What To Know Before Applying For Our Internship Program

This summer marks the very first season of DraftKings’ Software Engineering Internship Program in Sofia—and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome a new crew of aspiring Engineers to our team. Whether you're curious about what it takes to work with the latest tech stack or how to stand out once you're here, we've got you covered. We sat down with Tsvetelina, the Lead Recruiter for the program, to share tips, application insights, and advice on how to turn this internship into your first full-time tech role. 

Tell us a bit more about yourself.

I’m part of the DraftKings Talent Acquisition team, and for almost a year now, I’ve been focused on hiring top Engineering talent in Bulgaria. This year, I’m also leading the recruitment process for our very first Software Engineering Internship Program in Sofia—one of the most exciting local initiatives we’re running. It’s been incredibly rewarding to support early-career talent as they take their first steps into the tech industry and help connect them with meaningful opportunities on our Engineering team.

What does the ideal candidate for the internship program look like?

We’re looking for university students based in Sofia, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. But beyond academics, we’re really focused on curiosity, drive, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment. You don’t need to know everything—what matters most is a strong foundation in programming, a genuine interest in backend or full-stack development, and the mindset to grow and improve. We value candidates who are proactive, open to feedback, and excited about solving real-world problems as part of a team.

Can you walk us through the application process?

The application process is designed to be straightforward and supportive. It starts with a quick CV review, followed by a take-home coding task that helps us evaluate your problem-solving skills and programming fundamentals. If you do well, you’ll move on to a recruiter screening—a casual conversation to get to know you better—and then, a final interview with our Engineering team. This last step includes a live-coding task, technical, and behavioural-based questions. It’s designed to help us understand how you think, communicate, and collaborate in real-world scenarios.

How can candidates best prepare for the interview process?

Start by brushing up on the fundamentals—things like object-oriented programming, basic algorithms, and data structures. Practicing coding challenges can really help, especially if they’re similar to what you’ve encountered in school. Don’t underestimate the power of clear communication; we love it when candidates walk us through their thinking while solving a problem—it shows us how you approach challenges, not just whether you get the “right” answer. Also, take some time to reflect on any university or personal projects you're proud of—they’re great conversation starters and help us see your passion for technology.

Once accepted, how can interns make the most of the program?

This is your chance to dive in, ask questions, and really explore what it’s like to be part of an Engineering team. You’ll be working on real projects and technologies like event-driven architecture, data streaming with Kafka, containerization, and CI/CD pipelines. You’ll also be paired with a mentor and supported by your manager, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or feedback—it’s part of the learning process. The more you engage, contribute, and stay curious, the more you’ll grow. Show that you care about the work and the people around you, and you’ll leave a lasting impression.

What opportunities might be available for interns after the program ends?

Interns who perform exceptionally well will be considered for full-time roles at DraftKings. This program is designed not only as a training experience but also as a potential pathway into a permanent position. To stand out, keep showing initiative, communicate openly, and be a team player. We look for people who are eager to improve and who bring positive energy to the team. If you do that, this internship could be the start of a long and exciting career here.

This summer, we're opening the door for future engineers to gain real-world experience, build confidence, and launch their careers. If you're ready to take that first step and grow alongside one of the most innovative teams in the industry, apply now for our Software Engineering Internship Program in Sofia.

Applications are open until April 30. Don’t miss out!