IT corporation's software student beginning to engage (5)
I believe the answer is:
apple
'it corporation's' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'software student beginning to engage' is the wordplay.
'software' becomes 'app' (software application).
'student' becomes 'L' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'beginning to' says to take the initial letters.
The first letter of 'engage' is 'e'.
'app'+'l'+'e'='APPLE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for apple that I've seen before include "Jonathan, for example" , "Sweet or tart fruit" , "Fruit from Eden?" , "Crisp fruit" , "Pink Lady, for example" .)