Securing an internship in tech—whether at a giant like Google or a nimble startup—can kickstart your career. An OpenAI engineer shares valuable insights to help students navigate the competitive landscape and stand out to recruiters at both big tech firms and startups in 2025.
1. Tailor Your Approach to the Company
Big tech and startups look for different qualities. Large firms value structured skills—think coding proficiency, algorithms, and experience with scalable systems. Highlight relevant coursework, projects, or tools like Python and TensorFlow on your resume. Startups, however, prioritize adaptability and passion. Showcase side projects, hackathons, or a willingness to wear multiple hats to prove you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio
Resumes matter, but a portfolio speaks louder. Create a GitHub repository with clean, well-documented code from personal or school projects. Include a mix of complex algorithms for big tech appeal and creative, practical solutions for startups. “Your work shows your potential,” the OpenAI engineer notes. A live app, website, or AI model can set you apart from the crowd.
3. Master the Technical Interview
Big tech interviews often involve rigorous coding tests—think whiteboards or platforms like LeetCode. Practice data structures, system design, and problem-solving daily. For startups, expect less formality but a focus on real-world application. Be ready to explain your thought process, debug code, and discuss how you’d tackle a project. Confidence and clarity are key.
4. Network Strategically
Connections open doors. Reach out to alumni, attend virtual tech meetups, or engage on LinkedIn with recruiters and engineers. For big tech, apply early through company portals and leverage career fairs. For startups, cold-email founders or join incubators—show genuine interest in their mission. “Personal outreach can make a difference,” the engineer advises.
5. Show Grit and Curiosity
Employers value drive. Big tech seeks candidates who can handle scale and complexity, so highlight persistence in tough projects. Startups crave learners who ask questions and dive into uncharted areas. Whether it’s AI, cloud computing, or a niche startup idea, demonstrate you’re eager to grow and adapt in 2025’s tech world.
Landing an internship takes preparation and strategy. Tailor your skills, build a standout portfolio, ace the interview, network wisely, and show your passion. With these tips from an OpenAI engineer, you’ll be ready to impress big tech giants or dynamic startups and launch your tech career in 2025.