Tesla is one of the most innovative and exciting companies in the world, leading the charge toward a sustainable future. If you’re passionate about technology and sustainability, interning at Tesla can be an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience, work on cutting-edge projects, and make a positive impact on the world.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to get an internship at Tesla, offer tips on acing the interviews, and provide an overview of the company culture and current projects.
Why You Should Pursue An Internship At Tesla
Tesla has revolutionized the automotive and energy industries, and working there can be a unique and transformative experience. Interning at Tesla provides an opportunity to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to cutting-edge technology.
Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy is a significant draw for many candidates, and the company’s focus on innovation and collaboration makes it an exciting place to work. Furthermore, successful interns at Tesla have gone on to impressive careers in tech and engineering, making it a valuable investment in your future.
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How To Get An Internship At Tesla
- Research open internship positions at Tesla
- Prepare your resume and cover letter
- Apply to the internship(s) of your choice
- Prepare for the interviews
- Ace the interviews
- Follow up
These are the steps you should take in order to get yourself an internship at Tesla.
It’s not easy to land an internship at Tesla but following these steps will help immensely. Here is the expanded version of these steps so you can have a clearer picture of what it will take to cut through the competition and land the role you want.
Step 1: Research open internship opportunities at Tesla
The first step to getting an internship at Tesla is to research the different opportunities available. Visit the Tesla careers website and browse the available internships in different departments and locations. Pay attention to the requirements and qualifications for each position, as well as the duration and timing of the internship.
Types Of Internships Offered At Tesla In 2023
There are all sorts of internships offered at Tesla. Some are Summer internships and others take place in the Spring and Fall. Most are available in Palo Alto, California. However, there are different roles available all over the country.
Here is a list of all of the types of internships currently available at Tesla along with a few examples in each category. Keep in mind, there are a lot more internships than this so do your own research.
Vehicle Software
- System Validation Automation
- Software Release Technical Program Manager
- Vehicle Firmware & Embedded Systems
- Mobile Engineering
Engineering & Information Technology
- Electronics Design
- Cell Test Engineering Internship
- Cell Materials Engineering Internship
Vehicle Service
- Tech Trainee
Autopilot & Robotics
- Autopilot Autonomy Tools Internship
- Firmware Engineering Internship, Tesla Bot
- Controls Engineering Internship, Tesla Bot
- Autonomy Internship, Tesla Bot
Energy – Solar & Storage
- Product Design Internship
- Megapack Applications Engineering Internship
- Power Systems Internship
Finance
- Payroll Internship
- FP&A and Business Operations Internship
- Accounting & Finance Internship
Design
- Digital Design Developer
- Car Design Internship
Legal & Government Affairs
- EV Charging and Energy Public Policy
Environmental, Health & Safety
- Environment, Health, Safety & Security Internship
- Workplace Utility/Waste Internship
Sales & Customer Support
- Business Analyst, Used Cars Internship
HR
- Operations Training Coordinator Internship
- Recruiting Internship
Construction & Facilities
- Construction Project Manager Internship
- Structural Engineering Internship
- Civil Engineering Internship
Supply Chain
- Supplier Industrialization Engineering Internship
- Planning Internship, Supply Chain
- Data Analyst/Engineer, Supply Chain Optimization
Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Development Program
- Manufacturing Engineering Internship – Powertrain and Energy Products
Operations & Business Support
- Retail Design Internship
External Relations & Employee Experience
- Product Knowledge Internship
Step 2: Prepare your resume and cover letter
Once you have identified the internships that interest you, it’s time to prepare your resume and cover letter. Your resume should highlight your relevant skills, education, and experience, while your cover letter should explain why you are interested in working at Tesla and how you can contribute to the company’s mission.
Be sure to tailor your application to the specific internship you are applying for and follow the application instructions carefully. If you want to know what your resume and cover letter might look like, take a peek at some of the examples below.
Step 3: Apply to the internship(s) of your choice
After you have decided which internship(s) you want to apply for and you have prepared your application materials, it’s time to apply. This should be done online through the Tesla careers website. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline and follow up with the recruiter if you haven’t heard back within a few weeks.
When to Apply for Internships at Tesla
Tesla offers internships throughout the year, with the application process opening in September for the following summer. It’s important to apply early and be prepared to go through the rigorous application and interview process. If you miss the summer internship deadline, Tesla may still have opportunities available for fall, winter, or spring internships.
