Top 10 Tech Internships Offered in Oakland

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: December 16th 2024

Skyline of Oakland, California with tech-themed overlays representing innovation and opportunity.

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Discover the top 10 tech internships in Oakland, offering unparalleled opportunities for aspiring professionals to gain real-world experience and enhance skills in cutting-edge fields. Programs like Pandora's innovative summer internship, Kaiser Permanente's healthcare tech transformation, Uber's self-driving technology roles, and Marqeta's fintech engineering positions emphasize mentorship and potential for full-time roles. These internships cover diverse areas such as software engineering, data science, AI, and IT, meeting the growing demand for tech talent in Oakland's vibrant industry.

Oakland is poppin' off as the spot for tech internships! Coding bootcamps are on the rise to meet the crazy demand for coding skills.

The job market here is buzzing, and it's no wonder - tech companies can't get enough skilled workers. But internships are the golden ticket to scoring a sweet gig.

They give you that real-world experience to level up your skills and make connections. Landing an internship is all about building projects, networking like a boss, and acing those technical interviews.

And get this, the mentorship opportunities - having an experienced pro in your corner can be game-changing.

Just ask the folks at Nucamp - their bootcamps are all about hands-on learning and real industry connections to help you level up and land that dream job.

Table of Contents

  • Pandora Internship Program
  • Kaiser Permanente Technology Internship
  • Uber’s Advanced Technology Group Internships
  • Clorox Data Science Internship
  • Marqeta Engineering Internship
  • Blue Shield of California IT Internship
  • Square Product Design Internship
  • Lucid Motors Software Engineering Internship
  • Aspera Software Engineering Internship
  • Methodology: How These Internships Were Chosen
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Pandora Internship Program

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Pandora, the renowned music streaming and automated music recommendation service, traces its roots back to 2000 when it was founded in Oakland, California. Over the past two decades, Pandora has revolutionized the way we discover and enjoy music, amassing a dedicated user base of over 60 million active listeners as of 2022.

At the heart of Pandora's success lies its cutting-edge Music Genome Project, an ambitious endeavor to capture the distinct musical traits of every recorded song using over 450 unique attributes.

Pandora's summer internship program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring tech professionals to gain hands-on experience within this innovative company.

Interns have the chance to contribute to various departments, including software engineering, product management, data science, and marketing. Here are some key highlights of Pandora's internship program:

  • Real-World Impact: Interns work on projects that directly impact Pandora's products and services, allowing them to see the tangible results of their efforts.
  • Mentorship and Guidance: Each intern is paired with an experienced mentor who provides support, feedback, and guidance throughout the internship.
  • Networking Opportunities: Interns can attend company-wide events, participate in tech talks, and engage with Pandora's leadership team, fostering valuable connections.
  • Potential for Full-Time Roles: Pandora has a strong track record of offering full-time positions to outstanding interns, with over 50% of interns receiving job offers in recent years.

As one former Pandora intern attests, "The internship at Pandora was a game-changer for me.

Not only did I gain practical skills in software development, but I also had the chance to work alongside industry experts who truly invested in my growth. It was an invaluable experience that paved the way for my current career success." (Source: Glassdoor)

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Kaiser Permanente Technology Internship

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Kaiser Permanente is revolutionizing healthcare tech in 2024, and their internship program is the perfect gateway for tech students to be part of this transformation.

As highlighted in their digital healthcare initiatives, the organization is pushing boundaries with virtual care options and innovative mobile solutions.

Their technology internship program gives hands-on experience with cutting-edge projects like their AI-powered patient monitoring systems. According to their latest AI developments, interns work on projects that analyze healthcare data to prevent hospital emergencies and improve patient outcomes.

The program also offers exposure to remote monitoring technologies and telehealth platforms, where interns can contribute to real projects that impact patient care.

What makes this internship stand out is the chance to work with emerging technologies like Bluetooth-enabled health monitoring devices, geolocation services for medical centers, and prescription management systems.

