Before becoming the COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg interned at Google in the business unit. Her internship played a crucial role in shaping her understanding of the tech industry. During her time at Google, she contributed to the AdWords program, which laid the foundation for her career in tech management.
Steven Spielberg, one of Hollywood's most iconic directors, secured an internship at Universal Studios after sneaking onto the lot as a teenager. His internship was unconventional, as he spent his time shadowing directors and learning the craft of filmmaking. This experience paved the way for his illustrious career in the film industry.
Oprah Winfrey’s career in media began with an internship at a CBS affiliate station in Nashville. This experience helped her hone her broadcasting skills and gain valuable experience in front of the camera, which eventually led to her becoming one of the most influential media personalities in the world.
Before founding Microsoft, Bill Gates interned as a Congressional page at the U.S. House of Representatives. This experience gave him insight into government operations and the importance of leadership, which influenced his future endeavors in the tech industry.
Ursula Burns, the former CEO of Xerox, began her career at the company as a summer intern. Her internship provided her with hands-on experience in engineering and operations, eventually leading to her rising through the ranks to become the first African-American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company.
Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, interned at the Bank of Nova Scotia during his college years. This internship allowed him to gain practical experience in finance, which later contributed to his ability to manage and fund his various entrepreneurial ventures.
Marissa Mayer, the former CEO of Yahoo!, interned at SRI International during her undergraduate studies at Stanford. Her work in research and development during the internship helped her secure a position at Google, where she became one of the company’s earliest employees and later a key figure in its development.
Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram, interned at Odeo, a podcasting company that eventually pivoted to become Twitter. His time at Odeo exposed him to the startup culture and social media, which inspired him to create Instagram, a platform that was later acquired by Facebook.
Tom Ford, a renowned fashion designer, interned at Chloé in Paris while studying architecture. His internship at the luxury fashion house introduced him to the world of high fashion, and he later became the creative director of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent before launching his own brand.
Before becoming the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy interned at the U.S. Department of State. His internship provided him with firsthand experience in international relations, which later influenced his foreign policy decisions as President.