A recent interview with a Google software engineer offers timely and practical advice for computer science students in Thailand and across the globe, emphasizing that securing an internship—even in a student’s first or second year—can be a crucial gateway to landing a future position at a top international tech firm. The engineer, who earned a full-time offer after interning with Google for two summers, reveals that the threshold for getting accepted into early-stage programs is considerably lower, providing an accessible pathway for aspiring students facing today’s competitive technology job market (Business Insider).
For many Thai students, the prospect of working at global giants such as Google may seem distant, especially amid tightening job markets and an influx of artificial intelligence tools reducing some traditional coding roles. Nevertheless, the new research suggests that strategic participation in first- and second-year internship programs—where interview difficulty is reduced and expectations are tailored to beginners—can dramatically increase students’ prospects. The engineer explains, “It’s a first and second-year program for computer science students, and the hiring bar is much, much lower. For example, they’ll ask like a Leetcode easy instead of a Leetcode medium,” referencing the online coding practice site, Leetcode, known to many Thai STEM students.
This focus on early-stage exposure aligns with trends in the Thai education sector, where universities such as Chulalongkorn, Thammasat, and King Mongkut’s are integrating work-integrated learning and industry partnerships into their curricula. However, with Big Tech’s selection process becoming more competitive post-pandemic, reliance on traditional academic performance may not be enough. The Google engineer stresses the importance of organizing and tracking internship applications meticulously, rather than taking a scattershot approach. By carefully documenting each stage of the application process, students can better prepare for targeted interviews—a tactic equally applicable to Thai students, who are often balancing multiple responsibilities.
Securing a recommendation or referral emerges as another influential factor. In the case discussed, a professional connection—a referral from a family acquaintance working at Google—accelerated the engineer’s own application. “I got an interview really soon after she submitted the referral. You want to try to separate yourself from everyone as much as you can when you’re applying for these internships," he explained. For Thai students, this highlights the compounded value of building professional networks, including through alumni associations, university-industry linkages, and professional meetups—such as those organized by the Thailand Tech Association or local hackathons.
For those struggling to secure direct industry experience due to the current employment squeeze, the engineer recommends building up skills independently through personal projects, which can then strengthen one’s résumé. “The best way to learn these basic computer science fundamentals is really just like doing things on your own,” he notes—a message echoed by educators at institutions such as Mahidol University International College, who encourage “maker” and open-source projects as pathways to real-world coding mastery. In Thailand, where online courses in coding, AI, and cloud computing have become increasingly accessible, this advice is both timely and actionable.
Interestingly, the engineer also stresses the value of independence and resourcefulness once a student does secure an internship or entry-level role. By tackling challenges without immediately seeking help, new hires can better understand interconnected systems and eventually develop the expertise to assist others—a principle that has long been emphasized in Thai education under the sufficiency economy philosophy, which promotes self-reliance and adaptive learning.
Expert opinions in Thailand support this approach. A senior lecturer in computer engineering at a major Bangkok university shares that “internships and proactive networking are underutilized tools among Thai students. This advice aligns with the rapid evolution of hiring practices in the global tech sector. Students willing to step outside their comfort zone and actively manage their career pathways—through early internships, networking, and self-driven learning—are better positioned for success.”
Historically, Thai computer science graduates have faced challenges in breaking into top international firms or even securing competitive roles at leading local companies. Systemic obstacles such as language barriers, unfamiliarity with international hiring standards, and limited access to referrals often play a role. This new research amplifies the importance of bridging these gaps, underscoring that even in a shifting job market marked by layoffs and increased automation, practical steps can tilt the odds in students’ favor.
Looking ahead, the growing trend of remote internships and global recruiting by tech firms offers both hope and challenges to Thai students. On one hand, geographic boundaries are becoming less relevant; on the other, competition is fiercer than ever, with candidates from around the world vying for the same opportunities. A recent survey from JobsDB Thailand revealed a rising number of students seeking technology internships and remote roles, but a majority remain unaware of first- and second-year “pipeline” programs at top firms (JobsDB Thailand).
To maximize chances, Thai students are encouraged to:
- Seek information about early-year internships from university career centers, social media groups, and tech community events in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Khon Kaen.
- Carefully organize all job and internship applications, using online tools or spreadsheets.
- Focus on mastering underlying computer science concepts, not only preparing for specific interview questions.
- Leverage university alumni networks and industry mentors to seek out referrals.
- Build personal coding portfolios through self-initiated projects and open-source contributions.
- Take advantage of free or low-cost digital courses to round out technical and soft skills.
For Thai parents and educators, the message is clear: encourage students not to wait until their final years to pursue internships, and foster an environment where building professional relationships and practical experience is normalized alongside strong academic performance.
The competitive landscape faced by today’s Thai computer science students may seem daunting, but as demonstrated by the Google engineer’s journey, early and strategic engagement—combined with skill-building and networking—remains one of the most practical routes to meaningful careers in technology. As one Thai tech recruiter observes, “The digital economy in Thailand is expanding fast, but students must be proactive, globally minded, and adaptable to thrive. The earlier they begin, the more likely they’ll succeed.”
For parents, students, and educators alike, the actionable takeaway is this: don’t wait for final exams or graduation—start today, get your foot in the door, and build the foundation for tomorrow’s technologies.
For more detailed insights on application strategies and skill development for tech sector interns, see the original Business Insider article.