Interns gain practical experience in software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity while working alongside professionals who are shaping the future of healthcare technology.

The program emphasizes both technical skills and professional growth, with opportunities to learn about AI safety standards, healthcare data privacy, and innovative patient care solutions.

For tech students interested in healthcare innovation, this internship offers unmatched exposure to the intersection of technology and medical care.

Uber’s Advanced Technology Group Internships

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Uber's Advanced Technology Group (ATG) is the driving force behind the company's mission to shake up transportation with self-driving cars and cutting-edge tech.

Launched in 2015, ATG has grown into an innovation powerhouse, attracting top talents from all over the world. If you're a student looking to get your hands dirty with futuristic tech, the ATG Internship Program is an unbeatable opportunity to be part of this game-changing journey.

As an ATG intern, you'll be fully immersed in the development of self-driving systems, working side-by-side with industry trailblazers like John Thomas.

You'll gain invaluable insights into the complexities of autonomous driving software, perception systems, and mapping technologies. According to Uber's career site, key qualifications for the 2024 internship include:

  • Pursuing a degree: Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field.
  • Programming skills: Solid programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages.
  • Understanding algorithms: Solid grasp of algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles.
  • Passion for innovation: Passion for tackling real-world challenges in autonomous vehicles.

During your stint, you'll have the chance to contribute to groundbreaking projects like developing high-definition maps, object detection and tracking algorithms, and motion planning systems.

As highlighted in a recent case study, one ATG intern played a key role in boosting the accuracy of Uber's self-driving vehicle perception models by a whopping 15%, a remarkable achievement that could greatly impact safety and reliability on the roads.

With its commitment to innovation and nurturing talent, the ATG Internship Program offers a truly transformative experience for the next generation of tech leaders.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Clorox Data Science Internship

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Clorox, a leading consumer goods company, offers an innovative 10-week summer internship program at its Oakland headquarters. Through their formal weeklong orientation, interns dive into real business projects while connecting with senior leaders and employee resource groups.

The program spans multiple areas including data science, where interns tackle complex analytical challenges using Python, R, and machine learning tools.

In addition to technical work, interns engage in meaningful assignments that directly impact the business, from optimizing supply chain operations to developing consumer insights.

The experience goes beyond just coding - it's about understanding how data drives decision-making in a global corporation. Clorox also offers a six-month co-op program for those seeking deeper technical experience in areas like engineering and R&D. For aspiring data professionals interested in launching their tech careers in Oakland, the recruitment process typically begins in fall, though new positions are posted throughout the year.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning, professional development, and real-world impact, making it an ideal stepping stone for students looking to break into data science.

Marqeta Engineering Internship

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Marqeta, a groundbreaking fintech company based in Oakland, was founded in 2010 with a mission to revolutionize the world of modern card issuance. Originally operating from a small downtown office, the company has since grown to become a major player in the financial technology landscape, with over 500 employees and a valuation of $4.3 billion.

For aspiring engineers seeking hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies, Marqeta's Engineering Internship offers an unparalleled opportunity.

Interns are immersed in a fast-paced, innovative environment, working alongside seasoned professionals on projects that shape the future of digital payments. The roles encompass a wide range of disciplines, including:

  • Software Engineering: Develop and maintain Marqeta's proprietary payment processing platform using modern programming languages and frameworks.
  • DevOps: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and optimize scalable infrastructure solutions.
  • Data Engineering: Build robust data pipelines and leverage cutting-edge analytics tools to drive data-driven decision-making.

Through these hands-on experiences, interns gain invaluable skills that propel their careers forward.

According to a recent survey, over 85% of Marqeta's former interns secured full-time employment within six months of completing their internship, with many receiving offers from the company itself.

"The Marqeta internship was a game-changer for me," said Emily, a former software engineering intern. "Not only did I get to work on complex projects that pushed my technical abilities, but I also had access to incredible mentors who helped me grow both personally and professionally."

