At IQM, we embrace diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives. Our global internship program goes beyond just offering a learning opportunity—it provides an opportunity to be part of our mission to build world-leading quantum computers for the well-being of humankind.
In this blog, we talked with four of our interns who successfully completed the program and transitioned to full-time positions. They shared their experiences about company culture, lessons learned, and offered advice for future interns, among others.
Anh is an enthusiastic, energetic Vietnamese native who is always curious about how things are made. With a bachelor’s degree in materials processing technology from the Arcada University of Applied Sciences and an ongoing master’s at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Finland, she always wants to implement her knowledge in the tech manufacturing industry.
“When the production engineer summer trainee position was open, I knew immediately this was the ideal opportunity for me to explore how the quantum processing chip is made,” she says.
Her desire to apply for an internship at IQM stems from her curiosity about how things are made in general, her keen interest in the semiconductor industry, and the cutting-edge advanced technology proven by quantum theories.
“The most valuable skills I gained were hands-on experience in a real-world production environment. This practical experience helped me understand and master tasks that are difficult to fully grasp through theories from courses and books alone.”
She believes that the internship program at IQM offers numerous opportunities for both personal and professional development, nothing: “It provides hands-on experience, practical skills, and excellent mentorship from experienced professionals. The programme fosters continuous learning and innovation and the chance to network with a diverse group of colleagues.”
Excited, Anh, who has moved into a full-time position as a Production Engineer, believes the program is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start one’s career from a university and be part of an innovative and supportive community.
She concludes by urging for future applicants. “Embrace the learning process, seek out professionals, and take advantage of the mentorship and support available. Make the most of the opportunity to grow and develop your skills.”
Having received meticulous training in handling, assembling and manufacturing mechanical parts on a very small scale, in addition to a basic understanding of electronics and soldering, his strong background has helped him to secure a role as an Assembly Technician at IQM.
Henri feels IQM’s internship program is well-structured. “The onboarding went smoothly, and my work tasks were both meaningful and well-instructed from the start. The support and mentoring I received from the IQM staff was way more than I was expecting. I could clearly feel that people believed in the company’s success and wanted to keep contributing to it.”
He explains that the internship has allowed him to hone his skills in an environment where people are building innovative technology and working to overcome all the challenges that come with the territory.
He advises future interns not to be scared by the word ‘quantum’. “I had only a limited understanding of how it all functions, yet I managed to complete my tasks perfectly. From the beginning it was more theoretical, but as I progressed, I gained a more profound understanding by engaging with the experienced people in our team who were eager to explain how quantum computers work.”
Henri will graduate in May 2025 from the Finnish School of Watchmaking.
Arttu, hailing from Finland, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Helsinki. He applied for data analyst trainee, and he did not have prior work experience. However, he says, “I think my studies prepared me well for many of the tasks that I face at work.
“After working a while, I realised that there was something from outside of the university that was quite useful. I feel like I have benefitted from the visual side of photoshopping, etc., as often the task of the data analyst is to make dashboards visually appealing.”
He explains how the support from his experienced team was helpful and had a positive impact on learning and improving. “Everybody seems to be very understanding of the fact that the context of quantum computers isn’t trivial and that we are all learning new stuff all the time.”
Through the internship, Arttu has improved his data visualisation and database querying skills, and the program has been a great start to his career as a junior data analyst at IQM.
“With the great expectations and potential of quantum computers, I believe this field holds a promising opportunity for a long-term career path. I even happened to get a permanent position after my internship, demonstrating that the internship at its best can be a career-defining opportunity.”
He advises those interested in participating in the program not to let quantum computing intimidate them; instead, they should see it as an exciting opportunity.
He has an information and communication technology (ICT) degree from 2016 and graduated from the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Finland 2024 as a Materials and Surface Engineering.
“When the summer job position was looking for extra hands to assist with a laboratory relocation, I saw it as a suitable opportunity because I had experience with both moving and electronics installations,” he says.
According to Emil, his motivation was the desire to learn new things and his interest in quantum computing. “The opportunity to work on my thesis on an interesting topic made the position even more appealing. The internship experience was excellent. I learnt a lot and had the chance to collaborate with different teams at IQM.”
He appreciates the mentorship experienced professionals have given him. “I had a dedicated mentor who was very active and helped me with everything, especially since my thesis topic ‘Investigation of Surface Contaminants on Copper Components for Quantum Computing Applications and Effective Method for Contaminants Removal Prior to Gold Plating’ was quite challenging.”
He describes the work culture and environment as easy to adapt to. “People had diverse backgrounds, and it was great to exchange thoughts and experiences. Three keywords: Community, Friendliness, Knowledge sharing.”
Emil, who is currently a delivery technician at IQM, encourages future interns to ask questions whenever something is unclear or they want to gain a better understanding of how things operate.
In May this year, IQM will host another cohort of students for internships across the organisation.
Galina Leväsluoto, who heads Talent Acquisition at IQM, shares that the company’s internship program is designed to help people grow — whether you are an undergraduate, graduate, a bootcamp alumni, self-taught, or switching careers.
“For many, it’s their first real job experience, so we make sure they are re set up to succeed. Interns get to work on real projects that actually matter, and they are guided by experienced teammates who are there to help every step of the way. It’s about learning by doing and being supported while you do it.”
You have heard from our recent interns who are thriving in their new positions. Now, it is your turn, your chance to gain hands-on experience and work alongside world-class professionals and mentors who are excited about your growth; then look no further. Learning more about internships and career opportunities at IQM.
Michael Sarpong Bruce is a Public Relations Manager at IQM Quantum Computers. He has over ten years of experience in marketing and communications across diverse industries, including mining, telecommunications, insurance and deeptech. He is also a former business journalist and has experience in public relations and media buying agencies.
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