My First Internship in Kronos Research

Why did I choose Kronos as my first internship and not a billion-dollar corporation?

Written by Charlene Lin, Community Intern

As a current student at National Taiwan University, I've observed that being part of NTU—one of Taiwan's premier universities—often means coming from top-tier educational backgrounds, from high schools to kindergartens. In college, particularly within the College of Management, there's a pervasive pursuit of prestige, whether through titles, achievements, or internships. I, too, was caught up in this ambition.

During my first half of college, I travelled extensively across Asia to learn from talented peers. I engaged in clubs that took me to conferences in New York, visits to the United Nations Headquarters, networking sessions at Harvard, and collaborations with leading U.S. teams to organise Taiwan's largest human rights forum. By 2019, I was eager to embark on my next challenge: an internship. At that time, most peers secured internships at renowned corporations like Google, JP Morgan, Microsoft, and Uber. While these positions promised impressive resumes, they often involved mundane tasks typical of second-year interns. While practical, this path didn't align with my desire for substantive responsibilities and meaningful impact. Then, the idea struck me—startups! Though fledgling, startups often offer fresh perspectives on entrenched issues and abundant opportunities for growth. I discovered Kronos online and quickly identified it as my ideal choice. Located in Taipei's financial hub, Kronos is deeply immersed in crypto, aiming to empower individuals towards financial independence—a vision of making a tangible difference that resonated deeply with me.

After a rigorous selection process, including interviews and tasks, I distinguished myself among 10+ candidates and was hired as Kronos' community intern.

Navigating a Dynamic Workplace
Upon joining Kronos, I witnessed rapid expansion; the team grew from under 20 to nearly 40 members in just three months. New responsibilities emerged daily, and our affiliated brand was even renamed following a midnight brainstorming session. What began as managing daily content for Kronos' Telegram community evolved into organising private business events, negotiating with vendors, shaping marketing strategies, drafting reports, and leading the Ambassador program. Working in this volatile startup environment meant confronting new challenges daily, a stark contrast to the stability of established corporations.

Insights from the Marketing Team
The marketing team operates primarily online, comprising colleagues from Taiwan, China, Korea, and Canada. Despite our small startup size, the experiences here have reshaped my personal and professional values:

- Overcoming Ignorance: Prioritizing passion
  Amid a competitive environment dominated by "top students" from elite backgrounds in "billion-dollar corporations," I initially overlooked the fundamental value of passion—something often sidelined in larger firms. At Kronos, passion resonates deeply among my colleagues, fostering diligence, proactivity, and professionalism.

- Self-Directed Work: Embracing autonomy
  Accustomed to independence as a student and daughter, I value the trust placed in me here. There's no micromanagement; instead, I take ownership of my responsibilities, ensuring timely delivery and transparency about challenges faced.

- Beyond Job Descriptions: From intern to project leader
  Recently, I spearheaded Kronos' Campus Ambassador Program—an unprecedented initiative to recruit influential students. Designing this program from scratch was a unique opportunity, enabling me to shape its structure, identify suitable candidates, and devise outreach strategies.

- Impact Beyond Expectations: Influence as a 19-year-old intern
  As the sole marketing major in the team, I brought a fresh perspective to strategic decisions. My inputs on target audience and content effectiveness influenced campaigns, showcasing how age and experience can complement each other.

- Flat Organization: Accessible leadership
  Working mere centimetres away from Jennifer, the CMO highlighted Kronos' flat organisational structure. Despite her busy schedule, Jennifer actively supports the team and values feedback, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration.

Advice for Future Interns: Choose the Right Fit
Reflecting on my internship journey, I emphasise the importance of finding a workplace that aligns with your aspirations. Whether at a large corporation or a dynamic startup, seek environments that challenge you to grow and surround yourself with inspiring individuals.