Getting an internship at Illumina can be a great way to gain valuable experience in the biotech and genomics industry. As a global leader in DNA sequencing and array technologies Illumina offers interns the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that aim to advance genomic science for human health.
One of the key questions students have when applying for internships is – how much does it pay? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Illumina intern compensation and benefits to help you understand what to expect.
Illumina Intern Pay
According to self-reported data on Glassdoor, the average base pay for an Illumina intern is around $8,000 for a 12-week summer internship. This works out to around $33/hour assuming a standard 40 hour work week.
However, pay can vary depending on factors like:
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Location – Interns based in higher cost-of-living areas like the San Francisco Bay Area tend to be paid more.
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Type of internship – Interns working in technical/engineering roles may receive higher compensation compared to those in non-technical functions.
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Level of education – Master’s and PhD students are sometimes paid slightly more than undergraduate interns
While the average pay is around $8,000 for the summer, some interns have reported earning as high as $10,000 or as low as $5,000. So there can be a decent range based on role and experience.
In addition to hourly or monthly pay, some Illumina interns may receive additional compensation like:
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Signing bonus – Illumina offers signing bonuses to some interns, usually around $2,000.
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Housing stipend – Interns who need to relocate for the summer may get extra funds to cover housing costs.
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Travel reimbursement – Illumina may reimburse travel expenses like flights and transportation for interns coming from out of town.
Full-Time Return Offers
Many Illumina interns receive return offers to come back full-time after graduation. The starting pay for full-time entry-level roles can vary depending on position, but Glassdoor data shows an average base pay of around $77,000 for R&D scientists and engineers straight out of college.
Other non-technical roles like marketing, finance, HR, and operations show average starting salaries between $65,000 to $75,000.
So interning at Illumina can not only provide good pay for the summer, but a path to a high-paying full-time job down the line.
Benefits
In addition to compensation, Illumina provides interns with many benefits:
Professional Development
- Mentorship from an Illumina employee to provide guidance and support
- Networking events to meet senior leaders
- Technical training and seminars related to your role
- Workshops focused on professional skills like communication, project management, and teamwork
Perks
- Free lunch every day or lunch stipends
- Gym membership reimbursement
- Commuter benefits
- Employee discounts for Illumina products and services
Work Culture
- Community involvement through volunteering events
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
- Social events like hiking, happy hours, game nights, and more to bond with fellow interns
Health/Wellness
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Mental health coverage
- Generous paid time off and holidays
Future Opportunities
- Chance to get a full-time job offer from Illumina after graduation
- Early exposure to company culture and technologies
- Potential for publication or patent of research
Illumina is frequently ranked among the best companies for internship programs because of its combination of competitive pay, excellent benefits, and meaningful projects that provide real-world experience.
How to Get an Internship at Illumina
If you’re interested in applying for an Illumina internship, here are some tips:
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Check Illumina’s internship page yearly starting in August/September when new positions are posted. Programs run during summer and some times winter/spring.
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Make sure your resume highlights relevant coursework, lab skills, programming languages, or previous internships. Tailor your resume to each role.
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Emphasize your problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and enthusiasm for Illumina’s mission.
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For technical roles, highlight lab techniques, programming proficiency, statistics, and software knowledge.
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Be prepared to complete a video interview, coding challenge, or case study depending on the position.
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Express passion for genomics and improving healthcare during interviews. Ask thoughtful questions.
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Apply early! Competitive positions fill up quickly. Have all materials ready to submit.
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Leverage campus resources like professors, career centers, and alumni networks.
With over 35 global locations, Illumina has hundreds of internship opportunities each year. Come ready to contribute your skills and talents, and you could land an internship that helps launch your career in biotechnology.
The application process takes time so start preparing your materials well in advance. With the right qualifications and interview skills, you can earn a coveted internship slot at one of the most successful and innovative companies in genomics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is it to get an Illumina internship?
Illumina internships are very competitive, especially for technical roles in engineering and bioinformatics. The company receives thousands of applications every year for a few hundred intern slots worldwide. Having a high GPA, relevant lab/research experience, and demonstrated interest in genomics helps your chances.
When should I apply for an Illumina internship?
Most Illumina internships open up a year before the actual program start date. Start looking for openings on the careers site around August-September for summer internships (May-August) and January-February for spring or winter internships. Popular positions fill up fast so apply early.
What types of internships does Illumina offer?
Illumina has diverse internship areas beyond just lab research, including:
- Software engineering
- Bioinformatics
- Data science
- Manufacturing and operations
- Marketing and sales
- Finance and accounting
- Legal and IP law
- Human resources
- Corporate social responsibility
Does Illumina provide housing for interns?
Illumina does not directly provide housing for interns, but some locations offer housing stipends to help with costs if you are relocating for the program. There are also often Facebook groups to connect you with other interns to find shared housing.
Do I need to have previous research experience to get a technical internship?
While not absolutely required, having some undergraduate research experience or coursework related to your intern role is helpful for standing out. Things like working in campus labs, taking advanced science courses, completing coding projects, or assisting professors with studies can all demonstrate relevant experience.
Are international students eligible for Illumina internships?
Yes, Illumina does welcome and sponsor interns requiring visa sponsorship. That said, U.S. citizens and permanent residents tend to have a higher acceptance rate as there is additional time and cost associated with visa processing.
Can I do part-time internships at Illumina?
Most Illumina internships are designed to be full-time immersive experiences. Some locations and teams may offer flexibility for part-time schedules, but full-time is more common. Speak with recruiters about your needs.
Does Illumina hire interns for full-time roles?
Yes, many Illumina interns receive return offers to join the company full-time after graduation. Performing well during your internship and demonstrating alignment to Illumina’s mission is key to getting a return offer.
