I landed an Nvidia data center internship after sending out 200 applications. I learned Big Tech wasn't for me.

During my time at the University of Waterloo, I approached the daunting task of securing internships as a numbers game. By the time I landed my first internship at Tesla, I had submitted between 200 to 300 applications. This strategy paid off again when I secured an internship at Nvidia, though I barely recall the application process. After an initial callback, the hiring experience was smooth, consisting of just two interviews spread over four days. My background in high-performance software aligned well with the needs of the data center tooling team, leading to a unique role based out of Nvidia's Redmond, Washington office instead of its primary Santa Clara location. The smaller community in Redmond fostered strong mentorship opportunities and a healthy work-life balance. While occasional overtime was required, most employees maintained a standard 9-to-5 schedule. What truly surprised me was the deep passion exhibited by my colleagues; they approached their work as a craft rather than merely a job, which resonated with me. Initially, I envisioned a future as a full-time employee at Nvidia, lured by the allure of financial freedom that a Big Tech career promised. However, I found that being a small cog in a vast machine felt unfulfilling. The most valuable lesson from my internship was the clarity it provided regarding my true aspirations: to create something of my own. After leaving Nvidia, I co-founded Gale, an AI startup focused on automating work visa applications, all while I was completing my studies. Our venture gained momentum, notably securing a spot in Y Combinator and raising $2.7 million in seed funding last May. Initially, my parents expressed concern over my departure from a stable career path, but witnessing Gale's growth has shifted their perspective. The moment we landed our first customer was unforgettable; realizing that something I built could genuinely help someone else was incredibly rewarding. Nvidia's culture has left a lasting impact on my approach as a founder. Unlike environments that emphasize blame for mistakes, Nvidia encouraged collaboration to improve processes, a mindset I aim to replicate at Gale.