OpenAI engineer Janvi Kalra recently shared insights on this topic, emphasizing the importance of gaining experience in both environments to make an informed career choice.
For aspiring software engineers, choosing between an internship at a big tech firm or a startup can be a crucial career decision.
While big tech companies like Google and Microsoft offer stability, prestige, and structured learning, startups provide hands-on experience, rapid growth opportunities, and exposure to diverse challenges.
The Changing Landscape of Tech Internships
Janvi’s advice comes at a time when entry-level tech jobs are being impacted by AI advancements.
According to a report by SignalFire, major tech firms—including Meta, Microsoft, and Google—have significantly reduced hiring of recent graduates.
In 2024, new graduates accounted for just 7% of new hires, a 25% drop from 2023 and over 50% lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Similarly, startup hiring for fresh graduates has declined from 30% in 2019 to under 6% in 2024.
Interning at Big Tech: Pros and Cons
Janvi, an OpenAI engineer, who previously interned at Microsoft and Google, highlighted several advantages of working at big tech firms:
- Structured learning: Interns receive formal training and work on large-scale projects.
- Financial benefits: Higher salaries and better perks compared to startups.
- Prestige and career impact: Experience at a top-tier tech company can enhance job prospects.
- Less pressure: Big tech firms allow interns to work on long-term projects without immediate revenue concerns.
However, she also noted some drawbacks:
- Limited exposure to diverse roles: Interns often work on specific tasks rather than end-to-end projects.
- Slower career progression: Promotions and leadership opportunities take longer.
OpenAI Engineer’s Advice on Interning at a Startup: Pros and Cons
Janvi also worked at Coda, a productivity startup, before joining OpenAI. She outlined several benefits of startup internships:
- Hands-on experience: Interns work on multiple aspects of a project, gaining broader skills.
- Rapid learning curve: Startups provide fast-paced environments, allowing interns to ship code frequently.
- Greater responsibility: Interns often take on critical roles, contributing directly to the company’s success.
Challenges of startup internships include:
- High-pressure environment: Startups face tight deadlines and funding constraints.
- Uncertain career impact: Experience at a lesser-known startup may not carry the same weight as a big tech firm.
OpenAI Engineer Janvi Kalra’s Advice: Experience Both Worlds
Janvi recommends that students intern at both a big tech firm and a startup to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry.
She believes this approach helps interns identify their strengths and choose the right career path.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates. Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, Google News– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
