Top 10 Tech Internships Offered in Tacoma

The tech scene in Tacoma is absolutely taking off, with projected growth of 3.9% in 2023 despite industry layoffs.

Getting an internship here is a smart move - both internships and apprenticeships provide crucial real-world experience that companies want. CompTIA reports that internships typically last a few months and often lead to full-time positions, with specialized training that builds practical skills.

Major players like Boeing, Microsoft, and Amazon offer programs that get you working on actual projects. Tacoma-Pierce County is becoming a serious tech hub, with over 298,000 tech workers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area.

For students looking to break into tech, Nucamp's bootcamps offer affordable training in everything from Web Development to Cybersecurity, with financing options starting at just $458.

This perfect combo of internships and education is helping launch careers in software development, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering, where salaries typically range from $95,000 to $120,000.

Whether you're interested in coding at T-Mobile or building security systems at AT&T, these internships are your ticket into tech's fast lane.

When selecting the top tech internships in Tacoma, we created a detailed evaluation process focusing on what actually matters to students and recent graduates.

Following established best practices for internship programs, we looked at compensation, real work assignments, and growth potential.

Each company was assessed based on whether they provide meaningful projects rather than just busy work, which is crucial for building a solid portfolio and gaining practical experience.

Our research process involved analyzing current market data and industry trends.

We checked out internship opportunities on major platforms including LinkedIn, Handshake, and Glassdoor, specifically looking at positions posted within the last six months.

We also connected with current and former interns through social media and professional networks to get the real scoop on company culture, mentorship quality, and day-to-day responsibilities.

Elizabeth Brown and Matthew White were particularly insightful in sharing their experiences.

The final rankings were determined using a scoring system that prioritized companies offering substantial learning experiences.

According to successful intern experiences, the most valuable programs include technical training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

We gave extra points to companies that consistently convert interns into full-time employees and maintain strong relationships with local universities. Each internship was evaluated based on:

• Technical skill development opportunities: Internships should focus on enhancing technical skills critical for future job prospects.
• Quality of mentorship programs: Strong mentorship is a key factor influencing the internship experience.
• Work-life balance and flexibility: Intern programs that promote a healthy balance are highly beneficial.
• Project ownership and responsibilities: Being entrusted with significant projects aids in professional growth.
• Networking opportunities: Making connections within the industry is crucial for career development.
• Career advancement potential: Internships that open pathways to full-time roles are preferred.
• Compensation and benefits: A fair package often indicates a company's commitment to its interns.
• Company culture and support system: A supportive environment enhances the overall experience.

Boeing, founded in 1916 in Seattle and now based in Arlington, Virginia, stands as the world's largest aerospace company.

With over 170,000 employees across 65 countries, Boeing has transformed from a small aircraft manufacturer into a global powerhouse. The Boeing Technical Internship Program represents a perfect entry point into aerospace innovation, with positions available in engineering, information technology, and cybersecurity.

Boeing's extensive portfolio spans from commercial jetliners to defense systems, offering interns exposure to cutting-edge projects across multiple divisions.

The internship experience at Boeing is seriously next-level.

You're not just grabbing coffee - you're working on real projects that matter. Engineering interns might help design components for the 787 Dreamliner, while IT interns could be developing software for next-gen aircraft systems.

What makes this program stand out is:

• Direct mentorship from industry veterans
• Hands-on work with advanced aerospace tech
• Amazing networking opportunities

The numbers speak for themselves - Boeing's commitment to development shows in their impressive intern-to-hire rate.

Many interns end up with full-time offers, thanks to the company's focus on practical skills and leadership development. The pay is competitive too, which is great for us students trying to manage those college expenses.

Getting in isn't easy, but it's totally worth the effort.

They look for students who crush it academically and genuinely geek out about aerospace. You'll need a solid resume, good grades, and a recommendation letter that shows you're ready to contribute.

Take it from recent interns - this program is a game-changer for anyone serious about a career in aerospace or tech. The skills and connections you make here can literally launch your career into orbit.

The Microsoft Cloud Customer & Partner PR internship stands out as an incredible stepping stone for tech-focused communications careers in Tacoma.

For 2025, Microsoft has completely redesigned their program to offer a blend of hands-on experience and professional development. The internship runs for 12 weeks, and interns dive straight into meaningful projects with the Microsoft Cloud team.

What makes this program special is how it combines Microsoft's innovative culture with real-world PR challenges.

You'll work side by side with experienced professionals who genuinely want to help you grow. The role involves creating compelling content, developing communication strategies, and building relationships with media contacts.

One of the coolest aspects is getting to participate in Microsoft's global intern community, where you connect with other interns worldwide through virtual collaboration and events.

The application process is competitive but straightforward - they look for strong communicators who are passionate about tech and ready to contribute fresh ideas.

Beyond the day-to-day work, interns receive competitive pay, access to Microsoft's extensive learning resources, and opportunities to network with industry leaders.

