Cracking the Code: Your Guide to Bloomberg Software Engineering Internships

Bloomberg L.P. stands as a global leader in financial data, technology, and media, revolutionizing the financial industry since 1981 with its Bloomberg Terminal. For students and graduates, interning at Bloomberg means working in an environment that values problem-solving, curiosity, and collaboration. Bloomberg internships are opportunities for students to get ahead in the financial services industry. Whether your passion lies in finance, journalism, software engineering, or analytics, the Bloomberg Summer Internship Program provides an environment where you can apply your skills to real projects that impact millions of users worldwide. This article provides a detailed guide to Bloomberg's software engineering internships, covering requirements, application tips, and what to expect during the internship.

What to Expect as a Bloomberg Engineering Intern

Bloomberg software engineers develop impactful solutions to complex, real-world problems. This is no different for our interns. As an intern, you'll become an expert on the Bloomberg Terminal and gain a deeper understanding of technology and finance. Engineering interns take ownership of their projects under the mentorship of full-time software engineers. Internships are available in summer, fall, and winter cycles, depending on location. During the ten weeks, interns also socialize and build connections with their peers through social outings and discounted or free access to events and cultural institutions through Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Key Responsibilities

As a Bloomberg engineering intern, you’ll be expected to:

Take ownership of projects under the guidance of your mentor.
Be a collaborative member of your team.
Have a deep understanding of data structures and algorithms.
Be an excellent problem solver.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

To be eligible for a Bloomberg software engineering internship, certain skills and qualifications are essential. Bloomberg also values soft skills like critical thinking, curiosity, problem-solving, and adaptability. Here's a breakdown:

Programming Experience: Proficiency in C, C++, Java, or Python is a must. Most of the work completed by Bloomberg engineers is in C++, JavaScript, and Python, so a general grasp of one of those programming languages is crucial.
Educational Background: You need to be working toward a BA, BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science AND have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies at time of application.
Technical Skills: A deep understanding of data structures and algorithms is crucial.
Problem-Solving Skills: Bloomberg seeks candidates who are excellent problem solvers.

The Application Process: Key Dates and Tips

Bloomberg internships typically open for applications in the early fall, around September to November, for the following summer cycle. In Canada, most roles in Toronto are posted during the fall recruitment season, giving students time to apply before the new year. Getting an internship at Bloomberg can be tricky - the programs are competitive and often receive significantly more applicants than open roles. Bloomberg accepts applications on a rolling basis, meaning the first ones in are the first to be reviewed (and potentially receive an internship offer). Applications must be submitted online unless a recruiter advises otherwise.

Read also: Unlocking Financial Insights

Application Deadline

Please submit your application by November 1, 2024. Applications received on or after November 1, 2024 will be reviewed on a rolling basis, pending program availability. If you are a first year student, we have a Launch internship program with a application process that will open in November.

Maximizing Your Application

Highlight Relevant Skills: Relevant and demonstrable skills can help make sure hiring managers notice your application.
Networking: Networking with a recruiter greatly improves your chances of landing an internship! Networking can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.
Supporting Documents: The online application portal also allows you to include supporting documents, like a cover letter or portfolio.

Bloomberg Internship Programs: Avenues for Exploration

Bloomberg provides numerous programs designed to introduce students to the company's culture and career opportunities.

Bloomberg Launch Programs: One-week seminars allowing students to explore the key business areas at Bloomberg, network with hiring managers, professionals, and recruiters, and engage in relevant workshops.
Discover Bloomberg: A series of programs for second- and third-year students to explore specific business areas at the company. The programs are in-person, so students must be relatively local or able to travel to the office locations to participate.
First-Year Insights: A series of online workshops for first-year students from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds.
Bloomberg Engineering Accelerator Program: Provides Black and Latinx students vital skills for preparing for technical interviews. Students have weekly one-on-one mentoring and coaching sessions with a Bloomberg engineer to help them build coding, problem-solving, and technical interview skills.
Externships: The analytics and sales department offers four-day externships for second-year students to explore the diverse career paths at Bloomberg, network with professionals and recruiters, shadow specific roles, and build relevant job skills in personal branding and customer support.

Navigating the Interview Process

The Bloomberg engineering internship interview process typically involves several stages:

Virtual Interview: The first step in a Bloomberg engineering internship interview is a virtual interview over Zoom. A portion of the interview will include open-ended questions, allowing the interviewers to understand how you think. These questions may still be technical-based, but finding the correct answer isn’t the point.
Remote Onsite Interview: A kind of “remote onsite” style interview using their video conferencing platform.
Final Interview: A final interview with an engineering manager, which occurred in mid-December. It was also via video call and took about 1 hour.

Preparing for Interviews

Practice Technical Questions: When preparing for an interview, going through commonly asked questions can help you ready your answers so you sound confident and knowledgeable when answering. To prep, I did some Leetcode, watched data structures/algorithms review videos (I had previously taken a DS course at a community college concurrently during high school), and did 2 mock interviews.
Understand Bloomberg's Values: Bloomberg also values soft skills like critical thinking, curiosity, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Ask Questions: Ask questions whenever you can!

Compensation and Benefits of Bloomberg Internships

Bloomberg internships are paid, and students may receive certain benefits like corporate housing.

Salary Range: 42 - 52 USD Hourly. The referenced salary range is based on the Company's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level.
Benefits: We offer one of the most comprehensive and generous benefits plans available and offer a range of total rewards that may include merit increases, incentive compensation, [Exempt roles only], paid holidays, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability benefits, 401(k) +match, life insurance, and various wellness programs, among others.

A Glimpse into Bloomberg's Culture

In positive reviews, interns highlight a welcoming environment with a well-stocked pantry with free snacks, where interns are respected and involved throughout the organization. In addition to your technical projects, you’ll be immersed in Bloomberg culture and have the chance to participate in puzzle challenges, attend tech talks and wellness events, and network with other interns.

Bloomberg's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Bloomberg is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination in employment. It is Bloomberg's policy to provide equal opportunity and access for all persons, and the Company is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified individuals without regard to age, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, parental or caring status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy or maternity/parental leave, protected veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other classification protected by applicable law (each, a "Protected Characteristic"). Bloomberg provides reasonable adjustment/accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable adjustment/accommodation to apply for a job. Examples of reasonable adjustment/accommodation include but are not limited to making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format or using specialized equipment.

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