Step 4: Prepare for the Interviews
If your application is selected, you will be invited to participate in one or more interviews with Tesla employees. The interviews may include both behavioral and technical questions and may be conducted in person or via video conference. To prepare for the interviews, review common interview questions, practice your answers, and be ready to showcase your technical skills.
Step 5: Ace the interviews
The interview process at Tesla can be highly competitive, and the company is looking for individuals who are passionate, skilled, and able to work well in a team. Be sure to prepare thoroughly for both the behavioral and technical aspects of the interview process, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainability and technology.
Step 6: Follow up
After the interviews, it’s important to follow up with the recruiter to thank them for their time and express your continued interest in the position. You can also use this opportunity to ask any follow-up questions you may have and provide additional information that may help your candidacy.
Applying For A Tesla Internship
Applying for a Tesla internship is easy. However, submitting a proper application that leads to an interview is not as easy. It starts with your resume and cover letter. Below, I provided an example resume and cover letter for an internship position that’s currently available at Tesla.
Feel free to use it as a guide but be sure to customize it as necessary. You want to stand out when you submit your application. However, your resume and cover letter should be an accurate reflection of the experience, skills, and personality that you bring to the table.
Example Resume For Vehicle Firmware & Embedded Systems Intern At Tesla
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Email]
Objective:
To secure a Vehicle Firmware and Embedded Systems Internship position at Tesla, where I can utilize my knowledge in software and embedded systems development to contribute to the development of sustainable transportation solutions.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, XYZ University, [Expected Graduation Date]
Relevant coursework:
- Embedded Systems
- Digital Systems Design
- Microcontroller Design
- Control Systems
- Computer Organization
- Assembly Language
Skills:
- Proficient in programming languages: C, C++, Python, and MATLAB
- Experience with embedded system design and development
- Familiarity with software tools and applications for development and testing, including Git, JIRA, and Unit Test
- Knowledge of system-level architecture design and analysis
Experience:
Embedded Systems Project, ABC Company
- Worked on developing an embedded system-based temperature control system for a greenhouse.
- Designed and developed software in C programming language for the system.
- Conducted testing and debugging of the system using Unit Test and other software tools.
Student Researcher, XYZ University
- Conducted research on the development of a low-cost embedded system for autonomous vehicles.
- Designed and developed software in C programming language for the system.
- Conducted testing and debugging of the system using Unit Test and other software tools.
Projects:
Vehicle Firmware and Embedded Systems Project
- Developed firmware for a motor control system for an electric vehicle using C programming language.
- Implemented sensor interfaces for temperature, speed, and battery monitoring.
- Tested and optimized the firmware to ensure efficient and reliable operation of the motor control system.
Example Cover Letter For Vehicle Firmware & Embedded Systems Intern At Tesla
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Email]
[Date]
Hiring Manager
Tesla, Inc.
123 Main Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Vehicle Firmware and Embedded Systems Internship position at Tesla. As a highly motivated electrical engineering student with a passion for sustainable transportation solutions, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technology at Tesla.
As a student at XYZ University, I have gained extensive experience in embedded systems design and development, programming languages such as C, C++, and Python, and software tools and applications for development and testing. I have also completed relevant coursework in Embedded Systems, Digital Systems Design, Microcontroller Design, Control Systems, and Computer Organization and Assembly Language.
Through my academic and research experience, I have developed strong skills in system-level architecture design and analysis, as well as experience in conducting testing and debugging of embedded systems. I am confident that these skills and experiences make me a strong candidate for the Vehicle Firmware and Embedded Systems Internship position at Tesla.
In addition to my academic experience, I have also completed projects related to vehicle firmware and embedded systems design. For example, in a course project, I developed firmware for a motor control system for an electric vehicle using C programming language. This experience provided me with a solid foundation in developing firmware for electric vehicle motor control systems and implementing sensor interfaces.
I am excited about the opportunity to work with the highly talented team at Tesla and contribute to the development of sustainable transportation solutions. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Acing The Tesla Interviews
The interviews at Tesla for an internship position typically involve a mix of behavioral and technical questions. Here’s what you can expect from each:
Behavioral interviews
Behavioral interviews are designed to assess your past experiences and how you have handled various situations. In a Tesla behavioral interview, you may be asked questions about your previous work experiences, how you have handled conflict or challenging situations, and how you work in a team.
