Summary:
Big Tech internships provide structured learning, networking, and brand recognition
Startup internships offer hands-on experience, flexibility, and close mentorship
Combining both experiences builds a versatile skill set for future careers
Janvi Kalra, an OpenAI engineer, advocates for the unique benefits of each environment
The Best of Both Worlds: Interning at Big Tech and Startups
Janvi Kalra, an AI engineer at OpenAI, shares invaluable insights on why students should aim to intern at both Big Tech companies and startups during their academic journey. The experiences gained from each are not only different but also complementary, offering a well-rounded skill set for future careers.
Janvi Kalra, an AI engineer at OpenAI (not pictured), said students should intern at Big Tech firms and startups.
What Big Tech Offers
- Structured Learning Environments: Big Tech companies provide a clear, structured path for learning, with access to vast resources and mentorship programs.
- Networking Opportunities: The chance to connect with industry leaders and peers in a well-established corporate setting.
- Brand Recognition: Having a Big Tech name on your resume can open doors and add credibility to your professional profile.
The Startup Advantage
- Hands-on Experience: Startups often offer more responsibility early on, allowing interns to work on impactful projects.
- Flexibility and Innovation: The dynamic nature of startups fosters creativity and adaptability, skills highly valued in today’s fast-paced tech landscape.
- Close-knit Teams: Smaller teams mean more direct interaction with founders and senior leaders, offering unique mentorship opportunities.
Kalra emphasizes that the contrasting experiences from both types of internships can equip students with a diverse skill set, making them more versatile and attractive to future employers. Whether it’s the rigor and scale of Big Tech or the agility and innovation of startups, each has its own set of lessons to offer.
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