This is me 1 year ago, starting an internship at Apple. I'm thinking back...
Before that, I had been in 3 countries in 3 days: as soon as the last exam was over in Switzerland 🇨🇭, I rushed to Italy 🇮🇹 for a quick visit and took a plane to London 🇬🇧 the next day.
When I landed in London I was very tired but extremely relieved: even if that represented the beginning of a summer job, it really felt like starting an adventure. Better than any holiday.
These are my 5 takes thinking back:
➡ The goal you reach can be astonishing for you, but not everyone can understand it.
✅ There were less than than 20 interns in the whole London area, less than ½ in the engineering field. Almost all of them were students from top institutions in England. I was one of the only exceptions, and it felt even more fulfilling: the truth is that companies tend to prefer students studying close to the office, so it can be much harder for you if you are searching for internships abroad.
➡ Risk-all approach is necessary when times get tough.
✅ There are historic times when recruiting is super selective and it’s impossible not to feel worried. There’s no solution and it’s something bigger than anyone: you need to never give up.
The first three interviews I made for an internship at Apple were for a role that received 500 applications in 4 days. I eventually managed to be among the top 3 choices, but only 1 person was selected, not me.
➡ The internship is just a step. Don’t take it too seriously.
✅ I was extremely upset about not receiving a return offer (to become a full-time employee) in my first internship at Amazon. No matter if I couldn’t have accepted a possible offer due to my ongoing studies, it felt so frustrating. I would take it more easily now, even because, besides your work, the outcome is heavily influenced by the hiring situation of the company in that moment. So avoid making comparisons with other people.
➡ Learn, get in contact with people and realize that any job in the end… is just a job.
✅ I don’t have much to add. Besides a fancy office and interesting people you will deal with, after the initial magic, no matter the company, a job is still a job. But it’s important to understand if it’s Your desired job: no one but you can eventually realize it.
➡ At the end of the story, be grateful.
✅ Ok so you made all the efforts to get your role.
You didn’t get anything? Take a nap and retry later, no magic solution here.
You got something? Great, don’t overcomplicate and enjoy the adventure. There is always someone reaching more than you, no matter how much effort you put into it. When you are given a big chance to shine try to fully appreciate the opportunity or you’ll never be satisfied with your life.
I hope it can be useful for someone
Let me know about your experiences 👇💬
Head of Global Emerging Talent at eBay
1moYes, yes and more yes! Thank you to Forbes for the recognition and to the internal eBay interns, recent grads and employees for continuing to make eBay THE place to be. Let's GOOOO!