Problem Solving: Your ability to understand a problem, break it into smaller parts, find a solution and check that it works.
Example
In an interview, you clarify the question, explain a simple approach first, then improve it step by step.
Why Problem Solving matters for IT interns
Companies care more about how you think through a problem than about memorised answers.
Where you will hear it
You will come across this term while preparing for and attending internship interviews and assessments. If someone uses it and you are not sure what they mean in your project, it is completely fine to ask; every team uses terms a little differently.
Related terms
- Mock Interview: A practice interview with a friend, senior or mentor that feels like the real thing.
- Notice Period: The time you must keep working after you resign, or that a company gives before ending your role.
- Portfolio: A collection of your work that shows your skills — projects, designs, case studies or analyses — often on a…
- Project Discussion: The part of an interview where you explain a project you built — what it does, how you built it, your…
- Resume: A short document — usually one page for students — summarising your education, skills, projects and…
- Strengths: The skills or qualities you are good at, which interviewers often ask you to describe.
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Related guides
- IT Internship Interview Guide
- HR Interview Questions for IT Internships
- Online Coding Tests for Internships
Frequently asked questions
What is Problem Solving?
Your ability to understand a problem, break it into smaller parts, find a solution and check that it works.
What is an example of Problem Solving?
In an interview, you clarify the question, explain a simple approach first, then improve it step by step.
Why does Problem Solving matter for IT interns?
Companies care more about how you think through a problem than about memorised answers.
Explore more internship terms
The IT Internship Glossary explains 199 terms you will hear before and during your internship, with simple definitions and real examples.
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About the author
Dhaivat has 16+ years of experience in the IT industry, working on AI and cloud technologies, project delivery, and engineering leadership. He has interviewed and mentored many interns, wrote The Lost Intern, and runs the non-commercial Career Impact Initiative, mentoring students for free.