Navigating Drone Industry Internships: A Guide for Third-Year Software Engineering Students

As a third-year software engineering student, applying for internships in the drone industry can seem daunting, especially without a deeper background in the field. This guide aims to provide insights and strategies for securing top-tier internship opportunities in the drone industry, highlighting both the academic pathways and alternative routes to success.

Understanding the Academic Landscape

Software engineering, while a specialized field within computer science, is often integrated into broader undergraduate programs at many top universities. This means that your undergraduate program might not be as academically rigorous, which could initially hinder your qualification for certain internships. However, this roadblock can be overcome through innovative approaches and targeted efforts.

Research Internships and Publications

For those with a passion for research, opportunities like internships at prestigious institutions such as EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) and ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) can be a valuable stepping stone. These institutions frequently offer research internships in areas related to embedded software for drones and robotic equipment. By publishing research papers at these internships, you can bolster your profile and increase your chances of securing a position in the drone industry, even without a Master’s degree.

Alternative Routes: Workarounds and Strategies

The path to internships can be marred by systemic issues such as anti-immigrant and racist policies, which can make international internships challenging. Despite these obstacles, there are several strategies you can employ to overcome these barriers:

Google Summer of Code (GSoC)

One of the most accessible routes for gaining meaningful experience and exposure to the drone industry is by participating in programs like Google Summer of Code (GSoC). GSoC provides stipends to students for working on open-source projects, a platform that can lead to exposure and recognition in the field. By contributing to projects related to embedded computer vision, particularly those involving embedded GPU or FPGA platforms, you can demonstrate your skills and build a strong portfolio.

Research Contests and Competitions

Further enhancing your profile, participating in research contests and challenges can be incredibly beneficial. For instance, contests like the DAC System Design Contest (SDC) and the "Low-Power Computer Vision" (LPCV) Challenge offer opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and publish research papers. Notable figures such as Prof. Yung-Hsiang Lu from Purdue University often co-organize these contests, providing valuable mentorship and exposure.

Hardware/Software Co-Design

To further impress potential employers, consider combining hardware and software skills by working on projects that involve co-design for FPGA platforms. This approach not only showcases your technical prowess but also aligns with the interests of renowned researchers like Dr. Shane Ryoo. By winning “Best Paper” awards and sharing your work on platforms like Quora, you can attract the attention of industry experts and potential employers.

Pivoerting Your Focus

While drone technology is exciting, it is important not to limit your focus to this specific area. The world faces numerous existential challenges that require innovative solutions. From improving cancer diagnostics to tackling climate change and natural disasters, the application of software engineering skills can make a profound impact. By pivoting your focus towards solving real-world problems, you can broaden your career opportunities and contribute to meaningful causes.

Conclusion

While the path to securing drone industry internships as a third-year software engineering student can be challenging, it is far from impossible. By combining research opportunities, active participation in contests, and focusing on real-world problem-solving, you can overcome barriers and position yourself for success in the competitive world of software engineering.