At a Glance
- Tasks: Kickstart your tech career with real projects and support from experienced engineers.
- Company: Join PortSwigger, a leading tech company dedicated to empowering women in tech.
- Benefits: Full university fees paid, paid internships, and ongoing mentoring.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while building confidence in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Women in Year 13 predicted AAA at A-level, interested in Computer Science.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant community with free meals, gym access, and team events.
Start your career in tech - with real support, real experience, and real impact. This programme is designed for young women at the very start of their tech journey - whether you already love coding, or you’re just discovering that tech could be for you.
At PortSwigger, we don’t believe in “watch from the sidelines” internships. From day one, you’ll be trusted, supported, and treated like a real engineer, learning alongside people who genuinely want you to succeed. This programme exists to remove barriers, build confidence, and give you a clear, supported path into a career in software engineering.
What you’ll do (and learn)
- Work on real software used by people all over the world
- Learn how professional engineers build, test, and improve products
- Pair and collaborate with experienced developers who want to help you grow
- Explore modern tools, including AI-assisted development
- Be part of a Women in Tech cohort, so you’ll grow alongside others like you
This isn’t about being perfect - it’s about learning fast, asking questions, and building confidence.
What we’ll give you
If you join the Scholarship pathway:
- Full university fees paid (up to ÂŁ70,000 total)
- A year’s placement of paid software engineering work and 6+ weeks of work each year during university summer holidays (£750 per week)
If you join as an Intern:
- 6+ weeks of work each year during holidays (ÂŁ750 per week)
This is a great option if you’d like to supercharge your experience but your chosen university courses do not offer a placement year.
Both opportunities give you:
- Real Engineering Experience and Meaningful Support
- You’ll ship real features to real customers, early on
- Work on products used by professionals around the world
- Long-term mentoring from experienced engineers
- Ongoing support, coaching, and career guidance
- Structured learning, mentoring, and daily support
- A ready-made peer group of other interns and early-career engineers
- A genuine pathway into our Graduate Software Developer programme
100% of our previous Women in Tech interns and scholars chose to stay on and join our Graduate Software Developer scheme.
Who this programme is for
You don’t need to know everything already. This programme is designed to support women right at the start of their tech journey. This opportunity is for you if you are:
- Curious about technology and how things work
- Interested in software, problem-solving, or engineering
- Excited to learn, ask questions, and try new things - with real support
- Motivated by the idea of building real products that matter
- Considering a future career in technology, but want guidance and confidence along the way
Eligibility
To apply, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- You are a woman currently in Year 13, studying A-levels
- You are predicted AAA or higher at A-level
- You are aiming to study Computer Science at university (or Computer Science combined with another subject, such as Maths or Physics, with Computer Science being the primary focus)
- You are considering applying to a leading university.
- You live within commuting distance of Knutsford, so you can be office-based during your summer internship, and/or any year-in-industry (9-12 months)
- You don’t need to have had formal work experience in tech - we care far more about potential, curiosity, and motivation.
Life at PortSwigger (and what you get out of it)
We care just as much about your future as we do about the work you’ll do. This programme is designed to give you financial security, real experience, and a clear path into a tech career.
Financial support & career security
- Full university tuition fees paid (up to ÂŁ70,000 total) for scholars
- Paid software engineering work throughout your degree (ÂŁ750 per week)
- A fast track pathway into our Graduate Software Developer programme
Day-to-day life & community
- Free breakfast, lunch, and lots of snacks cooked by our in-house chefs
- On-site gym with yoga, Pilates, boxing, HIIT, and more
- A ready-made graduate and early-career community - you won’t be doing this alone
- Paid team socials, graduate events, and company-wide celebrations
- A place where you can belong
- A friendly, inclusive culture where you can be yourself and feel supported
- People who want to teach, mentor, and see you succeed
If you are interested, please look at some more of our key resources:
- Women in Tech Scholarship Scheme
- Visit our dedicated programme page for full details on the scholarship, internship opportunities, eligibility, and how to apply.
- Learn more about the programme
- Read our press release announcing the Women in Tech Scholarship, including a statement from our CEO.
- Hear from past candidates
- Discover why our previous Women in Tech interns/scholars chose a career in technology - and what they learned along the way.
- Explore opportunities at PortSwigger
- Watch a short video showcasing how we support and inspire women pursuing careers in tech.
- Life at PortSwigger
- Take a virtual tour of our office and get a feel for everyday life as a Swigger.
- Graduate stories
- Read reflections from our recent graduates and learn what starting a career at PortSwigger is really like.
Women in Tech Scholarship (WiT) in Knutsford employer: PortSwigger Web Security
Contact Detail:
PortSwigger Web Security Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Women in Tech Scholarship (WiT) in Knutsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the tech industry, especially those who have been through similar programmes. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect and ask for advice or insights about their experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios you might face. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you feel more confident and ready to showcase your skills and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, send a quick thank-you note. It shows your appreciation and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the Women in Tech Scholarship and how we can support your journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Women in Tech Scholarship (WiT) in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passions and interests in tech.
Show Your Curiosity: We love candidates who are eager to learn! Make sure to highlight any experiences or projects that showcase your curiosity about technology and problem-solving.
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. A tailored application shows us you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and gives you a chance to explore more about the programme.
How to prepare for a job interview at PortSwigger Web Security
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive into the basics of software engineering and the tools mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with coding concepts and be ready to discuss your interest in technology. This shows genuine enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
✨Ask Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the programme, the team, and the projects you might work on. This not only demonstrates your curiosity but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Show Your Passion
Share your journey into tech, even if it’s just starting out. Talk about what excites you about software engineering and how you’ve explored this interest. Authenticity can make a lasting impression!
✨Embrace Collaboration
Since the programme emphasises working alongside experienced developers, highlight any past experiences where you collaborated with others. Whether it’s group projects or study groups, showing that you thrive in a team environment is key.