Data Engineer Intern – Client Innovation Center

Introduction

IBM Consulting Client Innovation Centers (CICs) are high-delivery, team-based environments where technologists work onsite to build real solutions for real clients. At CIC, interns collaborate closely with data engineers, data scientists, and consultants to support data platforms, pipelines, and analytics solutions across industries. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with data, building systems, and learning how large-scale data solutions are delivered in a collaborative, in-person environment.

Your Role And Responsibilities

This developmental and learning-focused role provides hands-on exposure to data engineering concepts, tools, and delivery practices in a professional consulting environment. Interns support data ingestion, transformation, and preparation activities under the guidance of experienced data engineers. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in building and maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines using established tools.
• Validating data quality, accuracy, and completeness across datasets.
• Contributing to data processing tasks using SQL and Python.
• Gaining exposure to modern data platforms, including cloud-based data lakes and warehouses.
• Participating in Agile project activities, including stand-ups and sprint reviews.
• Documenting data flows, pipeline logic, and implementation details.
• Building technical and professional skills through mentorship and hands-on project work.

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

Candidates should have coursework or hands-on experience in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field. Basic programming experience in Python or another language, and a foundational understanding of SQL and relational data concepts are required. Familiarity with core data concepts such as tables, schemas, transformations, and data validation is expected.

Analytical And Learning Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to work in a collaborative, team-based environment, and willingness to learn new tools and techniques are essential. The role requires following established processes and seeking guidance as needed.

Education

High School Diploma or GED is required. Candidates currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, AI, or a related field are preferred.

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

Exposure to ETL/ELT concepts, modern data platforms (e.g., dbt, Snowflake, BigQuery, Spark, Airflow), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or IBM Cloud), and experience working with data for analytics or machine learning coursework are desirable. Participation in team-based academic projects, hackathons, internships, or capstone courses is an advantage.

Key skills/competency

• Data Ingestion
• ETL/ELT
• SQL
• Python
• Data Validation
• Cloud Platforms
• Agile
• Mentorship
• Analytics
• Collaboration