One key takeaway I learned from the BCSSA Startup Fair was how much early-stage startups prioritize people over résumés when recruiting. Several founders I talked to said they cared less about having the “perfect” technical background and more about whether someone was genuinely curious, could communicate clearly, and was willing to learn fast and take ownership. They emphasized that at a small startup, one motivated person can change the trajectory of a product, while a disengaged “rockstar” can slow everything down. That shifted how I think about both internships and my own future hiring: instead of obsessing over titles and buzzwords, I should focus on building real skills, showing initiative, and being someone others actually want to work with in a high-velocity environment.
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