The dynamic tech landscape of Silicon Valley played a crucial role in my decision; it stood out as the perfect destination for my professional growth.
Pablo Matarredona Valor
MSc Management of Innovation Student
Pablo Matarredona Valor is a 25-year-old MSc Management of Innovation student at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Are you interested in learning more about his internship in Silicon Valley, the heart of technological innovation? Read along!
Internship decision and destination choice
Before going on an exchange of the MBA programme at Chicago Booth, Pablo wanted to gain work experience in an American company. "The dynamic tech landscape of Silicon Valley played a crucial role in my decision; it stood out as the perfect destination for my professional growth."
While Silicon Valley was the initial draw, Pablo underscored the importance of choosing a company aligned with his own interests. Applied Materials, a technology manufacturer for the production of chips and other semiconductor devices, stood out due to its relevance in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Work-life balance and team dynamics
Working full-time in a hybrid team, Pablo found flexibility in the work arrangements and his team adopted a hybrid model. He felt immediately integrated into the team, shouldering responsibilities from day one. The office perks, including a ping pong table and a basketball court, added to the Silicon Valley experience.
Socializing and exploring Silicon Valley
Pablo's social activities were primarily with fellow international interns. Highlights included weekend excursions to Yosemite and Monterey. He also explored renowned tech campuses such as Google and LinkedIn, providing a glimpse into the unique culture of Silicon Valley.
“I loved being able to bike around the Silicon Valley and visit famous places like Stanford and the Google and LinkedIn campuses.”
Opportunities await
Pablo's internship provided valuable insights into American work culture, emphasizing the proactiveness and risk-taking nature of his colleagues. As he contemplates returning to Silicon Valley, he encourages more students who are interested in potential long-term careers in the U.S. to check out various scholarship opportunities targeted at the USA, such as Dutch2USA.
Are you interested in a potential internship in the United States, but worried about financing it? Please find more information and the upcoming deadlines on the website of Dutch2USA
Pablo about working at Applied Materials