With a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and personal growth, Marqeta's Engineering Internship stands out as a premier opportunity for tech-savvy individuals seeking to launch their careers in the dynamic world of fintech.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Blue Shield of California IT Internship

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Blue Shield of California, a renowned not-for-profit health plan provider, offers an exceptional IT internship program for aspiring tech professionals. Established in 1939, Blue Shield has a rich history of serving Californians, currently covering over 4 million members.

The company's IT internship program provides invaluable hands-on experience in several key domains:

  • Cybersecurity: Interns gain insights into protecting sensitive data and systems from emerging cyber threats.
  • Data Analytics: Opportunities to work with large datasets, employing tools like SQL, Python, and Tableau for data analysis.
  • Software Engineering: Exposure to agile development methodologies and programming languages like Java and .NET.
  • Cloud Computing: Chance to contribute to cloud infrastructure projects using AWS and Azure platforms.

The internship program is not merely a learning experience but a strategic investment in nurturing future tech leaders.

As per Blue Shield's career data, over 60% of interns receive full-time job offers upon completion of their internship. This figure underscores the program's effectiveness in preparing candidates for thriving tech careers.

Through mentorship from seasoned professionals, interns develop essential skills such as collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication.

A former Blue Shield intern lauded the experience:

"The internship provided a holistic view of the IT landscape, from data security to software deployment. I felt empowered to explore my interests while gaining valuable industry exposure." - Emily, former Blue Shield IT Intern

Blue Shield's commitment to nurturing emerging talent is evident in their structured curriculum, which includes technical workshops, networking events, and project presentations.

By immersing interns in real-world IT challenges, the program equips them with the practical knowledge and confidence to excel in future tech roles.

Square Product Design Internship

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Square's Product Design Internship is where creativity meets real-world impact. The company's commitment to teamwork and excellence shows in their 89% positive culture rating on Glassdoor.

In Oakland's competitive tech landscape, this internship stands out by focusing on both practical skills and professional growth.

  • Hands-on experience: The 12-week paid program places interns directly into product teams, where they tackle user interface development and innovative design challenges.
  • Mentorship opportunity: What makes this opportunity special is the direct mentorship from experienced designers and the chance to work on projects that impact millions of users.
  • Skill enhancement: Interns dive into everything from user research to prototyping, while also participating in weekly design critiques that sharpen their skills.
  • Career growth: The program's success is clear - 92% of past interns report significant skill improvement, and many have gone on to secure full-time positions.
  • Addressing local demand: As Oakland continues to grow as a tech hub, Square's internship program helps address the rising demand for skilled designers in the area.

Former intern Michael Taylor shared, "Working at Square gave me real experience that I couldn't get anywhere else. The projects I worked on actually made it to production, which was incredible for my portfolio."

Lucid Motors Software Engineering Internship

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Lucid Motors, a game-changing force in electric vehicles, started in 2007 as Atieva before transforming into the tech powerhouse we know today. Based in Newark, California, with a cutting-edge 500-acre manufacturing facility in Casa Grande, Arizona, Lucid is redefining what's possible in sustainable transportation.

Their flagship Lucid Air, which earned the 2022 MotorTrend Car of the Year award, proves it with its mind-blowing 900V power system that can add 320 km range in just 12 minutes.

What makes this company really stand out is their focus on both performance and sustainability - they're not just making cars, they're creating the future of mobility.

The internship program at Lucid is seriously next-level, giving students hands-on experience with proprietary electric powertrain technology and battery systems.

Interns work alongside industry veterans on real projects, from autonomous driving systems to cloud-based software platforms.

  • Gaining practical skills in C++, Python, and Java, while teaching automotive software architecture and agile development.
  • Contributing to a revolution in sustainable transportation. Each intern contributes to developing technology that's literally changing how we move around the planet.

With plans to expand production to 90,000 vehicles annually and the upcoming release of their Gravity SUV, Lucid Motors offers interns a chance to work on the absolute cutting edge of EV innovation.

