This summer, TikTok welcomed over 700 interns across the globe to join us in our mission to inspire creativity and bring joy.
At TikTok, we believe ideas can come from anyone, no matter their tenure or years of experience - an idea from an intern is valued as much as an idea from the CEO! Our interns have limitless opportunities to work on projects that will drive measurable impact and growth - not just for the company, but for themselves too.
To give you a glimpse into what #LifeAtTikTok looks like for our interns, we spoke to a few of them about their intern experience. They shared insightful learnings, great memories, and forged life-long friendships.
Meet our interns
Qin Da Lim was a Data Science intern on the Trust and Safety team, based in Singapore. He is currently a final year student at the National University of Singapore, double majoring in Business Administration (Finance) and Business Analytics. Qin Da was attracted to TikTok as he enjoyed his past internship experiences in rapidly-growing tech companies and wanted to continue exploring opportunities in the industry. He was also intrigued by how TikTok's platform provides a customized experience to over one billion users. Qin Da was inspired to take on a role and project where he could see his impact transcend.
Mariana Ramos was a Product Marketing Manager intern on the Product Strategy and Operations team, based in our London office. She is currently studying Economics at the University of Warwick. Mariana shared how she enjoys spending her free time on TikTok, which drew her to interning with us. She was fascinated by how TikTok puts its community of users and brands first, placing them at the center of the platform. For Mariana, it was a dream come true for her to be a part of a team that shapes how TikTok's mission reaches millions.
Karthik Ezhilvannan was a Product Manager intern based in Los Angeles. He was a part of the Ads Measurement team and worked on the Ads Monetization product. He is currently also pursuing an MBA at the University of Southern California. Karthik chose to intern at TikTok because he's interested in working on products that connect people and empower communities. He also wanted to be part of a rapidly-growing company that pioneers and is at the forefront of innovation. Karthik knew that TikTok did just that, and the opportunities here excited him further.
What did you do as a TikTok intern?
Qin Da: As part of the Trust and Safety team, I used data mining and machine learning to build and enhance risk detection models and strengthen moderation capabilities. This includes developing analytical frameworks and technical solutions, gathering actionable insights from numbers, and working with cross-functional teams to create a safe space for TikTok users. What I enjoyed most in this role was discovering the unknown – you will never know what trends you may uncover from a bunch of raw numbers with little to no meaning!
Mariana: Interning at TikTok has given me a new perspective; I witnessed firsthand how much work goes behind bringing ads to life on the platform. I was part of the regional Branding and Creative Solutions team under the broader Product Strategy and Operations team. I worked closely with my Product Marketing Manager, who manages the different ad and branding format products we offer on the platform. My role revolved around working on projects largely focusing on branding products like Spark Ads and Interactive Add-Ons. It's been such a valuable and eye-opening experience!
Karthik: As a Product Manager intern on the Ads Measurement team, I was building a program that helps advertisers and brands learn how best to tailor their marketing efforts on TikTok to resonate with audiences. This required me to reimagine consumer targeting and experimentation in light of privacy regulations. The research was exciting and every day was like Day 1 for me!
How was your summer internship at TikTok? Any highlights?
Qin Da: My summer internship at TikTok was amazing! I was constantly growing and learning new things every day. In fact, this was my second internship with TikTok. I was previously a Program Management intern on the Trust and Safety team, mainly dealing with Minor Safety and protecting children on the platform. Even as interns, we are all entrusted with major responsibilities. We're encouraged to suggest new ideas and drive our own projects from start to launch! The highlight of my summer internships has always been the friendships forged. We work hard and play hard together - not just among the interns but with our full-time teammates as well. This has been a great opportunity to meet people of different backgrounds and from different schools.
Karthik: My summer internship was incredible. My whole team and manager were extremely welcoming. They gave me the space to explore and made sure I was supported all the way. The experience has been empowering, and it allowed me to feel accountable and responsible for the work I needed to deliver. The intern mixer in Mountain View was definitely one of the highlights of my internship. I had the opportunity to meet and get to know fellow interns in a casual setting outside of work.
What did you like the most about interning at TikTok?
Mariana: I love how global TikTok is. I worked and collaborated with people across many regions. Some of my teammates are not based in London, and seeing everyone work towards the same goal across many countries was fascinating!
Qin Da: I really like the people and culture at TikTok. The company has a strong learning environment and culture for both interns and full-time employees. You could make a discovery that your manager or team may not know of, and we learn from each other. Everyone was very supportive, and you will always feel like you are part of a team working towards a common goal. I also enjoyed the activities my team organized outside of work, like karaoke sessions, hiking trips, and weekly running and soccer activities!
What advice do you have for someone interested in interning at TikTok?
Qin Da: Just apply! Don't be afraid to try new roles. Primarily a Finance major, I never would have imagined having an internship in a Data Science role a year ago. My past internships have been vastly different, and even up to today, I am still exploring different opportunities. So, keep the passion and curiosity going, and go for it! You will never know until you make a move.
Karthik: If you want to experience working in a fast-paced and challenging environment while being able to make an impact, then go for it! Make sure you spend some time on the platform. Follow the news, build a perspective in the space TikTok operates in, and be aware of how the new privacy-centric world is changing everything. Most of all, be authentic about why you think TikTok makes the most sense for your internship!
From creatives to strategic thinkers and innovative technologists, our interns chart the career path most suitable for them and their professional goals while being supported at every step. If you're looking to jumpstart your career with an exciting internship experience, head to our careers site to explore opportunities with us today!
