Why I moved from SF to Madrid to join a startup for my internship.
They say that innovation starts here, prospers here, and belongs to here. It comes as no surprise that the Silicon Valley, a techno-centric hub where big shots in the industry and startups alike continuously thrive, attracts countless students in Computer Science and Engineering programs for its abundant career opportunities. During the peak of internship season, surrounding cities teem with novices who share the unanimous recognition: We made it. This is the place to be.
My recent software internship in Madrid proves something a little different. This summer, I decided to move from my UC Berkeley campus to work at Traity. The eye-opening experience has introduced me to the innovative space in Spain which I found to be very much underrated in the Silicon Valley. Traity, a startup offering a solid reputation API to promote trust in the sharing economy, is working towards a mission ahead of our time. In the past few years, the progressive growth of companies like Airbnb and Uber reveals the ample business capacity in the collaborative consumption sector. The endeavors of Traity is affirmation that visionaries do exist outside of the Valley.
Compared to those in the Bay Area, the work environment here is just as ideal, and the team not any less competent. I work with incredibly talented people who’ve taught me so much technical knowledge as well as new ways to approach idea creation and problem solving. And the usual stereotype of the Spanish work culture is only half accurate - while not a day goes by without a few fierce foosball matches, the team is extremely devoted to its work and goes above and beyond to achieve excellence. This perfect mix of work and fun drives creativity and self-motivation in the workplace.
Our team also spent ten days alongside Costa Blanca for a “beach hackathon,” where we had the chance to work, relax, and bond with one another.
The choice to intern at a foreign startup might seem a bit off the beaten path. I wanted to take the chance to explore new career opportunities and learn about the industry in a different setting. Interning in Spain this summer is one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made for myself personally and professionally. Coupled with the appeal of the foreign culture and language, it really makes for a fulfilling and one-of-a-kind experience. In my time here, I learned to think of technological evolution from a much more global perspective. It’s given me a sense of clarity and humility I wouldn’t have found if I had taken an alternative internship back at home.
So if you wonder at all about another tech world flourished with innovation, you might just find the answers by stepping outside of the Silicon Valley.
