China’s AI talent race is starting in high school

In the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, internships are becoming more crucial than ever for students seeking to carve out careers in tech and media. Lucy Rice, a graduate student in New York City, works 20 hours a week at an unpaid internship with Straus News, a local newspaper. Her role involves writing and editing stories, covering events such as an election night watch party and reporting on a Spanish-language group chat initiated by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Despite the lack of financial compensation, Rice sees the internship as essential for gaining hands-on experience in journalism. However, she acknowledges that securing a permanent position post-internship is uncertain, given the limited staffing at Straus News, which includes only one editor and one full-time reporter. The increasing reliance on internships by employers coincides with growing concerns about the impact of AI on traditional entry-level positions. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, over four million U.S. college students participate in internships annually, with employers planning to hire 4% more interns in 2026. This trend highlights the dual purpose of internships, providing valuable experience and serving as a trial period for potential hires. For students like Rice, internships offer exposure, networking opportunities, and practical skills, though the likelihood of transitioning to full-time roles varies significantly across industries. Experts emphasize the importance of maximizing the value of internships by focusing on both hard and soft skills. Michele Moyer, director of Career Development and Community Engagement at Cedar Crest College, advises students to maintain professionalism, demonstrate initiative, and arrive on time. She underscores the need for students to showcase their abilities effectively, highlighting qualities such as teamwork and reliability. These attributes, she argues, are critical for making a lasting impression on potential employers. Raiyan Islam, an international student from Bangladesh currently studying at Denison University, faced rejection from several research internships before securing a position at Ohio State University. His internship includes a stipend and housing, allowing him to focus on a numerical linear algebra research project. While he does not seek a full-time role immediately, the opportunity provides valuable research experience and a sense of security regarding his future prospects. His journey illustrates the challenges and rewards of navigating the competitive landscape of internships, especially for non-U.S. citizens. Meanwhile, in China, the race for AI talent is intensifying, beginning at the high school level. A father from Hangzhou, whose 13-year-old son has gained recognition in AI model-building competitions, expressed concern about nurturing his son's talents amid resource limitations. The boy's success on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu has drawn attention, yet the family grapples with uncertainty about the best educational paths for his future. Chinese companies are addressing this gap by expanding their talent acquisition strategies to include younger demographics. Tencent, a leading technology conglomerate, offers specialized camps for students aged 13 to 18, focusing on AI product management, robotics, and quantum computing. Similarly, ByteDance, known for its global platforms like TikTok, has established a nonprofit research center aimed at identifying promising students in AI, mathematics, and computer science. These initiatives reflect a strategic effort to cultivate talent early, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals for the rapidly growing AI sector. As the demand for AI expertise continues to rise, companies like Geely are implementing innovative approaches to bridge the talent gap. Their program targets high school graduates, providing guaranteed training and eventual employment within the company. Participants receive instruction in AI, new energy vehicles, low-altitude aviation, and satellite technologies, aligning their education with industry needs. Such programs not only address immediate labor shortages but also foster a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to contribute to technological advancements.