The majority of young professionals have their eyes on interning in established companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, Tesla, and the rest of the trillions of dollars worth of companies.
The downside to these well-established companies, aside from the competitiveness to get in, is the high bureaucracies and fewer roles to perform, unlike in startups, where you can wear so many hats.
Startups offer more learning opportunities and more responsibilities for interns.
If you are an intern and you are not just looking for a big company to brag about to your peers but somewhere where you can learn the ropes and be noticed and appreciated for your input, a competitive startup should be your best bet.
How to Choose the Right Startup
Startups are fast-rising tech companies in different industries most notably tech, housing, e-commerce, space, finance, etc.
As a young professional, you should decide the industry you want to start in, and later you can transition to other industries.
Deciding the right industry should be based on interests, hobbies, passion, financial, and learning considerations.
Lastly, after deciding on the industry, the next step is to determine the most competitive startup companies in those industries.
The Most Competitive Startups in 2024
The most competitive startups cross across different industries such as AI & data science, advanced computing, extended reality, blockchain and decentralisation, security, advanced manufacturing, biotech, finance, and e-commerce.
Examples of these startups are
- Apex innovations
- Novatech
- Panjaya
- Moniepoint
- Epigos AI
- Codi
- Opay
- Glassify
- Contextic
- Quantum Source
- AR Genie
- Web3 Factory
- Skey Network
- Kanaloa
- Qippay
- Flutterwave
- Mind Labs
- RobCo Industries
- Neptune Nanotechnologies
- Solu Healthcare
- Imagine Maia
- Axiom Technology
- NexGen Technologies
- DoorDash
- Robinhood
- Airbnb
- Dropbox
- Jumia
- IHS Towers
- Zoom video communications
- Lyft
- Stripe
- Square
- Box
- Gusto
- Aspen
- Tabby
- M-Kopa
- Steinhoff International
- MNT-Halan
How To Get A Tech Internship In A Startup
Finding a tech internship either as a young software engineer, cyber security analyst, data analyst, project manager, or whatever discipline you find yourself in a competitive startup is not a walk in the park.
But do not be worried; it is not as difficult and competitive as the S&P500 companies.
Most startup companies have a large quota for interns due to their inability to pay professionals to fill in these roles, thereby creating a win-win relationship between them and interns.
In return, the interns have the opportunity to gain practical hands-on experience in a fast-paced tech ecosystem, presenting a great learning pathway when they take on multiple hats, unlike in well-established firms.
However, applications for internships have to be done strategically to increase one’s chances of being accepted, especially in competitive startups.
Here is an easy guide on how To Get A tech Internship in a competitive startup
1. Build Technical skills
Building the right technical skills to fit in the right industry and startup is very important.
Different industries have different needs and expertise, so researching the skills needed to fit in a future internship role is vital.
Specialized skills such as
- Gaming industry: C++, C#, Java
- Finance and banking: Python, APIs, XML, R, MATLAB
- Cybersecurity: Python, C++, Azure, AWS, SIEMS system
- Artificial intelligence: NLP, Python, Java, TensorFlow, PyTorch, ROS
- Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: 3D modeling with Maya, Unity, and Unreal Engine
- Autonomous vehicles: C++, TensorFlow, Python
- Cloud Computing: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Cognito, IAM
- Healthcare: Python, C++, Matlab, SQL.
2. Identify the Right Startup
If you want a financial contribution for your input, not all startups will make the right fit.
Some startups offer visa sponsorship for foreigners; some offer monthly stipends, while others do none.
Also, some startups prioritise front-end developers over the backend, and some only have web-based or app-based applications, putting interns who want to learn cross-border applications in a dilemma.
3. Create a Strong Portfolio
As a young professional with little or zero years of experience, how can your portfolio be strong? You might ask.
Well, your portfolio can involve projects done in school, or as a team, it should include relevant certifications you must have attained online from credible institutions
4. Network Effectively
Startup founders and employees can easily be reached through social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Glassdoor, indeed, unlike well-established traditional companies.
They frequently attend seminars, interviews, conferences, and workshops, and attending these events is a great way to meet with them in person.
They are also likely to be more receptive and hand over their cards for further discussion if you approach them at the right time.
Networking effectively, instead of cold DMs, might be the only step you need to secure the right internship.
5. Prepare for the Interview Process
The interview process with startups is not as rigorous and time-consuming as with well-established companies; startup company interviews are usually in two stages.
The first is technical screening, where they want to authenticate your degree, certifications, and portfolios.
The last is a behavioural test, where they want to examine your character and soft skills.
Benefits of an Internship with a Startup
Before recent years, some individuals have seen internships and employment with startups as a last resort.
But recently, many young professionals have seen the big difference between interns in startups and big traditional companies.
Interns in startups have had substantial benefits, such as
- Better learning opportunities: Startups have given the chance to interns to take on more roles and risk and learn better, unlike traditional companies that are more conservative
- Job Opportunities: The employment rates for past interns in startup companies have been more impressive than traditional companies. They have shown more trust and loyalty to interns
- Pay: While startups might not pay as much as most traditional companies, they offer a reasonable financial remuneration for interns.