Co-Op Developer - Digital Product 2027

Introduction

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 the most innovative and valuable companies in the world. Your ability to accelerate impact and make meaningful change for your clients is enabled by our strategic partner ecosystem and our robust technology platforms across the IBM portfolio, including Software and Red Hat.

Curiosity and a constant quest for knowledge serve as the foundation for success in IBM Consulting. In your role, you'll be encouraged to challenge the norm, investigate ideas outside of your role, and come up with creative solutions that result in ground-breaking impact for a wide network of clients. Our culture of evolution and empathy centers on long- term career growth and development opportunities in an environment that embraces your unique skills and experience

To give yourself the best opportunity for success, we advise applying only to roles that align with your skills and experience, rather than applying broadly across all entry-level positions. You'll receive a status update email for each application, so be sure to check your IBM Careers account regularly — it's the best way to get a centralized view of which roles you have active applications against.

Your role and responsibilities

During your co-op, you can enhance your knowledge and gain professional experience by working on client projects. You will primarily execute tasks, implement required configurations, under supervision. This role provides an exceptional opportunity to build a compelling portfolio, acquire new skills, gain insights into diverse industries, and embrace novel 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'll experience this culture and could

advance to our full-time Associates program, after graduation, based on results and performance.

• Application Development: Develop and enhance software applications and digital solutions under senior developer guidance.

• Front-End & Back-End: Support development using technologies such as Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, or similar.

• Integration & Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams to integrate applications with internal and external systems through APIs.

• Quality & Testing: Participate in testing, debugging, troubleshooting, and code reviews to ensure application quality.

• Documentation: Contribute to technical documentation, solution designs, and development guidelines.

• Agile Collaboration: Work within an agile team, participating in planning, development activities, and team discussions.

• Continuous Learning: Build knowledge of software engineering, cloud technologies, APIs, and digital product development through hands-on experience and mentorship.

• Co-op 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.

Required technical and professional expertise

• Currently pursuing a university degree with a track record of academic success (preferred majors: Computer Science, MIS, Software Engineering, Web Development, or related fields).

• Strong interpersonal skills that enhance collaboration and relationship building, while managing dynamic workloads 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 when classes are in session (fall/spring semesters) and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks (e.g., summer).

Preferred technical and professional experience

• No preferred qualifications specifiedFamiliarity with application development, web development, or digital product engineering concepts through coursework, personal projects, internships, or other hands-on experience.

• Working knowledge of HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and/or modern front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Vue.js); experience with back-end development is a plus.

• Experience with Git or other version control tools and familiarity with development or CI/CD tools is a plus.

• 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 is a plus.

• Exposure to agile development methodologies, software testing practices, or DevOps concepts is a plus.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.