What does it take to succeed as an intern at a company like Two Sigma? How should an intern prepare for their role? And what are the best ways to make the most of an internship?
We asked several senior Two Sigma leaders to reflect on their own career journeys and consider what advice they would give interns just starting their own.
Part 1 of this series featured perspectives from Carter Lyons, Co-Chief Executive Officer; Sarah Fass, Chief People Officer; and Matt Greenwood, Two Sigma’s Chief Innovation Officer.
Part 2 highlights advice from:
- Scott Hoffman, Co-Chief Executive Officer
- Jeff Wecker, Chief Technology Officer
- Tim Reynolds, Chief Operating Officer
Scott Hoffman
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Be open to new things. Be open to being uncomfortable. I still feel uncomfortable—it happens every day. For an intern, the world of work is very new. It can be incredibly challenging. So, be open, and rely on the people around you.
Everyone’s been in your position before. They’ll help you through it. So ask the questions.
Ask questions. Don’t be afraid. There is no stupid question. I know it’s trite, but there is no stupid question. Just have the self-confidence to ask the question. No one knows everything. Everyone’s been in your position before. They’ll help you through it. So ask the questions.
Finally, you have to be prepared not to allow yourself to get knocked down. When you face a hurdle, you just have to push through it. You have to be optimistic. After decades in the workforce, I can tell you: it’s not the most talented person who succeeds, it’s the one who tries the hardest.
Jeff Wecker
Chief Technology Officer
Interns here learn a mode of teamwork behavior that’s different from what they might have learned in school. At Two Sigma, we’re all about working together to solve problems. That means you have a right to understand what you’re doing and why—even if someone very senior to you is asking you to do something.
At Two Sigma, we’re all about working together to solve problems.
So be inquisitive, get the context. Ask why. Don’t assume you just have to follow orders. We hire the best and brightest for a reason: We want people’s feedback. We want your ideas. There is obviously a time for debate, and then a time for action. But if you don’t understand why you’re doing something, that’s a problem. So, understand the context around your work.
Tim Reynolds
Chief Operating Officer
My biggest piece of advice for interns is to ask as many questions as possible, not just because doing so helps you learn, but because you end up challenging those around you in the process—to think again about why they do certain things the way that they do.
My biggest piece of advice for interns is to ask as many questions as possible…
You’ll also get to know the organization better, challenge your own thinking, and learn from your co-workers at the same time. Remember: there are no bad questions!
Learn more
For more career perspectives from senior company leaders read Part 1 and Part 3 of this series—and stay tuned for Part 3!
If you’re curious about internships or full-time careers at Two Sigma, we invite you to visit our Careers page for information about opportunities, the application process, and more.
