Interning with LinkedIn’s Analytics Team

Yongzheng (Tiger) Zhang
6 min readadvanced
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Overview

The article discusses the internship experience with LinkedIn's Analytics team, focusing on their hiring strategy for 2017 and the meaningful work interns engage in. It highlights the importance of data analytics in decision-making and showcases a successful intern's journey.

What You'll Learn

1

How to effectively recruit analytics interns through various channels

2

Why integrating interns into teams enhances their learning experience

3

How to create impactful projects for interns that lead to real-world applications

Key Questions Answered

What strategies did LinkedIn use for hiring analytics interns in 2017?
LinkedIn's 2017 hiring strategy for analytics interns included general hiring through LinkedIn Jobs, employee referrals, campus recruiting at institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, and hosting an onsite open house event for students. These methods aimed to build connections with the data science community and create a pipeline of top talent.
What kind of projects do interns work on at LinkedIn?
Interns at LinkedIn are integrated into teams and work on meaningful projects. For instance, a past intern improved customer targeting for B2B sales, leading to the development of a highly accurate algorithm and resulting in two joint patents. This hands-on experience prepares them for full-time careers.
How does LinkedIn ensure a meaningful internship experience?
LinkedIn ensures a meaningful internship experience by assigning interns to real projects that contribute to the team's goals. This approach not only provides valuable experience but also fosters professional growth, as seen in the success stories of former interns who later joined the company full-time.

Key Statistics & Figures

Number of applications received for summer 2017 intern positions
Thousands
This was for seven openings available in the Analytics team.
Number of students at the open house event
110
Students from local schools attended the event to learn about LinkedIn's Analytics team.
Number of students who received tech talks during campus recruiting
120+
These students were from multiple programs at Carnegie Mellon University.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Leverage multiple recruitment channels to attract diverse talent for internships.
Using general hiring, employee referrals, and campus recruiting can significantly increase the pool of qualified candidates, ensuring a better fit for your team.
2
Integrate interns into existing teams to enhance their learning and contribution.
By involving interns in real projects, companies can provide them with valuable experience while benefiting from fresh perspectives and ideas.
3
Host open house events to showcase company culture and attract potential interns.
These events allow students to engage directly with team members, fostering a sense of community and interest in the company.

Common Pitfalls

1
Failing to provide meaningful projects for interns can lead to disengagement.
When interns are not given real responsibilities, they may feel undervalued and miss out on valuable learning experiences.

Related Concepts

Internship Programs
Data Analytics
Recruitment Strategies
Career Development