Jump To Content

STEP (Student Training in Engineering Program)

Student Training in Engineering Program
Dates
Multiple dates
Location
Varies
Deadline
Check back regularly for new application dates.

Overview

STEP (Student Training in Engineering Program), formerly known as Engineering Practicum, is a 12-week internship for first and second-year undergraduate students with a passion for computer science.

The internship program has a focus of providing development opportunities to students from groups historically underrepresented in tech, through technical training and professional development. Our unique internship offers the opportunity to work on a software project alongside other STEP interns and full-time Googlers, and provides the chance to bridge the gap between academic understanding and practical professional experience.

There are two program date options (must be available for the entirety of the program):

  • May 22, 2023 - August 11, 2023
  • June 19, 2023 - September 8, 2023.

Program Goals

  • To provide interns with the opportunity to complete a challenging technical project where you will build solutions and gain exposure to immense scale and complexity.
  • To help interns develop their technical skills, build confidence in their abilities, and better prepare them for their future in computer science. All STEP interns will receive coaching and mentorship from Google engineers to guide you through your summer experience.
  • To give interns an inside look at Google's unique environment, community, and culture. Interns will have the opportunity to attend technical talks by Googlers, gain insight into technical interview preparation, learn about Google’s coding practices and technologies, and develop other skills that will set them up for success.
  • To help participants begin building important personal networks and friendships with a diverse group of students who share their passion for technology and computer science.

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • First or second-year Bachelor's student majoring in Computer Science or a related field.
  • Programming experience in C, C++, Java, JavaScript or Python.
  • First year students have taken at least one college computer science course (AP or IB will meet course requirements). Second-year students must have completed at least two college computer sciences courses.
  • Currently attending a university in North America.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Returning to a Bachelor's degree program with at least two years remaining in their academic program after completion of the Summer 2023 internship.
  • Ability to complete a full-time, 12-week internship between May and August or June and September 2023 (exact program dates will be provided at a later point in the process).

STEP Internship FAQs

What is the difference between the STEP and Software Engineering internship programs?

Both programs provide the opportunity to work on challenging, impactful technical projects alongside full-time software engineering teammates. STEP, focuses on providing support and development for students early on in their CS careers, where interns work in a pod-based structure under two hosts, and participate in a mentorship program. The Software Engineering internship is a larger, more competitive program that focuses on technical development in a more complex, independent environment. Interns have sole ownership of their project with the support of one host, and have the option to participate in a mentorship/buddy program. Interns from both programs have the same opportunities to participate in events, tech talks, and the other great Google perks available to all interns!

How do I apply?

Applications for the Summer of 2023 will open in September of 2022. A team of recruiters will review applications on a rolling basis over the fall, winter, and early spring. Please be patient as we consider your application. If you haven’t heard back from us, then you are still in process. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual status updates.

I see two STEP applications (first-year & second-year). Which application should I apply to?

Our STEP- Second Year Student application is intended for candidates in their second year of a Bachelor’s degree program in Computer Science located in North America (with an anticipated graduation date of December 2024 - May 2025 depending on their program and unique circumstances). Our STEP- First Year Student application is intended for candidates in their first year of a Bachelor’s degree program in Computer Science located in North America (with an anticipated graduation date of December 2025 - May 2026 depending on their program and unique circumstances). Please do not apply for both.

What is the timeline regarding next steps?

Second-year undergraduate students: We will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis until the program is filled. Please allow for several weeks after you’ve applied before hearing back from someone on our team. First-year undergraduate students: We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, and will start reaching out in December to schedule interviews.

What kinds of training opportunities are available within the program?

Outside of core project work, STEP interns have the opportunity to take advantage of the learning and development programs Google offers. We encourage interns to invest in themselves and grow their personal and professional skills. Through our internship program, we offer a professional development series, mentorship opportunities, leadership speaker series, and community building activities to connect with Googlers all over the company. More information will be shared during Noogler (new hire) orientation.

What happens at the end of the program?

Our ultimate goal is to bring great talent to Google. All STEP interns will have the opportunity to be considered for a returning internship at Google.