Co-Op Developer Digital Product - 2027

About the role

A career in IBM Consulting is rooted in long-term relationships and close collaboration with clients across the globe. You'll work with visionaries across multiple industries to improve the hybrid cloud and AI journey for innovative and valuable companies. Your ability to accelerate impact and make meaningful change for clients is enabled by IBM's strategic partner ecosystem and robust technology platforms, including Software and Red Hat. This co-op role provides an opportunity to build a compelling portfolio, acquire new skills, gain industry insights, and embrace challenges for your future career.

At IBM, we prioritize continuous learning, skill development, and personal growth within a culture of coaching and mentorship. As a co-op, you may advance to our full-time Associates program after graduation based on performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance software applications and digital solutions under senior developer guidance.
• Support front-end and back-end development using technologies such as Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, or similar.
• Work with cross-functional teams to integrate applications with internal and external systems through APIs.
• Participate in testing, debugging, troubleshooting, and code reviews to ensure application quality.
• Contribute to technical documentation, solution designs, and development guidelines.
• Work within an agile team, participating in planning, development activities, and team discussions.
• Build knowledge of software engineering, cloud technologies, APIs, and digital product development through hands-on experience and mentorship.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a university degree (preferred majors: Computer Science, MIS, Software Engineering, Web Development, or related fields).
• Strong interpersonal skills that enhance collaboration and relationship building in an agile environment.
• Experience with at least one programming language or web technology (e.g., Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, SQL) through coursework, personal projects, or internships.
• Basic understanding of software development concepts, including application development, testing, debugging, version control, or APIs.
• Readiness to adapt, take ownership of tasks, learn new technologies, and communicate effectively in a collaborative, client-facing consulting environment.
• Ability to work up to 20 hours per week during classes (fall/spring semesters) and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks (e.g., summer).

Schedule

Year-long co-op at Penn State University Park, starting May 2027; up to 20 hrs/week during classes and 40 hrs/week during academic breaks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with application development, web development, or digital product engineering through coursework, personal projects, internships, or hands-on experience.
• Working knowledge of HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and/or modern front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Vue.js); back-end development experience is a plus.
• Experience with Git or other version control tools and familiarity with development or CI/CD tools.
• Understanding of REST APIs, data structures, databases, data modeling, and basic application integration patterns.
• Familiarity with cloud technologies, application platforms, content management systems, or other digital technologies.
• Exposure to agile development methodologies, software testing practices, or DevOps concepts.