Technical interviews
Tesla is a company that relies heavily on technology and innovation, so you can expect to face some technical questions during the interview process.
In a Tesla technical interview, you may be asked questions about your understanding of engineering concepts, programming languages, or other technical skills that are relevant to the internship you are applying for.
You may also be asked to solve a technical problem or complete a technical challenge to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
Technical Interview Question Example
Here’s an example of a technical interview question that you might encounter during a Tesla internship interview:
“Can you walk me through the process of designing a battery management system for an electric vehicle?”
This question tests your knowledge of electrical engineering concepts and your ability to apply them to a real-world problem. To answer this question, you might describe the steps involved in designing a battery management system, including selecting the appropriate components, designing the system architecture, and testing and iterating the design.
You might also discuss how you would optimize the battery management system for maximum efficiency and reliability, and how you would address any challenges that arise during the design process. The interviewer may ask follow-up questions to further test your knowledge and problem-solving skills.
It’s important to remember that technical questions at Tesla can vary widely depending on the specific internship position and the interviewer’s areas of expertise. Be sure to review the job description and requirements for the position you’re applying for, and brush up on your technical skills in the relevant areas.
Research The Current Projects At Tesla
Tesla is constantly working on new and exciting projects, from electric vehicles to solar power systems. Some of the current projects at Tesla include:
- Developing self-driving technology for its vehicles
- Expanding its Supercharger network to make electric vehicle charging more accessible
- Building the Tesla Semi, an electric semi-truck
- Developing the Tesla Energy division to provide sustainable energy solutions for homes and businesses
- Expanding its Gigafactory network to increase battery production capacity
- And much more…
Practicing Your Interviewing Skills
Here are some ways you can practice your interviewing skills to prepare for Tesla internship interviews:
- Research common interview questions: Look up common interview questions online and make a list of the ones that you think may come up in your Tesla interview. Then, practice answering them out loud, either by yourself or with a friend.
- Mock interviews: Set up mock interviews with friends or family members to practice answering interview questions in a more formal setting. This will help you get used to the format of a real interview and allow you to get feedback on your answers.
- Join a career center or club: Many colleges and universities have career centers or clubs that offer mock interview sessions or interview coaching. Take advantage of these resources to get feedback on your interviewing skills.
- Attend career fairs: Attend career fairs and speak with recruiters from other companies to practice your networking and interviewing skills. This can help you build confidence and prepare for the Tesla interview.
- Use online resources: There are many online resources available that can help you practice your interviewing skills. You can use websites like Glassdoor to look up interview questions and reviews from previous Tesla interviewees, or use video interview platforms like HireVue to record and review your own practice interviews.
By practicing your interviewing skills, you can build confidence, improve your answers, and increase your chances of landing a Tesla internship. Remember to be yourself, stay focused, and showcase your passion for sustainability and technology, and you’ll be on your way to success.
What It’s Like To Intern At Tesla
Interning at Tesla can be an incredible experience, with opportunities to work on high-impact projects, learn from experienced professionals, and make a meaningful impact on the world.
Interns at Tesla are given real responsibilities and challenges and are expected to work collaboratively and independently. The work environment is fast-paced, demanding, and rewarding, with a focus on innovation and creativity.
Overview of the Company Culture at Tesla
Tesla has a unique company culture that values innovation, creativity, and collaboration. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future and empowering employees to make a positive impact on the world.
Tesla’s culture is fast-paced, dynamic, and demanding, with a focus on results and continuous improvement. Working at Tesla can be a rewarding and challenging experience, with opportunities for growth and learning.
What Interns Have To Say About Working At Tesla
Internships at Tesla don’t pay as much as other tech companies. However, students opt to intern there over other companies because there is so much more to gain besides just money. Working at Tesla will push you to grow. It’s truly a culture of innovation. Here is what a former intern at Tesla had to say about his experience there:
Final Thoughts
Getting an internship at Tesla can be a life-changing experience, providing opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and make a positive impact on the world. By following the steps outlined in this guide and preparing for the interviews, you can increase your chances of landing an internship at Tesla.
Remember to stay focused, motivated, and passionate about sustainability and technology, and you could be on your way to a rewarding career at Tesla.