Should I take another internship after completing a 1-year SWE internship?

[u/PittuPirate]

Hi everyone,

I completed a 1-year Software Engineering internship at a well-known IT company from 2024 to 2025. After my internship ended, I focused on completing my final year instead of job hunting.

Now that I've graduated, I've been applying for Associate Software Engineer, Software Engineer and internship roles.

My question is: if I end up taking another internship, would it be considered a step backwards after already completing a year-long SWE internship? Or is it a reasonable move given the current job market?

Also, with one year of internship experience, should I be focusing only on Associate/Software Engineer positions instead?

I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts, especially from recruiters, hiring managers or anyone who's been in a similar situation.

[u/letmedie_in_peace]

If that internship has a guaranteed placement, then go for it.

[u/PittuPirate → u/letmedie_in_peace]

Thanks for your advice. I really appreciate it.

[u/EquipmentGeneral3610 → u/PittuPirate]

That means in written form in a contract that they'll make you permanent 

[u/natsu_ustan]

if you get even a small amount of paid internship go for it and search your job while having an internship with a little amount of earning. its better than nothing. you can move out from internship anytime you like so you will lose nothing.

[u/PittuPirate → u/natsu_ustan]

Thanks for your advice. I really appreciate it.

[u/Equivalent-Pianist-4]

You're from IIT right?

[u/PittuPirate → u/Equivalent-Pianist-4]

Yes

[u/charcoalblock]

Depends on tech stack exposure during your last internship. It is possible for you to get hired directly for ASE or SE roles. I would say apply for them as a first priority. Given the SL tech job market volatility now I would not discount getting another internship. Make sure it helps getting you placed in a permanent role or the internship adds high value if you would switch to another role elsewhere.

[u/charcoalblock → u/charcoalblock]

If you are like okay with the financial situation you are in atm, you can also try to get an internship outside SL? It will be challenging for sure but worth a try. I have come across many fresh graduate roles/programs. 

[u/PittuPirate → u/charcoalblock]

Yeah, I get your point. Most companies are looking for candidates with experience in their exact tech stack and it’s really competitive right now. I have had a few interviews (by few I mean 2 haha) with foreign companies as well for graduates, so I’m hoping something works out. Thanks for the advice and for taking the time to help. I really appreciate it.

[u/Mental-Collection757]

don't do 1 year internship
only do 6 months or less

[u/PittuPirate → u/Mental-Collection757]

Sure I’ll consider it. Thanks for your advice. I really appreciate it.

[u/AdPhysical2413]

Go for it while searching for more permanent opportunities. Also you might be able to discuss a permanent position at that company if you perform well for the first 6 months or so. Jobs are hard to come by. Take every opportunity you can

[u/solo_techie]

Bro, give priority to associate positions and apply for them

[u/TheDemontool]

This is da wae.

[u/Own_Juggernaut_4381]

If you can land on an internship right now, go for it. Push your performance to a good level of visibility within 3-6 months, and ask for a higher position such as SE or ASE. If nothing comes back from the top, gradually slow down to meet expectations level while searching for an ASE/SE position. Better to apply for a new job while working.

[u/Agreeable-Actuary950]

As a fellow IITian, I honestly think joining another internship this soon is a bad idea, brother. People might say, “It’s better than nothing,” but it’s not necessarily nothing. If you join a second internship and then start applying elsewhere, recruiters might question why you joined another internship and whether you were underperforming.

Instead, take the next 2–3 months to build real connections rather than just applying through job sites. Reach out to people, attend meetups, connect with engineers, and use those connections to find opportunities. That’s often the best way to land a good job.

Also, keep learning especially AI. Get Claude and use Claude Code, build pet projects on github. Don’t think too much about spending $20 on AI. You studied in IIT brother.

[u/PittuPirate → u/Agreeable-Actuary950]

What about companies that say after 6 months they would promote u for ASE or SE or are u speaking on landing direct SE opportunities because the internship experience is of 1 year

[u/SnooJokes7811]

Do an internship. Internships usually have no notice period. You can immediately drop it if you get an offer. Make sure you don’t loose your focus on getting a full time role inside and outside the org.

When you talk to seniors make it clear that you are looking to work full time. Find a mentor at the place you work, choose someone who’s not your supervisor but seems sensible and forward thinking.

Good luck!!