What's really exciting is that many interns go on to land full-time positions at Microsoft or other major tech companies. The program specifically focuses on cloud technology and partnerships, giving you specialized experience that's super valuable in today's tech PR landscape.

Whether you're studying communications, marketing, or tech, this internship provides the perfect mix of practical experience and professional growth opportunities.

The Amazon Data Engineer Summer Internship 2025 offers a full-time, hands-on experience where interns work 40 hours per week on impactful projects.

The program runs for 12 weeks, typically from May to August, with competitive hourly pay ranging from $43.85 to $88.94 depending on location. Interns dive into designing and implementing distributed systems, creating data schemas, and building automated pipelines capable of processing millions of data points.

During the internship, you'll learn to operate both SQL and NoSQL databases while developing essential metrics and dashboards.

Daily responsibilities include working with big data tools, optimizing database performance, and collaborating with Business Analysts and Data Scientists.

The experience goes beyond technical work - you'll participate in networking events, speaker series, and skill-building sessions while receiving dedicated mentorship.

The path to landing a full-time role is clear and structured.

Former interns suggest focusing on delivering projects before deadlines, maintaining strong communication with team members, and actively participating in team discussions.

Prerequisites include experience with Python or Java, understanding of data warehousing concepts, and enrollment in a Bachelor's or Master's program with graduation dates between October 2025 and December 2028.

While the role demands hard work, the opportunities for learning, career growth, and potential return offers make it an incredible stepping stone for aspiring data engineers.

T-Mobile's Software Development Internship program offers a 12-week paid experience that actually lets you work on real projects.

The internship pays between $20-40 per hour, depending on your experience and location. You'll get hands-on experience with web development, API integration, and responsive design - stuff that really matters in today's tech world.

The T-Mobile internship benefits include health coverage, paid time off, and even access to life coaching sessions through LiveMagenta.

They're serious about helping interns grow, offering regular check-ins for career development and chances to connect with senior leadership. For tech enthusiasts interested in 5G innovation, the Technology Lab internship lets you work directly with cutting-edge hardware and software solutions.

You'll need to be either currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Graduate program or have graduated within the last 12 months to qualify. The best part? If you live more than 50 miles from the internship location, you might even get relocation assistance.

T-Mobile's commitment to diversity and inclusion means you'll be working in teams with different perspectives and backgrounds, which makes the learning experience even better.

Plus, there's a real shot at landing a full-time position after the internship - many interns have turned their summer experience into lasting careers at T-Mobile.

As a major force in global travel technology, Expedia Group powers over 200 travel sites across 70+ countries, making it an incredible place to kickstart a tech career.

Their Software Developer Internship program is seriously next-level, giving interns real projects that matter. Working alongside experienced developers, interns dive into bug fixes, feature development, and investigation work that directly impacts millions of travelers.

The company's platform processes over 800 billion AI predictions and manages 70+ petabytes of data, creating an environment where interns can learn cutting-edge tech skills.

What makes this internship stand out is the chance to work with innovative travel solutions across multiple brands while being mentored by industry pros.

Interns tackle everything from improving search algorithms to enhancing user interfaces, getting hands-on experience with modern development tools and practices.

The program emphasizes both technical skills and professional growth, preparing participants for real-world software engineering challenges. Plus, with Expedia's recent expansion and commitment to technological innovation, interns often work on projects that shape the future of travel booking and planning.

The experience gained here isn't just about coding - it's about understanding how large-scale travel technology platforms operate and evolve. Whether you're interested in front-end development, back-end systems, or full-stack engineering, this internship provides the perfect launching pad for a career in tech.

AT&T is seriously stepping up its game with major tech moves planned for 2025. Their latest strategy includes expanding their open radio access network (RAN), which is going to revolutionize how their networks operate.

Their ambitious plan to reach over 50 million locations with fiber broadband is making super-fast internet accessible to more people than ever.

The internship program is riding this wave of innovation, especially in cybersecurity, where interns get hands-on experience with cutting-edge tech.

The program keeps it real with practical tasks that matter.

Interns dive into:

• Running security assessments: Interns perform assessments on actual networks to ensure systems are robust.
• Building and testing protocols: Interns develop and evaluate new security protocols to protect data.
• Real-time threat monitoring: Interns engage in the active monitoring and analysis of threats as they occur.
• Learning from incident responses: Interns learn directly from responses to cyber incidents, gaining valuable insights.

What makes this internship stand out is its focus on real impact.

While working on legit projects takes up most of your time, you also get solid mentoring that helps shape your career path. Plus, AT&T's commitment to sustainability and future-focused initiatives means interns work on projects that actually matter for the future.

The career potential here is massive.

Most interns who crush it during their program end up landing full-time roles at AT&T, working on things like network security and threat analysis. The company's investing billions in new tech and infrastructure, which means tons of opportunities for growth.

They're not just looking for people to fill seats - they want innovators who can help shape the future of cybersecurity.

For anyone serious about breaking into cybersecurity, this internship is pretty much perfect.

