Google Software Engineer Trainee Program

Google invites applications from computer science students from African universities to gain experience working in a European location (Zurich - Switzerland).

Google's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies for which we've become world-renowned. In addition to revolutionising search technology, we use our world-class programming skills to innovate in a number of other areas as well. Our projects include working on advanced information-retrieval algorithms, massive scalability and storage solutions, and large-scale applications that enrich the user experience. We also work extensively on networking systems, advertising systems and complex transaction systems in consumer applications.

Nigerian mobile applications developer, Oduntan Odubanjo was part of the Google Trainee programme last year and wrote about 9 lessons learned as a Google intern. You can read it here.

Software Engineer Intern, Africa Trainee Program - Zurich

This position is based in Zurich, Switzerland.

The area: Engineering, Software Engineering

The role: Software Engineer Intern, Africa Trainee Program

This internship is a fantastic opportunity for computer science students from African universities to gain experience working in a European location. Software engineering interns at Google are developers who yearn to create and implement full product life cycles – not just code solutions. You have a solid foundation in computer science, you consistently come up with new ideas and strive for a deep understanding of our products in order to be able to continually improve upon them.

Our teams develop massively scalable, distributed software systems and also collaborate on multitudes of smaller projects that have universal appeal – which requires research, awareness, interactivity and asking questions. You bring strong competencies in data structures and algorithms along with a technical fascination for how stuff fits together. You're motivated to experiment and take chances in order to make a difference in your field, unafraid to stand up for your ideas and eager to embrace change.

Interns at Google work on stimulating challenges every day. You'll be paired with an engineer who will serve as your host and technical leader, and you'll work on projects that have a direct impact on the way Google operates. Projects assigned will be achievable within twelve weeks to ensure candidates are given a real experience of the life cycle.

The Africa Trainee Programme Internship is a paid, full-time position and 3 months in length taking place from June to August.

Responsibilities:

• Research, conceive and develop software applications to extend and improve on Google's product offering.
• Contribute to a wide variety of projects utilizing natural language processing, artificial intelligence, data compression, machine learning and search technologies.
• Collaborate on scalability issues involving access to massive amounts of data and information.
• Solve all problems that come your way.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a BS, MS or PhD in computer science or a related technical field. Typically within 12-18 months of completing a Bachelor's or Master's degree, or at any stage in your PhD.
• Experience in systems software or algorithms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent programming skills (C++, Java, Python).
• Knowledge of UNIX/Linux or Windows environments and APIs.
• Familiarity with TCP/IP and network programming a plus.
• Fluency in English.