I Got the Job (This Can't Be Real)
i'm writing this with shaking hands.
i got an offer from anthropic. research engineer, alignment science.
this is real. i've read the email seven times. it's real.
how it happened
more interviews after the technical one. team fit conversations. chats with different people about research directions.
then: "we'd like to make you an offer."
just like that. the words i've been waiting for.
my immediate reaction
i said "thank you" about fifteen times on the call. i hope that was professional? (it probably wasn't.)
after hanging up, i called my parents. my mom cried. i cried. we're not a crying family but apparently this is the exception.
then i sat in my room and just... processed. for hours.
the offer
research engineer on the alignment science team. helping keep claude safe. working on safety experiments and research.
the role that was my dream. at the company that was my dream.
starting after graduation. they'll sponsor my visa. they'll help with relocation.
san francisco.
the surreal part
three months ago i was an undergrad who almost didn't apply because "why would they want me?"
now i'm going to work at anthropic. with the actual researchers writing the papers i've been reading.
how did this happen? i genuinely don't know.
the reality check
- i'm the youngest person they've probably hired for this role
- imposter syndrome is going to be INTENSE
- i'll be surrounded by people with way more experience
- the learning curve will be steep
but also:
- they chose me. with full knowledge of who i am.
- they see something. i should trust that.
- being out of my depth is how i grow.
what's next
- finish my final project (suddenly much more motivated)
- graduate (can't skip this step)
- visa paperwork (bureaucracy, my old friend)
- move to san francisco (12,500km from home)
- start the job (terrifying and exciting)
gratitude
to my supervisor, who believed in me and wrote a recommendation.
to my friends, who listened to me stress about this for months.
to anthropic, for taking a chance on someone early in their career.
to past me, for clicking "submit" even when it felt pointless.
dreams come true sometimes. this is proof.