Interning at OpenAI in San Francisco: A Personal Journey
I had always been fascinated by the tech industry, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence. Growing up, I was inspired by my family's medical background, but a chance encounter with computer science in high school sparked a new ambition. I wanted to be at the forefront of innovation, and San Francisco, with its vibrant startup culture and renowned tech companies, seemed like the perfect place to pursue my dreams.
My journey began with a determination to make it to the heart of Silicon Valley. I studied software engineering in Canada, but my heart was set on San Francisco. I knew that to truly excel in tech, I needed to be surrounded by the brightest minds and the most cutting-edge advancements. So, I set out to build my network and gain experience, understanding that the tech world is highly competitive and that every connection could be a stepping stone to my dream job.
One of the pivotal moments in my journey was securing an internship at OpenAI. I was still commuting between Canada and San Francisco when I heard about their internship program. I applied early, leveraging my previous internships and machine learning experience. The interview process was rigorous, with two technical rounds that pushed me to my limits. But when I received the call offering me the internship, I felt a surge of excitement and validation for all my efforts.
Working at OpenAI was an incredible experience. The company felt like a startup, even though it was one of the biggest in the industry. I was thrown into the deep end, tasked with merging or shipping code on my first day. I learned to work faster and more efficiently, thanks to the guidance of my colleagues, who were not only highly intelligent but also humble. I was particularly struck by the CEO, Sam Altman, who made a point of checking in with us interns, showing genuine interest in our well-being and the support we received.
The internship at OpenAI was a turning point for me. It not only provided valuable experience but also connected me with smart people at the forefront of AI. I was able to work on cutting-edge projects and gain insights that would have been impossible in a more traditional corporate setting. The trade-off of living in an expensive and competitive city was worth it for the opportunities and the density of talent.
After the internship, I signed a return offer with OpenAI for the fall of 2026. However, visa issues led me to pivot and focus on my own agentic AI projects. I moved to San Francisco full-time in October, and I feel like my decision to be here has paid off. The city is the right place for me to be, offering a unique blend of opportunities and challenges that are shaping the future of tech.
In my opinion, the key to a successful career in tech is finding the right environment. San Francisco, with its vibrant startup culture and diverse talent pool, provides the perfect setting for innovation and growth. While it may be expensive and competitive, the rewards are immense, and the experience gained is invaluable. Personally, I think that the density of talent and the opportunities for collaboration make San Francisco the ideal place to be for anyone looking to make a mark in the tech industry.
