Introduction: Cracking the Code to Big Tech Internships
In today’s ultra-competitive tech landscape, getting a foot in the door at a Big Tech company can feel like trying to break into Fort Knox. But for aspiring software engineers and computer science students, early-year internship programs—especially at tech giants like Google—could be the golden ticket.
Tawfiq Mohammad, now a full-time Google software engineer, landed his position by interning at Google for two consecutive summers. His journey offers a blueprint for students looking to follow the same path.
Why Early-Year Internships Matter
Early-stage programs, often aimed at first- and second-year computer science students, are designed to provide exposure and experience without the intense hiring scrutiny that upperclassmen face. According to Mohammad, these programs are critical:
“Applying for these first and second-year programs was one of the most important things I’ve done in my career so far.”
The entry threshold is generally lower—meaning more students have the chance to participate and showcase their potential early on.
The Strategic Edge of Lower Hiring Bars
Unlike full-time positions that may demand extensive technical assessments, early internships tend to feature simpler challenges. Mohammad highlights that:
“They’ll ask a Leetcode easy instead of a Leetcode medium.”
This gives students with less experience a fighting chance while allowing companies to identify promising talent early.
Crafting an Internship-Ready Résumé
One of the biggest mistakes students make is mass-applying without a strategy. Mohammad recommends tracking applications in a structured manner:
Record company name, position, application date, interview stages
Update status regularly to prep for interviews efficiently
Tools like these help keep your process intentional and organized—something we strongly advocate for at Trenzest in our career growth content.
Interview Tips: Focus on Patterns, Not Memorization
Technical interviews are inevitable. Mohammad advises students not to waste time memorizing hundreds of problems but instead:
“Master the overarching principles.”
Focus on understanding patterns like recursion, sliding window, hash maps, and binary search. Trenzest’s free learning resources are a great way to build a solid algorithmic foundation.
The Power of Referrals in Tech Hiring
It’s no secret—referrals can fast-track your application. Mohammad attributes part of his success to a referral from a family connection at Google. He stresses:
“Try to separate yourself as much as you can.”
If you know someone in the company—even a second-degree connection—don’t hesitate to ask for a referral. LinkedIn, GitHub, and alumni networks can be goldmines for these opportunities. This guide from Indeed breaks down how to request one professionally.
What to Do if You Don’t Land an Internship
Rejection is common. But that doesn’t mean the learning stops. Mohammad encourages students to:
Work on personal projects
Contribute to open-source
Build a strong GitHub portfolio
This self-initiated learning not only hones your skills but gives you material to showcase on your résumé.
From Internship to Full-Time: How to Stand Out
Landing the internship is just the beginning. Once inside, the key is independence and initiative:
“Try to solve your problems on your own… you’ll understand how all the systems fit together.”
Ask for help when absolutely necessary, but the more you solve solo, the faster you’ll grow and gain credibility among your peers.
Leveling Up: Learn from the Best Around You
Being surrounded by top talent is an advantage—if you use it wisely. Mohammad says:
“They’re really smart, so you want to absorb as much information as you can from them.”
Be curious. Ask questions. Shadow your mentors. This not only boosts your learning but builds rapport—crucial if you’re eyeing a return offer.
Conclusion: Build, Learn, and Get Noticed
Securing an internship at a major tech company isn’t just about being the best coder—it’s about being proactive, strategic, and resourceful. Whether it’s tracking your applications, preparing smartly for interviews, or seeking mentorship during your internship, every step counts.
At Trenzest, we help aspiring professionals bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity. Explore our insights on career development, technical skills, and productivity to position yourself as a top-tier candidate in today’s evolving tech world.
