When does the placement program start?

The next cycle of internship programs with host companies in San Francisco and Silicon Valley will begin in September 2012.  For more information please see how to how to apply.

How long will the program last?

The length of the program will be decided by the host company and will consist of a period of six months (up to a year).  Participating candidates should be open to staying longer as a full time employee.

Will interns be paid?

Yes, interns will be paid by their host companies and this structure will be built into the visa process and legal framework.  Please note that these monthly stipends may vary in each case.  We are working with companies willing to pay a minimum of $1,000 a month, though it is quite common for startups to pay engineering interns much more than that on a monthly basis (for an idea of how much full time developers earn, please follow this link).

How is this program paid for and what are the costs?

Participants will be paying for their own program, and participants will be paid as interns by their own host companies.  This will cover a large part of the expenses incurred, but perhaps not all of them.  Typically, program expenses will come from the visa process, travel, housing, deposits and common living costs.  The following is a guide of the costs in USD :

• Visa – $1,500
• Travel – $1,500
• Housing and Living Expenses – $2,200 per month
• Deposit – $1,500

For those expenses not covered by intern’s monthly stipends, Fundación Rafael del Pino has set aside funds that program participants can borrow from in the form of a loan.  For each participant who makes it through the selection process, we will be presenting and reviewing a budget that estimates costs, responsibilities and financial obligations.  If you have immediate questions please send us an email at jovenes@stepone.com.

Is this a scholarship or a grant?

This program should not be considered a grant or a scholarship, in fact it has been designed for people that recognize an internship in Silicon Valley as an investment in their professional future.  We are looking for people that are to be Spain’s leading entrepreneurs of tomorrow, this means they will have to be familiar with risks and responsibilities that are natural to entrepreneurship.  We are working hard to make this program more interesting for a wide range of profiles while at the same time trying to find technical talent that will benefit from these opportunities.

How will interns be selected?

Only candidates with a plus academic background, up-to-date technical ability and fluency in English will be initially considered.  The selection process for candidates will typically follow these guidelines: a screening of CV and cover letter, technical aptitude tests in given programming languages, phone and personal interviews (if possible) and a screening process that will involve potential hosts.  The process for all students will end in April 2012 and we will notify successful candidates of their selection at that point.

What kind of programming coding skills are required?

Technical criteria will depend partly on requirements specified by hosting companies. However, candidates should have high proficiency in JAVA and C++. A working knowledge in either Python, Ruby, PHP and/or other languages common to the industry will also be greatly valued, as will the ability to learn quickly.  Familiarity with the latest programming trends will help tremendously.

How does housing work?

StepOne will arrange for temporary housing for each participant for a two week period prior to their start date with their host company.  Participants will be responsible for finding and managing their own housing arrangements.  Looking for housing from Spain is a difficult task, and is much easier while in San Francisco. This two week period will give participants enough time to settle into their living arrangements.  Host companies will either be located in San Francisco or Silicon Valley an it is recommending to find accommodation within typical commuting hours.  More information on this will be made available to selected candidates.

Which startups will be hosting interns?

StepOne is working with startups based in the San Francisco Bay Area that have a high dependency on computer science and engineering, good track records, and provide a young environment for innovative entrepreneurs. The identities of hosting companies will be released to candidates during the matching process.  For startups we have worked with in the past, please look at the current participants.

How much will this program cost for host companies?

StepOne has made it a priority to ensure that host companies spend as little resources as possible for the duration of this program.  Host companies will be asked to pay a minimal stipend of at least $1,000 a month to interns.  Host companies will not spend money on logistical processes or traveling costs for interns.  Many interested host companies have expressed interest in paying higher salaries, and this can be built into the program and visa arrangements.

Will this program require a visa?

All Spanish citizens are required to have a visa in order to work in the United States. This program will use the J1 visa, which covers internship positions and includes health insurance and other benefits. The visa process takes two months and will require the participant to make an appointment with the US embassy in Madrid. More information will be made available to selected participants.

What happens after the internship is finished?

The program has been designed to accommodate the incentives of both hosting companies and interns. After the completion of an internship, participants are under no specific obligation to StepOne or the hosting company. Companies are under no specific obligation to continue with an intern as a candidate for employment. Companies who want to hire an intern for a full time position may do so at no extra cost, and are free to negotiate with interns on their own basis. StepOne will help with any additional logistical procedures that might be necessary.