Sage Corps’ programs offer transformative international internships to top university students worldwide where they tackle real problems and build real solutions. Our fellows have used this opportunity to accelerate their careers and positioned themselves ahead of their peers in the eyes of recruiters. We’ve asked alumnus Dylan Jew about his personal experience with Sage Corps, how his career developed after the program, and what advice he has for students.
Be open to new experiences — don’t be afraid to do something different, something that’s outside of the typical career path or ladder
1. Tell us a little about yourself
I’m currently working as a Software Engineer at Oliver Space, a furniture startup offering a flexible ownership model with the ability to keep, swap or return pieces. Before that, I was at Google working on Food Ordering for the past 3 years.
2. What was your experience with Sage Corps like? Where were you located, what company did you work for, what were your responsibilities?
I was in Buenos Aires in Winter 2016 working with Auth0 as a Software Engineering intern.
3. What was your favorite part about being a part of Sage Corps?
I loved that I was able to both explore a new city and learn industry skills at the same time during my internship. It was a unique experience because I was able to learn skills directly related to my job at a global startup.
4. How has that experience helped you in your career journey?
Outside of my experience with Sage Corps, I did two internships at Google, so I wanted to experience working at a startup before committing to join Google full time after graduating.
5. What do you think is beneficial about working at a startup?
Everything at a startup is much less structured; there are fewer processes in place to ensure things are running smoothly. At the same time, you’re given much more freedom and flexibility to take on new challenges and have a large impact.
6. How did you leverage your network professionally?
I learned about Oliver Space through the Sage Corps Alumni LinkedIn page and learned they were hiring by reconnecting with another member of my Buenos Aires cohort.
7. What is the biggest lesson you learned while interning abroad?
I learned to love that feeling of discomfort when you put yourself in a new situation, new city, new country. It feels tough at first but it’s the fastest way to keep growing, both personally and professionally.
8. Advice for young professionals
Be open to new experiences — don’t be afraid to do something different, something that’s outside of the typical career path or ladder. There’s so much you can gain from this: whether that’s meeting people with different perspectives, acquiring new skill sets, or just learning something about yourself.
