Navigating Shopify's Internship Program: What You Need to Know
Z
Zack Saadioui
1/23/2025
Navigating Shopify's Internship Program: What You Need to Know
Are you ready to dive into the world of e-commerce with one of the BIGGEST players out there, Shopify? 🚀 If you're considering applying for a Summer or Fall internship, you've come to the right place!
Shopify's internship program is designed to provide valuable, hands-on experience for aspiring professionals looking to break into the tech industry. This guide will walk you through the vital aspects of the Shopify Internship Program, including application processes, interview tips, and what to expect as an intern. Let's unpack the details!
Understanding Shopify's Internship Program
A Peek Inside the Culture
When you think about working at a leading tech company, you often picture a vibrant culture that empowers employees to thrive. That's exactly what you can expect at Shopify. The internship program emphasizes collaboration, community, and growth. Interns are not just participants; they are treated like full-time employees, tasked with real projects that can make a difference for millions of merchants worldwide. Shopify emphasizes a culture where innovation is encouraged, and interns can voice their ideas freely.
For an insider look from previous interns, check out insights like those shared by Shopify Internships about mentorship experiences and personal growth.
Available Internships
Shopify offers various roles in its Engineering & Data Internship program, including:
Applied Machine Learning Engineer Intern: Use extensive data to help build products and fine-tune machine learning models.
Data Engineer Intern: Manage massive data pipelines that power commerce.
Software Engineer Intern: Translate product roadmaps into scalable and performant software.
Product Data Science Intern: Uncover insights to help inform Shopify's product decisions.
Security Engineer Intern: Assist with detecting and addressing security threats for Shopify and its merchants.
More information about these opportunities can be found on Shopify's intern program page.
Internship Requirements
One thing to note is that the internships require a commitment to work in-person at one of Shopify's Canadian offices (Montréal, Ottawa, or Toronto) at least THREE days a week. This is a crucial aspect as it fosters relationships between interns and the community. While this creates a certain level of commitment, it also builds a solid network that can help you throughout your career.
Steps to Apply for Shopify Internships
Step 1: The Application Process
Submitting a completed application is the first step in your journey. Your application will include your resume, a cover letter, and links to projects you've previously worked on. The key here is to stand out! Ensure your resume highlights relevant experiences and showcases your skills. If you need some inspiration, the Shopify recruiting team has compiled resume tips which can help you create a standout resume from the get-go.
Step 2: Assessments
Successful applicants will receive an email inviting them to complete a series of mandatory assessments. This may include technical challenges that will help you demonstrate your programming skills. Don’t sweat it; these assessments usually take about an hour, and you will be informed about your progress afterward.
Step 3: The Craft Assessment Interview
If you pass the assessments, you’ll move on to the Craft Assessment Interview. This may include discussing your coding prowess and the projects you’ve worked on. Be prepared to showcase your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Remember, Shopify places a high value on authentic talent and curiosity. If you are unsure about a technical question, it’s fine to admit it and show a willingness to learn instead of trying to bluff your way through it.
Step 4: The Life Story Interview
The Life Story interview is designed to dive deeper into your journey, experiences, and growth. You will talk about your motivations, what drives you, and how your past experiences have shaped who you are today. Being honest and open can foster genuine connections with the hiring team, so be yourself! Elio Hasrouni shared how this conversation-style interview truly reflects the personable nature of Shopify during his experience.
Step 5: The Decision
Congratulations! If selected, you will be placed on a team that matches your interests and skills. This involves taking into account where you’ll fit best and how you can contribute to Shopify's mission of creating a better commerce experience for everyone.
Tips for Success in the Interview Process
1. Prepare for the Technical Challenges
Try to tackle as many prepared coding challenges as you can. Practice real scenarios you might face on the job. Websites like LeetCode or HackerRank are fantastic for sharpening those skills.
2. Internalize Your Past Projects
Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. Understand the architecture, decisions you made, and the coding languages used. Interns often recommend bringing clear documentation that showcases your thought process and how you arrived at your solutions, which can make your discussion much easier. Get ahead of the curve by reading how past interns tackled their projects.
3. Showcase Teamwork Skills
Shopify values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you work well with others. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated on projects and how you can contribute to the team dynamic.
4. Ask Questions
Prepare meaningful questions for your interviewers that reflect your research on the company and the position you’re applying for. It shows genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role.
Life as a Shopify Intern
A Day in the Life
So, what can an intern expect on a daily basis? Interns often start their day with stand-up meetings, checking in with teammates about what they worked on and what they plan to tackle for the day. You may spend your mornings coding, but afternoons might include training sessions and team bonding activities! The focus on community is a massive part of Shopify's internship program experience.
Interns have highlighted events such as hackathons, summits, and team-building activities where interns can shine and showcase their skills while having FUN! Check out Nick Wu's experience for some light-hearted insights.
The Supportive Mentorship System
One of the coveted benefits of interning at Shopify is the mentorship offered to interns. You will be paired with a mentor who can guide you, helping you navigate the complexities of your role. Building a relationship with your mentor fosters autonomy and aligns your goals with the company’s mission. Mentorship has proven invaluable according to many former interns. Not to mention, you’ll have access to a larger network of colleagues who are more than willing to help you grow!
Post-Internship - What Comes Next?
After your internship, you may have the opportunity to transition into a full-time role at Shopify. Many former interns have shared that their experiences helped them land full-time positions! This brings us to how you can keep building your career after your time at Shopify:
Leverage Your Network: Stay connected with your teammates and mentors on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable connections and references in future job opportunities.
Add to Your Skillset: Continue learning. Taking advantage of Shopify’s resources and pursuing personal projects can enhance your skills.
Freelancing: If Shopify development piques your interest, consider freelancing to gain experience while also earning some income. Shopify's development community is vibrant and supportive, so it can be a great starting point!
Final Thoughts
Shopify's internship program is an INCREDIBLE launchpad for anyone looking to kick-start their tech career. Their commitment to sustainability, community, and professional growth creates an environment where interns are empowered to succeed. If you're eager to immerse yourself in the world of e-commerce, look no further than Shopify. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey where you can make a difference!
As you navigate your internship journey, don't forget to enhance your brand engagement using tools like Arsturn. With Arsturn’s seamless chatbot integrations, you can easily boost engagement across digital channels. Engage your audience and provide top-notch support, making your business shine as brightly as your internship experience! 😊
So, are you ready to level up your career? Start your application now and put your best foot forward on the path to SUCCESS at Shopify!