Software Engineering Intern - Back End

As a Software Engineering Intern - Back End at Zscaler, your primary responsibilities will include developing scalable systems, designing and implementing APIs, collaborating with various teams to optimize system integrations, and tackling real-time challenges such as logging improvements. You will engage in hands-on projects that enhance performance and reliability of backend services.

To qualify for the Software Engineering Intern - Back End role at Zscaler, you should be a rising sophomore or junior pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, along with a strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and database systems like SQL or NoSQL, is essential.

Having experience with distributed systems, cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure, and familiarity with logging frameworks can significantly strengthen your application for the Software Engineering Intern - Back End position at Zscaler. Additionally, any hands-on experience with API development or microservices will help you stand out as a candidate.

During your internship at Zscaler as a Software Engineering Intern - Back End, you may work on projects like optimizing APIs for better performance, implementing robust logging and monitoring frameworks, or designing microservices architecture. You could also get involved in automating tests to ensure backend system reliability.

The culture at Zscaler is vibrant and inclusive, designed to empower interns in their careers. Zscaler promotes collaboration and provides an environment where innovation thrives, allowing you to work closely with experts who share a passion for cloud security and technology. As an intern, you'll also participate in various training and networking opportunities.

When discussing a challenging programming project, be sure to highlight your specific role, the technologies you used, and how you overcame any obstacles. Use clear metrics to show your impact on the project, and frame it as a learning experience.

To ensure code quality, emphasize the importance of writing clean, maintainable code, using version control systems, conducting peer reviews, and testing your code rigorously. Discuss your experience with testing frameworks or tools that you've utilized.

Explain that APIs are crucial for enabling communication between different software components. Share examples of APIs you've developed or interacted with, demonstrating how they facilitated data exchange and functionality between systems.

Discuss your coursework or projects that involved data structures and algorithms. Mention specific examples of how you've implemented them in coding challenges or applications, along with any relevant performance optimization techniques.

Detail your proficiency in various programming languages, particularly focusing on those relevant to the position, like Python, Java, and C++. Highlight any projects or experiences where you've successfully used these languages.

When explaining microservices, mention that they are an architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled services. Discuss the benefits, such as increased flexibility and scalability, and relate any projects where you've implemented or worked with microservices.

To prioritize tasks, describe your approach to assessing the urgency and importance of each task. Mention strategies like creating a task list, employing time management tools, and communicating effectively with team members to adapt to changes quickly.

Detail any hands-on experience with cloud services, specifically AWS, GCP, or Azure. Discuss projects you've worked on utilizing these platforms, along with the benefits you observed in scalability and efficiency.

Talk about your openness to feedback and how it contributes to your growth as a developer. Provide an example where you received constructive criticism and successfully improved your work as a result.

When answering this question, reflect on Zscaler's mission and your interest in cloud security and technology. Discuss how Zscaler's values align with your career goals and how you see yourself contributing to the team's success.