From robotics to the Apple corporation: the success story of 19-year-old Sardar Konurbaev

Sardar Konurbayev is a 19-year-old Kazakhstani student, a third-year undergraduate at Purdue University in the United States, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. In January, Sardar will begin a six-month internship at Apple. The internship will take place at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, in the role of Noise & Vibration Machine Learning Engineer.

Previously, Sardar interned at Delta Air Lines, the world’s largest airline, as well as at Rivian, a startup specializing in electric vehicle manufacturing. Additionally, he serves as Chief Mechanical Engineer for the ASME Robotics Team, one of the leading student robotics teams.

Here is how it became possible.

Sardar Konurbayev, City — Cupertino, Engineer, @sardar.kon4rbayev

How it all began

My first internship was at America’s largest airline, Delta. This happened in the winter of 2024, when I started working as a layout engineer. We were involved in aircraft maintenance, writing instructions, and creating diagrams for material testing. But soon I realized that this work was not quite for me.

In the summer, I tried my hand at Rivian, a startup that manufactures electric vehicles and competes with Tesla. At Rivian, I worked as a Product Excellence Engineer, focusing on improving product quality. One of my tasks was testing vibration and noise—an important aspect for premium cars that cost from $80,000. This experience helped me realize that this field is exactly what interests me: solving complex engineering problems where precision and attention to detail are crucial.

How I got into Apple

In August, I came across a LinkedIn posting for an internship at Apple. It was an opportunity I had long dreamed of. My profile was a perfect fit: I am a student at an American university, studying engineering, with a GPA of 3.5+, experience in vibrations and noise, as well as programming skills and basic knowledge of machine learning.

The interview process at Apple is a story in itself. The process here differs from most companies: interviews are conducted by people who will work with you directly, rather than random managers.

1. The first interview focused on vibrations and materials science. I was asked questions that aligned with my Dynamics and Mechanics of Materials courses. For example, I had to explain how materials respond to certain loads or vibrations and propose ways to minimize them.
2. The second interview covered programming. I solved Python problems related to data processing and optimization. I needed to write code that analyzes sensor data and propose ways to improve it.
3. The third interview was dedicated to machine learning. I was asked about the principles of algorithm operation, their application in real-world tasks, and how I would use them to analyze vibration data.

During the interview process, I received a lot of positive feedback. Here are the key points they noted:

— Deep technical knowledge. My experience with vibrations, noise, and materials science made an impression. For example, my suggestions for improving the acoustic characteristics of devices were not only realistic but also innovative.
— A structured approach to problem-solving. Interviewers noted that I not only answered questions but also explained my thought process, emphasizing logic and the justification of decisions.
— Programming and data analysis skills. My knowledge of Python, as well as my ability to quickly adapt to new tasks and tools, became an important factor.
— Energy and enthusiasm. They said that my answers conveyed genuine interest in the issues and a desire to understand the essence of the problems.
— Proactivity and initiative. Stories about how I made improvements to projects at Rivian and Delta showed that I am not afraid to take responsibility and propose unconventional solutions.

After the interview, I was told that my position at Apple is considered unique. My role will focus on developing solutions to minimize vibrations and noise in the company’s products, which requires a special approach and the use of advanced technologies such as machine learning and data analysis. This is a position that combines elements of engineering design, scientific research, and practical application of innovations, and Apple believes that my skills are ideally suited for this work.

The internship is paid: $45 per hour, and I also have a housing stipend of $3,500. This is a full-time internship, so I am taking an academic leave from the university to fully focus on working at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino.

For me, working at Apple is not just a chance to work for a global leader in innovation, but also an opportunity to contribute to the creation of technologies that change people’s lives. Apple has always been a company that combines cutting-edge technology with a unique approach to design and user experience. It is in such an environment, where innovation and quality are prioritized, that I want to develop and work.

Moreover, Apple is a company that values its employees, supports their professional growth, and actively involves them in solving complex tasks. Working here, I will be able to not only apply my knowledge and skills but also continue to learn, developing new competencies in the field of machine learning, vibrations, and noise.

How FIRST influenced my path

One of the most significant factors that influenced my career path was my experience participating in FIRST—an international competition for high school students, where we solved real engineering problems using modern technologies. Participating in FIRST championships not only improved my technical skills but also developed my ability to work in a team, make decisions under time constraints, and propose unconventional solutions. By the way, at Purdue, I know many students who also participated in these championships in their home countries.

The project I worked on as part of FIRST required integrating various technologies to solve tasks in the fields of automation, sensors, and programming. This work gave me valuable experience working with real engineering problems and taught me to think critically and analytically.

The influence of FIRST became evident when I had to work with colleagues on complex engineering solutions and apply all the knowledge I had gained. My ability to quickly adapt to new technologies, as well as the systematic approach to problem-solving that I developed during preparation for FIRST, was recognized during the Apple interview.

Advice for those who want to get into Apple

1. Hard work. The first and most important thing is to keep working hard. After entering university, many students sigh with relief, thinking that the hard part is over. But, in reality, it’s just beginning. You need to study diligently, attend meetings, develop projects, and present yourself to companies. Join teams and clubs that take an active stance in life, such as the APEX team at Purdue, which works on devices for the blind and deaf and helps schools for people with special needs.
2. Confidence. Many students, especially international ones, lack confidence in their abilities. You have already overcome a huge path, stepping over 1,000 kilometers without parental support, so confidence is your ally.
3. Developing soft skills. Develop communication and public speaking skills. Participate in discussion clubs where current topics are discussed to practice conversational skills. Taking courses on communication and public speaking can be beneficial.
4. Daily routine and sports. The importance of a routine and sports cannot be underestimated. It helps to relax and make studying more productive. After long study sessions, it is best to go to the gym to refresh your mind.
5. Networking. It is necessary to develop networking skills—step out of your comfort zone and communicate with people outside your cultural environment. This broadens your horizons and opens up new opportunities.
6. Supporting physical health. It is difficult to achieve success in studies and work without good physical condition. Take care of your health to have the strength and energy for studies, work, and internships.

These tips will help you not only get into Apple but also become successful in any other company you aspire to join.