A seasonal, short-term work experience focusing on software development, typically offered during the colder months of the year when academic institutions have breaks. These opportunities allow individuals to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, contributing to real-world projects within technology companies. For example, an individual might spend several weeks contributing to the development of a new feature for a company’s flagship product under the guidance of experienced engineers.
These roles offer significant value by providing hands-on experience that complements academic learning. Participants gain exposure to industry-standard tools, workflows, and best practices. Furthermore, these experiences often serve as a pathway to full-time employment, with many companies using them as a recruitment tool to identify and cultivate promising talent. Historically, these roles have increased in popularity as the demand for skilled software engineers continues to rise.