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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.

Tech Analyst Dan Ives Forges New Path with Modern Merchant Bank Focused on AI and Tech

Prominent tech analyst Dan Ives has embarked on a new professional journey, stepping away from Wedbush Securities to launch his own venture. He is now spearheading Yorkville Ives, a forward-thinking merchant bank designed to focus on the dynamic sectors of artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and critical infrastructure. This strategic move sees Ives joining forces with Yorkville Securities, aiming to revolutionize traditional financial services by merging investment banking, comprehensive equity research, institutional trading, and principal investment capabilities.

Dan Ives Establishes Yorkville Ives: A Deep Dive into His New Merchant Bank Venture

In a significant development for the financial world, particularly within the technology sector, Dan Ives, a highly regarded tech analyst, announced his departure from Wedbush Securities on Wednesday, July 18, 2026. Ives has partnered with Yorkville Securities to create Yorkville Ives, a "modern merchant bank" headquartered in New York, focusing on artificial intelligence, technology, and infrastructure. As a partner and senior managing director, Ives will lead this new entity, which plans to offer a comprehensive suite of services including investment banking, equity research, institutional trading, and principal investments.

Ives, celebrated for his optimistic outlook on tech stocks and his vibrant presence, shared that leaving his eight-year tenure at Wedbush was a challenging decision. However, he views this new endeavor as a natural progression in his career, driven by a desire to anticipate future market trends. He envisions Yorkville Ives as a disruptive force on Wall Street, although specific operational details about how this disruption will manifest remain largely undisclosed. He emphasized the synergistic potential of the partnership, stating, "This was really about trying to figure out a one plus one equals four," where his brand and research acumen complement Yorkville's deal-making proficiency.

Regarding the bank's operational specifics, Ives indicated that Yorkville Ives would cater to both public and private enterprises, describing its service offerings as a "Swiss Army knife" due to their versatility. While the firm currently operates with a modest team of 10 to 20 employees, Ives mentioned a considerable interest from prospective talents. He is seeking "highly motivated and experienced Wall Street people across research, sales, trading, and banking" to deliver a sophisticated "white glove" service to a diverse client base. Ives acknowledged the challenges inherent in building a new bank but expressed confidence in demonstrating success through results.

This is not Ives' first venture beyond traditional equity research; his past roles include serving on the advisory board of Zeta Global and chairing Eightco Holdings, where he focused on cryptocurrency investments. His extensive public profile, including over 300,000 followers on X and frequent appearances on financial television, is expected to provide significant name recognition for Yorkville Ives. Reflecting on his ambitious plans, Ives thoughtfully remarked, "Rome wasn't built in a day," underscoring his long-term vision and commitment to the new bank's growth and impact.

Dan Ives' transition from a leading tech analyst to a merchant bank founder underscores a compelling trend in the financial industry: the increasing specialization and integration of advisory, research, and transactional services within niche, high-growth sectors like AI and technology. His bold move highlights the entrepreneurial spirit prevalent even among established Wall Street figures, demonstrating a readiness to assume risk for significant opportunities. This new venture could potentially reshape how emerging tech companies access capital and strategic guidance, blurring the lines between traditional banking and specialized consulting. For observers, it will be fascinating to watch if Ives' renowned bullishness translates into tangible, disruptive success in the competitive landscape of modern merchant banking.

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Affordable Senior Housing in NYC: A Model for Sustainable Urban Living

Tico Flores Kyle, a 67-year-old New Yorker, enjoys a vibrant retirement at Linden Grove, an affordable housing community in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Despite the city's notoriously high cost of living, Kyle pays a remarkably low $400 per month for his studio apartment, including utilities. This financial relief allows him to remain in the city he's called home his entire life, actively participating in community life and pursuing his passions. Linden Grove, which opened its doors in 2025, provides a crucial haven for 153 low-income seniors, some of whom previously experienced homelessness, offering them not just shelter but also a supportive environment for their golden years.

The facility goes beyond basic housing, boasting a dedicated recreation area, a variety of community programs, and benefits counseling services. This integrated approach addresses the multifaceted needs of older adults. Kyle's daily routine exemplifies the positive impact of such initiatives: he balances part-time work with his passion for fitness coaching, attends theater productions, and actively engages with his fellow residents. His efforts in organizing social events, like a Valentine's Day party, and his aspirations to lead accessible workout classes, underscore the strong sense of community and mutual support fostered within Linden Grove. This model stands in stark contrast to the challenges faced by many seniors across the nation, where factors like loneliness and exorbitant living expenses often force them to compromise their independence or work well into their later years.

The success of Linden Grove serves as a testament to the potential of affordable housing solutions, particularly in bustling urban centers like New York City. The project, a collaboration between Gilbane, Blue Sea, and the Jewish Association Serving the Aging, utilized city-owned land and financial incentives to create a sustainable model. With roughly 60% of older New Yorkers struggling with rent burdens, initiatives like Mayor Zohran Mamdani's housing plan, which aims to preserve existing affordable housing and develop new multi-generational communities, are vital. While such developments require substantial funding and political will, they offer a long-term solution for seniors like Kyle, providing them with the stability, community, and peace of mind to age with dignity in their beloved city.

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