My OpenAI Internship Experience in San Francisco and My Thoughts on Sam Altman




This essay recounts the experiences of Hamza Mostafa, a 21-year-old San Francisco resident, as he navigated a transformative internship at OpenAI. Originally aspiring to a medical career like his family, a high school computer science class ignited a new passion. He details his strategic move to San Francisco, the global hub of technology, believing it essential for anyone aiming to excel in the field. The narrative highlights his shift from desiring a role at a large tech corporation to favoring the dynamic environment of startups, influenced by prior internship experiences. His journey culminated in a significant three-month internship at OpenAI, offering profound insights into the company’s fast-paced culture and its visionary leader.
Mostafa's initial ambition was to join a prominent technology firm post-graduation. However, through a series of co-op placements, he discovered a preference for the startup ecosystem. These early-stage companies, he found, offered greater autonomy, accelerated learning, and immediate immersion into practical work. This realization reshaped his career aspirations towards either founding his own startup or joining one. His move to San Francisco was a deliberate step in pursuing this goal, viewing Silicon Valley as the unparalleled environment for tech innovation and growth.
His networking efforts in San Francisco proved crucial. During an internship in Canada, he made a point to attend tech events and connect with engineers, eventually leading to a placement in San Mateo, a city close to San Francisco. These connections rapidly expanded his professional circle, underscoring the importance of active engagement within the local tech community for job seekers and network builders alike.
The opportunity at OpenAI arose from his active presence in the San Francisco tech scene. Friends provided early intelligence about an internship program at OpenAI, prompting him to apply proactively. His prior internship experience, particularly in machine learning, and a bold strategy of cold-emailing recruiters likely contributed to his successful application. The interview process itself was rigorous, emphasizing speed and real-time problem-solving, which he found challenging but ultimately rewarding.
The three-month internship, spanning from May to August 2025, was an exhilarating experience. Working from OpenAI's Mission Bay office, he was immediately struck by the exceptional intelligence and humility of his colleagues. He gained invaluable skills, including the advanced use of AI agents for coding, significantly enhancing his work efficiency. Despite being a large organization, OpenAI retained a startup-like agility, expecting new hires to contribute to the codebase from day one. His interactions with CEO Sam Altman, though brief, left a lasting impression of a leader deeply invested in the interns' well-being and development.
Despite facing visa complications that prevented him from accepting a return offer from OpenAI for Fall 2026, Mostafa remains committed to San Francisco. He is currently channeling his energy into his own agentic AI projects, recognizing the immense opportunities within the AI sector. For him, the high cost of living and intense competition in San Francisco are justified by the concentration of brilliant minds and groundbreaking opportunities, making it the ideal locale for his career ambitions.
Ultimately, this individual's journey highlights the profound impact of strategic geographical choices, persistent networking, and hands-on experience in shaping a burgeoning career in the tech industry. His time at OpenAI reinforced the value of a dynamic work environment and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Despite the inherent challenges of Silicon Valley, the unparalleled access to innovation and talent makes it a worthwhile endeavor for aspiring tech professionals.