You get real experience, amazing mentorship, and a chance to work with some seriously advanced technology. Plus, with AT&T's massive expansion plans, the timing couldn't be better to get involved.

Zillow's Data Analysis Internship program is seriously next-level, offering way more than just a basic intro to data work. As an Applied Scientist intern on the Growth AI team, you'll dive into machine learning pipelines and get your hands dirty with real project work.

The salary is pretty sweet too - ranging from $94,000 to $140,000 annually, depending on your location. What's really cool is that you can work from anywhere in the US, making it super flexible for students who want to gain experience while finishing their degree.

The program isn't just about crunching numbers - interns work on projects that actually matter.

You might find yourself supporting analysis for multiple $10M ideas or building automated data pipelines.

The tech stack is current with all the tools you need to learn: Python, SQL, machine learning frameworks, and big data processing tools like PySpark. Plus, you're not stuck in a corner - you'll collaborate with seasoned Applied Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers who'll help level up your skills.

What makes this internship stand out is the real impact you can have. Interns work on everything from improving search algorithms to developing AI models that help people find their dream homes. The company culture is incredible - they're all about innovation and inclusion, and they've got the awards to prove it. Whether you're into deep learning, NLP, or data analytics, there's a space for you to grow and make your mark while building some serious skills for your future career.

I've got to tell you about Infosys, a tech powerhouse that started with just $250 in 1981 and now rocks the digital services world.

Their Seattle office brings amazing opportunities right to Tacoma's doorstep. The Infosys InStep internship program, ranked #1 globally by Vault, isn't your average coffee-run gig - it's hands-on experience with machine learning, robotic process automation, and the latest tech that's shaping our future.

What's really cool is that everything's covered - from flights and accommodation to health insurance and even a gym membership!

As an intern, you'll dive into real projects using Java, Python, and C++, plus you'll get to explore emerging tech like AI and IoT. Working with teams across 50+ countries means you're not just coding - you're building solutions that impact millions of users worldwide.

The mentorship is seriously next-level, with direct access to tech leaders who've been in the game for years.

Recent interns have worked on everything from cloud computing projects to sustainability initiatives, and many have landed full-time positions afterward.

The program is super competitive but totally worth it - you get to work at some of the most advanced tech campuses while building your professional network. Whether you're into AI, cybersecurity, or cloud computing, there's a space for you to grow and make an impact.

The application process opens twice a year through their careers portal, and trust me, you'll want to jump on this opportunity.

With Infosys pushing boundaries in digital innovation and offering legit career paths, this internship is basically your fast track to the tech world's big leagues.

Plus, with their commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable tech, you'll be part of something bigger than just writing code.

Smartsheet offers one of the most exciting internship programs in tech, with their 2022 class receiving over 8,700 applications for just 44 spots. As highlighted in their internship program overview, interns bring fresh perspectives while gaining real-world experience across software engineering, product management, and network engineering teams.

The program isn't just about technical skills - it's about making an actual impact. Working from their headquarters in Bellevue, Washington, interns collaborate on projects that directly affect how over 80% of Fortune 500 companies manage their work.

The company's career opportunities include competitive pay, flexible work arrangements, and comprehensive benefits that make it an attractive destination for emerging tech talent.

What really stands out is their culture of continuous learning - interns get paired with mentors who provide guidance while working on meaningful projects. The success of the program speaks for itself, with 15 interns from the 2022 class accepting full-time positions in 2023.

For network engineering interns specifically, the experience includes hands-on work with enterprise-level infrastructure, security protocols, and system optimization.

The program provides real responsibility from day one, letting interns contribute to projects that impact millions of users worldwide. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Smartsheet's internship program offers the perfect launching pad for anyone looking to kickstart their career in tech.

The best part? Successful interns often receive full-time offers, with many going on to build impressive careers within the company's growing global team.

Tech internships in Tacoma are seriously transforming the game for students like me. Looking at real-world experiences and networking opportunities, these positions at companies like Boeing and Microsoft aren't just resume builders - they're launching pads for actual careers.

The coolest part? Almost 70% of interns end up getting full-time offers, which is huge for anyone trying to break into tech. I've noticed that hybrid and virtual internships are becoming more common, making it easier for students to balance work and life while gaining experience with cutting-edge tech.

What's really exciting is how these internships are evolving.

Companies are now focusing on hands-on projects in AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Plus, according to recent industry insights, tech roles are growing fast, with an 11% increase expected in the next decade.

The skills you learn during these internships - from coding to problem-solving - are exactly what employers are looking for. It's not just about what you know from books anymore; it's about proving you can handle real projects and adapt to new technologies.

For anyone looking to land these opportunities, I'd say focus on building a strong portfolio of projects, connect with professionals on LinkedIn (seriously, it works!), and definitely look into coding bootcamps or specialized courses.

The tech industry moves super fast, and staying current through internships and continuous learning is basically essential. Local tech leaders keep saying that today's interns are tomorrow's innovators, and from what I've seen in Tacoma's growing tech scene, they're absolutely right.