HOW TO GET A JOB IN SILICON VALLEY

Summary

In this video, Eva, an international employee at Airbnb, shares her inspiring journey of moving from Belarus to Canada and then to the U.S., navigating the visa process, and securing a job at Airbnb. She discusses her unexpected career transition from Chemical Engineering to Software Engineering, the importance of internships and networking, and the challenges of obtaining a visa as an international applicant. Eva also highlights the perks of working at Airbnb and provides valuable advice for aspiring professionals looking to work in major American companies.

Takeaways

• 😀 International applicants can land jobs in big American companies like Airbnb through hard work, networking, and persistence.
• 😀 Gaining real-world experience through internships or co-op programs can significantly help with finding a job after graduation.
• 😀 Canada’s co-op program allows students to earn money while studying, making it an attractive option for international students.
• 😀 If you want to work in the U.S., it's essential to understand the visa process. For example, a J-1 visa can be used after graduation, with the possibility of transitioning to an H-1B visa.
• 😀 Networking is crucial when seeking job opportunities. Reaching out to people, including cold emailing and LinkedIn connections, can open doors.
• 😀 Internships often lead to full-time job offers, as companies prefer candidates with direct experience from within the organization.
• 😀 You need to be proactive when job hunting. Reaching out to hundreds of companies can increase your chances of getting a response.
• 😀 The tech industry, especially in Silicon Valley, offers plenty of opportunities for international applicants, but the competition is fierce.
• 😀 Having a degree from a prestigious university or a solid internship experience can give you a significant edge when applying for roles.
• 😀 Learning to code or taking online courses in software development can completely change your career trajectory, even if you initially studied a different field like chemical engineering.

Q & A

How did Eva end up working for Airbnb?

Eva moved from Belarus to Canada for her bachelor's degree at the University of Waterloo. After graduating, she interned at Airbnb and eventually joined the company full-time in San Francisco.

What was Eva's initial field of study and why did she switch to software engineering?

Eva initially studied Chemical Engineering because she was passionate about chemistry. However, after completing internships in the field, she realized it wasn't something she wanted to pursue long-term. She then explored software engineering through an online course and found a passion for coding.

How did Eva get her first internship in Silicon Valley?

Eva proactively reached out to many startups and companies, cold emailing founders, and leveraging her network. She also applied for jobs through traditional channels, which eventually led to an internship offer at Yelp.

What is the significance of internships in Eva's career path?

Internships played a crucial role in Eva's career. They provided her with real-world experience, helping her confirm her interest in software engineering and making her more competitive in the job market.

What kind of visa did Eva use to work in the U.S.?

Eva initially used a J-1 visa after graduation, and later, Airbnb sponsored her for an H-1B visa, which allowed her to stay and work in the U.S. long-term.

How did Eva’s university experience support her career goals?

Eva's university, the University of Waterloo, had a co-op program that allowed students to gain work experience through internships every other semester. This program was crucial in helping Eva realize her career interests and gain valuable work experience.

How did Eva find success in networking during her job search?

Eva found success by actively networking, reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn, and leveraging connections. She also used platforms like Quora to gather information and advice from professionals in her field.

What advice does Eva offer to international students aiming to work in the U.S.?

Eva advises international students to hustle, network actively, and use online resources like Quora to find job opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive and showing passion when reaching out to potential employers.

What are some benefits of working at a company like Airbnb?

Working at Airbnb offers great benefits, such as amazing office spaces, free meals, yoga sessions, and generous paid time off. The company also provides employees with an annual two-week holiday during Christmas.

What is the story behind the original Airbnb office space?

The original Airbnb office space is based on the apartment where the founders first started the company. The room is a replica of the living room of the apartment on Rao Street, where the first Airbnb listings were created, featuring a blow-up mattress to accommodate guests.