From Intern to Full-Time: Strategies for Securing a Job at Tinder
Unlock Your Dream Job: Insider Strategies from Tinder's Top Talent
Becoming Indispensable: Ryan Stewart's Innovative Approach to Brand Management
Ryan Stewart, now a brand marketing manager at Tinder, started as a design intern in London in 2021. His extensive knowledge of Tinder as a user was a significant asset during his interview process. Operating from a smaller European team provided Stewart with increased visibility and opportunities to forge connections across various departments. He actively sought out new information, offered assistance where needed, and engaged with colleagues from different teams.
Proactive Engagement and Role Creation: Paving a Path to Permanent Employment
Stewart consistently shared his insights with leadership and scheduled one-on-one meetings with senior directors to gain a deeper understanding of the business operations. Despite initial apprehension, his inquisitive nature was well-received. As his internship drew to a close, Stewart took the initiative to propose a new role, identifying gaps within the company that aligned with his skills and observations. He adopted a "nothing to lose" mentality, which ultimately led to the creation of his current full-time position.
Eric Brandon Kam: Blending User Perspective with Engineering Excellence
Eric Brandon Kam, currently a backend software engineer at Tinder, discovered the company's internship program in 2020 shortly after becoming a user himself. His cover letter, which humorously mentioned a Tinder date, helped him distinguish himself in a highly competitive applicant pool for engineering internships. Kam emphasized his firsthand experience as a Tinder user, showcasing his understanding of the product from a customer's viewpoint.
Cultivating Curiosity and Communication in a Remote Environment
During his internship, Kam applied multidisciplinary engineering principles acquired from Stanford. He noted Tinder's emphasis on strong ownership among engineers. Rather than merely fulfilling tasks, he offered his unique perspective on optimizing project engineering to balance both user outcomes and long-term code health. Kam also prioritized maintaining curiosity and consistent communication, connecting with colleagues and learning about their diverse roles, which he found particularly crucial during his remote internship.
Taylor Wong: Leveraging a Gen Z Voice in Product Marketing
Taylor Wong, a product marketing manager at Tinder, began her journey as a marketing intern in 2022 after learning about the opportunity through a connection. She extended her internship three times and continued working part-time through college before receiving a full-time offer during her senior year. Wong's unique advantage lay in being part of Tinder's primary demographic.
Empowering the Youth Perspective: From Intern to Valued Contributor
Given Tinder's focus on Gen Z users, Wong's colleagues frequently sought her insights. Initially hesitant to speak up in meetings with more experienced professionals, she gained confidence as she realized her team genuinely valued her perspective. Wong advises other interns to embrace their "superpower" of being a Gen Z representative, as their opinions are highly sought after within companies targeting this demographic.