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SunStart International Internship Programme.

How long is the work placement?

This work placement is one year long, between your 3rd and 4th year of study. You will take a year out and work for Sun, most likely at one of their labs in the USA. At the end of your work placement, you will have to return to complete your 4th year of study.

Who can apply?

This scheme is open to 3rd year students. The top 40 will be invited to apply, although we are happy to consider applications from any 3rd year students.

How many internships are there?
Sun recruits students from a number of Scottish universities and the number varies from year to year. For 2008 - 2009 Sun awarded 3 internships (out of 5 places) to students in the School of Informatics.  

For 2009-2010 there are 5 places available, job descriptions will be posted on the SUN website shortly: www.sun.com/studentzone

For your information, the job description from session 06/07 is included below

Internship
The intern will gain knowledge of SUN's hardware range, system and application software.  In addition he/she will benefit from working within a highly experienced software/ hardware team and indeed be part of that team.  The position will be working in the Services Global Labs and the successful candidate will have exposure to SUN's latest hardware and software offerings as they are released.  Tasks undertaken by the intern may include the following:
Installation, configuration (hardware and software) , tuning and system administration of Services Global Lab systems, project work in the lab.
This will enable the intern to gain hands on experience and knowledge of Unix hardware and associated system software.  Developing/ enhancing applications that will be used in-house by SUN.  One long term project will be given to the successful applicant on starting work.  This will enable the intern to understand the implications of a reasonable sized application throughout all the stages of the software cycle.  ngoing planning and development towards expansion of the laboratory infrastructure.  The intern will work with the existing lab engineer/ labtool development engineer from whom he/ she will gain knowledge/ experience. 

Requirements:  Willingness and ability to absorb a large amount of information within a short timeframe.  Ability to co-operate and communicate effectively with other individuals. 

Experience or knowledge in the following technical areas would be a distinct advantage:  At least 1 year using Unix (essential) 'C', 'C++' or Java programming languages (essential), Networking (essential), Show system Architecture of one platform (preferable), Solaris at user level (preferable), Structured programming techniques (preferable), NFS (preferable), Scripting languages (perl/ tcl) (preferable), Database skills (preferable).
Training in some of these areas may be given where appropriate.

Marginal functions:  'C', 'C++' or Java programming languages

Job Requirements
Required Knowledge: At least 1 year using Unix (essential), 'C', 'C++' or Java programming languages (essential), Networking (essential).

Preferred Knowledge: Show system Architecture of one platform (preferable), Solaris at user level (preferable), Structured programming techniques (preferable), NFS (preferable), Scripting languages (perl/ tcl) (preferable), Database skills (preferable)

Additional Details
Years of Experience: 1
Minimum Level of Education: University
Field of Study: Computer Science

The Application Process

Stage 1: Submit your CV
Please submit your CV to SUN online at:  www.sun.com/studentzone
Using one of the following reference numbers: 561677, 561678, 561680, 561681, 561679.

Please also submit your CV by email to jbathga1@inf.ed.ac.uk

Applications are invited as soon as possible, as initial screening of applications begin in November 2008.

Stage 2: Interviews
Candidates for interview will be contacted by SUN managers to arrange an interview, interviews are likely to take place in January 2009.  Offers will be made by 28th February with the internship taking place between July 2009 and July 2010.

Visa Application

Those of you who will go to the USA, will have to apply for a visa. Sun representatives co-ordinate the visa application process, e.g. arrange for all applications to be processed at the same time. If you are thinking of applying for the internship, please check the expiry date on your passport now!

Internship Briefing

Before you take up employment with Sun, they will hold a briefing session. The purpose of this briefing is to welcome you to Sun, give you useful information on being one of their employees, an opportunity to meet all other interns, etc.  It is also a PR event so you will have some exposure to the media!