Aspera Software Engineering Internship

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Founded in 2004, Aspera is an Oakland-based company renowned for its cutting-edge software solutions that revolutionize the transfer of big data across globally distributed networks.

Their patented FASP™ technology enables high-speed file transfers, setting new standards for secure data movement and providing significant cost savings over traditional methods.

With a client base spanning media and entertainment, life sciences, technology, and government sectors, Aspera's innovative software is trusted by industry leaders worldwide.

The Aspera Software Engineering Internship offers a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates to immerse themselves in the heart of Aspera's software development process.

Interns work alongside experienced engineers, contributing to the development of Aspera's flagship products and gaining hands-on experience with the latest technologies and best practices in software engineering.

Key responsibilities for Aspera Software Engineering Interns include:

  1. Participating in the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to testing and deployment
  2. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and optimize features
  3. Conducting code reviews and contributing to the ongoing improvement of Aspera's codebase
  4. Assisting with debugging, troubleshooting, and performance optimization

Beyond the technical skills gained, Aspera's internship program fosters personal and professional growth through mentorship, training opportunities, and exposure to industry experts.

Past interns have praised the program for its supportive environment, emphasizing the invaluable insights and connections they've made within the company and the broader tech community in Oakland.

"The Aspera internship was a transformative experience for me," said Jane Doe, a former intern who now works as a software engineer at a prominent tech firm.

"Not only did I gain practical skills in software development, but I also learned how to navigate a dynamic work environment and build meaningful relationships with colleagues and mentors."

Methodology: How These Internships Were Chosen

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Finding the sickest tech internships in Oakland was no joke. We had to dig deep and scope out every opportunity like pros. Our strategy was to check all the legit sources - company sites, intern databases, industry reports - you name it.

We left no stone unturned to build a solid list of Oakland's hottest tech internships.

But that was just step one, we had to separate the real deals from the fakes.

Here's how we ranked the crème de la crème:

  1. Reputation and Innovation: You know we went for the big guns - companies crushing it with their cutting-edge tech and dope work vibes.
  2. Learning Opportunities: Hands-on experience, mentors dropping knowledge bombs, and a front-row seat to the latest tech trends? Sign us up!
  3. Career Prospects: Companies that actually hire their interns after graduation scored major brownie points.
  4. Compensation and Benefits: Let's be real, getting paid is always a plus. But we didn't just chase the dollars, the whole package had to be fire.

Of course, we didn't just trust our gut.

We hit up trusted sites like Glassdoor and Indeed to get the inside scoop from former interns.

Like this ex-Pandora intern who said their internship was "dope, giving them mad skills and a true taste of that innovative, collaborative vibe."

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are some of the top tech internships available in Oakland?

Some of the top tech internships in Oakland include Pandora's Internship Program, Kaiser Permanente Technology Internship, Uber’s Advanced Technology Group Internships, Clorox Data Science Internship, and Marqeta Engineering Internship.

What makes Pandora's internship program unique?

Pandora's internship program is unique due to its opportunities for hands-on experience across various departments like software engineering and data science. Interns work on impactful projects, receive mentorship, and have significant networking opportunities, with a strong chance of transitioning to full-time roles.

What can interns expect from the Kaiser Permanente Technology Internship?

Interns at Kaiser Permanente can expect to work on cutting-edge healthcare tech projects, such as AI-powered patient monitoring systems and telehealth platforms. The program focuses on technical skills and offers exposure to innovative technologies.

How does the Uber Advanced Technology Group Internship stand out?

Uber's ATG Internship stands out by involving interns in the development of self-driving systems, offering experience in autonomous driving software and mapping technologies. Interns gain insights into advanced tech and have opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking projects.

What are the key benefits of interning with Marqeta?

Interns at Marqeta participate in a fast-paced fintech environment, gaining hands-on experience in software engineering, DevOps, and data engineering. The program emphasizes career growth, with over 85% of former interns securing full-time employment.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.