Instra.AI

Frontend Developer

May 2021 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

The atmosphere is very active, open, and encouraging. The supervisors care about everyone, the CEO and CTO are very involved and are in the 'trenches' with us. We are always encouraged to take ownership and responsibility for our projects. Any ideas that are brought up are discussed and most of the time they'll work with that idea. It's that startup vibe, where you can take on many roles and make a lot of impacts. It's very rewarding to take what I've learned from the classroom, extending that knowledge with the work I do here, and make something that affects the quality of people's lives.

What I wish was different

I honestly have nothing I would want to be different. They are very understanding about school, other jobs, other commitments so work-life balance is great. It would be awesome to meet in person, but due to the pandemic, it's not feasible right now. But I think having that remote option is great since I don't live near their headquarters.

Advice

I believe you will get out what you put in. If you give a lot of time, energy, and work you can do great things at this company. I understand it can be scary starting an internship or an entry-level job. But everyone is kind and understanding here. If you have an idea, bring it up, it's possible no one thought of that and it could be a great idea. There is so much room for figuring out what you want at Instra, as you are able to join multiple projects and teams. I would say it feels like a team or a family not a bunch of co-workers, so get to know everyone and get involved past just the work.

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Machine Learning Engineer

August 2021 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

There's a difference between taking classes and learning a whole bunch of coding for stuff like machine learning and different aspects of data science and actually being able to apply the knowledge and witness — in real time — the difference that you can make and the expertise you can bring to the table. One key aspect of this experience working at Instra.AI is how this company adds so much to my academic work and supplements what I learn in class. Then it gets taken a step further and I learn tricks and different techniques from seniors developers, stuff that I wouldn't really come across in a textbook or other academic material. I loved how connected everyone at Instra.AI is, it seems like a family. Everyone is constantly pushing you to be your best self, and it's a very wholesome environment to work in and prosper.

What I wish was different

Advice

Take the leap of faith and be vocal! If you think that there's stuff that should be done a certain way then address it. The leads at Instra.AI are always willing to hear your opinion and implement your opinion to directly bring change. Your voice matters a lot, don't feel silent and always be willing to use it!

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Chief Technology Officer

October 2020 • Aurora, IL

What I liked

Amazing opportunities for growth! You can learn so much at Instra.AI if you're willing to put in the work. Honestly, you get out what you put in. Lots of innovation going on in all aspects of the company. Great diversity with people from all over the globe. Your work really gets to make a difference here since it's a startup!

What I wish was different

Only wish it could be in person, but the pandemic is really a double edge sword. It's allowed me to meet with people from around the world that I wouldn't normally get to interact with.

Advice

This is a true startup experience and you'll go far if you are proactive and innovative.

1 One person found this helpful

Computer Vision Engineer Intern

January 2020 • Aurora, IL

What I liked

Excellent mentorship from all the senior members of the company. The work timings are flexible for the students. The active aura of the company really inspires a lot of students and fresh graduates to acquire knowledge in abundance from scratch to advance level. I personally had no prior experience in the computer vision field, have learned a lot in the following time and it is already helping me a lot in my studies and for seeking other jobs.

What I wish was different

Honestly, till now I think the organization and work ambience is really great.

Advice

I have mastered a lot of skills in the related field like how to use the libraries, train or test a model, label data, use cloud computing services and solve critical problems which are the crucial levels of knowledge, a computer vision engineer should be having. So I think it is the best place for fresh graduates and students to start their careers from.

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