I ended up getting an Amazon (Bay area) offer recently but I already accepted Qualtrics (Seattle) ~2 weeks ago. I've been debating whether reneging is worth it for the resume boost next year when I'll be a senior, but I personally feel that it's marginal after reading about Amazon's supposedly bad culture/lowered reputation online. On the other hand, the Qualtrics intern class is much smaller so I assume there's more project flexibility and I'll actually be able to work on something that interests me. I am interested in applying to hedge funds/trading firms next year for SWE but I'm worried that Qualtrics might be kinda unknown outside of the tech world. Any perspectives on Amazon vs Qualtrics brand name would be appreciated.
Amazon wins, hands down.
Amazon will look a lot better but I'm unsure it matters significantly if the goal is hedge funds next year. I will say just because an intern class is smaller doesn't mean you'll have more project flexibility. You should read up a bit more on what both amzn and qualtrics internships are like before making an assumption like that - interns in my org can work on whatever they want as long as it's possible to deliver it and pertains to our products (which have a diverse subject matter to dive into). I will also say that AMZN poor culture/toxic WLB is also highly team dependent, and that there's plenty of dream teams in the company. As for general advice on reneging on an offer: even though it might make some manager somewhere a bit unhappy/burn some inconsequential bridge, it's a job first and foremost, so don't ever sacrifice your career progression for keeping someone happy.
For an internship, especially if it’s not a company you anticipate wanting to be at in your full time role I’d go to amazon. They’ll have a more formal intern program with a Lot of nice benefits most likely and career talks etc. plus it’ll be more recognizable for your next round of recruiting
Amazon is great for internship. Get the FAANG experience and never go back
My advice Amazon. Sure, there is a chance that you may not work on something very cool at Amazon, but there is ton to learn and experience. You will see how real big tech works. At Qualtrics you will see and experience sub par eng culture and dev tools.
Sub par engineering culture/dev tools?
Yes at Q. You were expecting top eng culture and dev tools?
Qualtrics is shit. Strongly recommend against it. Amazon is the obvious answer not only for the clout but also I’ve met people at qualtrics and they’re fucking weird. It’s a stupid shit product too.
No need to disparage the employees.
I once went on a date a girl from Qualtrics... She had extreme BO and drank very excessively at a relatively upscale and subtle dinner. By the end of it, she was ranting about Israel and we had to leave the Italian restaurant early into the meal. Do all Qualtrics employees act this? I have no reason to believe otherwise, AmazonEng
If you don’t care about the return offer, what is it that you want to learn in your internship?
Amazon
Amazon. Call the recruiter from Qualtrics and explain that you have a better opportunity. Also, you get to go to internpalooza and other intern events in the Bay Area. It’s a good experience!!
Internship def amazon. If it was full time def toss up depending on what you value more
Dont believe Blinders about Amazon, most of them are mad because they got rejected.