tips and tricks to ensure success. Intel also encourages employees to share their passion for giving back through its global corporate volunteer program, Intel Involved. As if that weren’t enough, eligible staff may take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs in addition to the more than 7,000 courses offered by IDL—Intel’s internal training organization (Intel University Classes).

Intel’s culture is centered around a shared purpose of creating world-changing technology that improves the life of every human on the planet.

Culture at Intel

Intel also values an inclusive workplace that empowers people to engage in meaningful work and solve fascinating problems. Intel believes in rewarding employees for a job well done.

Are there any Intel Internship Testimonials?

Yes, at the bottom of this page, you can read a handful of testimonials from past interns. There are also a handful of videos, including this one from a past intern who is now working full-time at Intel.

You can also learn more about Intel Internships from the people who experienced it on Glassdoor.

Past interns suggest that you always ask questions and network while you participate in the internship program.

What resources are available for Intel interns?

Intel provides early career tools, training and development, and tips and tricks to help interns succeed. Intel also encourages interns to support the causes they’re passionate about through their global corporate volunteer program, Intel Involved.

What is the culture like at Intel?

Intel is an inclusive workplace. Intel has Employee Resource Groups to ensure interns feel included, comfortable, and confident in their roles.

Do Intel interns get paid?

Yes, Intel interns get paid competitively because they are looking for the best and brightest. Intel is able to attract the smartest minds because of its competitive pay and commitment to excellence.

Is it hard to get hired by Intel?

Yes, but if you apply for a role that matches your resume and follow the advice here and on jobs.intel.com, you will have your best chance of getting an internship and Intel.

What does Intel look for in interns?

Intel empowers people to engage in meaningful work and solve today’s biggest problems. Intel is an inclusive workplace that looks for people who share their goals and stand out from the rest.