Beyond Big Tech
For many computer science graduates, the allure of Big Tech companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon is undeniable. These companies often symbolize stability,
prestige, and a clear career trajectory. However, a significant cohort of students is increasingly inclined to the startup world, drawn by the promise of innovation, the potential for significant impact, and the possibility of equity gains. The author, a recent graduate, realized the rapid growth and hands-on experience offered by startups. After completing internships at Google during their sophomore and junior years, the author interned at Replit, a software development startup, during the junior year. This shift provided valuable experience in leading projects. The author's journey, starting with an internship at Replit, led to a role at Graphite, an AI code review platform, highlighting the transition from a major tech company to a dynamic startup environment.
The Power of Projects
Developing personal projects emerges as a cornerstone for success in the AI startup domain. These projects serve as a crucial means to enhance problem-solving skills and showcase a candidate's unique approach to challenges. Building new projects compels you to refine your perspective and develop a distinctive taste for problem-solving, essential elements when preparing for interviews. Moreover, the article emphasizes that these projects do not need to be strictly AI-related. The ability to leverage AI tools to improve engineering productivity is encouraged, but the focus remains on demonstrating solid engineering fundamentals and a proactive attitude. The experience gained from personal projects enables you to deal with ambiguity and think critically under pressure.
System Design Thinking
System design thinking has increased in importance. Building a strong understanding of system design is a critical skill for any engineer aiming to thrive in an AI startup. Learning how to conceptualize problems and establish a robust technical framework for their resolution is essential. Formal coursework, such as human-computer interaction studies, can offer valuable insights and practical experience in this area. The author's interview at Graphite included a deep assessment of their system design capabilities, underlining the significance of this skill. The approach to problem-solving is evaluated, not just technical expertise. Showing initiative and the ability to address challenges holistically is also a crucial factor in success at AI startups.
Holistic Engineer Defined
To succeed in a startup environment, the ability to act as a holistic engineer is paramount. This involves adopting a fast-paced work ethic and showing a genuine commitment to the end-user. A holistic engineer goes beyond simply writing code. They are deeply invested in the product and how users interact with it. This is important for startups, where the development cycle is typically rapid. The author reflects on their internship experiences, finding that while Google provided a solid introduction, the startup environment allowed for quicker progress. Therefore, displaying a dedication to user satisfaction and a willingness to learn quickly are vital characteristics for those seeking to thrive in the fast-paced world of AI startups.
Big Tech Experience
Gaining experience at a Big Tech company can be advantageous. The author's experiences at Google shaped their foundation as an engineer. An internship at a large tech company can help you write code and show the technical abilities that employers want to see. The knowledge gained can be used to enhance a candidate's ability to handle challenges efficiently in a fast-paced, result-driven environment. This type of experience can lay the groundwork for success.
Interview Insights
When preparing for interviews at AI startups, algorithmic and coding problems still play a role, which means that LeetCode is still used. However, the focus is shifting towards a more comprehensive assessment of a candidate's skills. Questions will delve into system design and approach to problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and a solid understanding of various technical concepts. The ability to show an ability to think outside of the box and to learn quickly is vital.
Demonstrate Initiative
Taking ownership of your work is key. Showing that you genuinely care about your craft and desire to deliver the best possible product can leave a positive impression on your bosses and the hiring team. Whether you are working at an AI startup or not, demonstrating that you can think like an engineer is the most important attribute for the role. Building AI projects is not a prerequisite; instead, startups look for great engineers who can think critically and demonstrate a strong technical skill set. This allows the candidate to stand out among their peers, making them more likely to be hired.
