Our apprentice Dario in the “Silicon Valley IT Talent Programme”: What an adventure!

Want to get away from it all for three weeks and immerse yourself in the vibrant start-up vibes of the tech capital? Thanks to the outstanding achievements we’re all really proud of at InfoGuard AG, Dario Schleiss – our 4th year IT apprentice – was given a truly unique opportunity.  As one of the 30 best Swiss IT apprentices, Dario successfully completed a real IT project in a typical start-up mentality on Exchange Pro’s “Silicon Valley IT Talent Programme”. He talks about his fascinating experiences and explains why these three weeks in San Francisco have shaped him forever. Dario, the stage is yours!

The call from my vocational training officer came totally out of the blue. He told me about the “Silicon Valley IT Talent Programme” and asked if I’d like to travel to San Francisco for three weeks. Having described the situation to me, and after a short meeting, it was clear: It’s an opportunity I simply can’t miss – let’s go!

I’m Dario, an IT apprentice with the courage to go the extra mile

As an IT apprentice specialising in platform development, what fascinates me about my apprenticeship is how quickly the IT world is developing and how new opportunities are constantly emerging. The only constant in IT is that it never stands still: That was the deciding factor in my decision to do an ICT apprenticeship. I’m particularly interested in the following areas: servers, virtualisation as well as automation. It’s just so exciting to see how technology makes our everyday lives easier! At InfoGuard, my training company, I’m lucky enough to have an all-round view of IT – plus the opportunity to work on innovative projects. Of course, there’s also fun to be had: the ambience in the team and employee events not only inspire with positivity – they also help build team spirit. My goal? A successful apprenticeship and ideally a permanent position at InfoGuard!

A look at Silicon Valley: The IT Talent Programme

For me, the term “Silicon Valley” has always been synonymous with big sci-fi dreams and tech adventures. Even my high expectations were exceeded: Thanks to the “Silicon Valley IT Talent Programme”, I made new contacts, got a taste of start-up life in Silicon Valley – something special at my age – and was simply left to my own devices.

Although I travelled to San Francisco with certain expectations, the intensity and innovative flair oozing out of Silicon Valley was simply overwhelming. We had access to various co-working spaces and were supported by a great team who looked after us. Unfortunately, iconic locations such as the Meta Campus were completely closed to us, although we were at least allowed to visit the cafeteria on the Google Campus – which was a bit disappointing. But hey, we still saw and experienced a lot!

I found it really exciting to work with other young people from a wide variety of companies and sectors. We didn’t know each other before. So it was a bit of a challenge to quickly come together as a team and develop a common working rhythm – more or less from a standing start.

Fast, creative, different: Learning in the “Silicon Valley IT Talent Programme”

I have to admit: The first few days felt like a learning marathon. In the crash course, we learnt how we can better implement our ideas with design thinking and user research. Techniques that were completely new to all of us. These methods help to quickly gain a clear overview of a project.

I also consolidated skills such as solution-orientated work and entrepreneurial thinking – while learning to embrace ideas that seem crazy at first glance. The creative environment suffusing the co-working spaces and the sheer vibrancy of Silicon Valley certainly played a role in the background!

What’s more, everything was in English! Of course, that was clear from the start, but “on the job” I experienced this situation in a completely different way. Looking back, I’m proud of how well I was able to express myself in this international environment.

This experience in San Francisco left an unforgettable impression and gave me valuable skills for my professional career.

Our project: An IoT system

Our project was the sole IoT project and the only one already in productive use. Our aim was to develop a versatile system that works both as a web and mobile app. Important features included an interactive map, an enterprise system for individual customer management plus management functions – such as secure password changes for switchboxes, phone number updates and a user-friendly login and sign-up page.

I was responsible for project management, presentation and technical documentation. That was a real challenge, especially because of the tight deadlines!

Besides the technical requirements, we learnt to apply a lot of new working methods such as user research, design thinking and prototyping. All the same, we quickly realised that time would be too short to carry out the implementation steps according to the textbook. So we had to take a more pragmatic approach. That was a key moment for me. I realised for the first time just how exciting – but also challenging and formative – this experience in San Francisco would be.

Overcoming hurdles: Our way to the best pitch

The first week got off to a perfect start with a successful user research pitch. We received positive feedback from our project owner and approval for the next steps. Now it was time to fine-tune the prototype of our IoT project and finalise it in just one week.

We experienced real ups and downs until the second pitch on Monday of the third week. Though stress was never far away – we also had plenty of fun! When the time finally arrived for the second pitch, we actually managed to deliver the best pitch! That really motivated us.

Of course, there were also technical challenges: Server problems and stress with the switchbox had to be overcome. But our team was strong – all of us mastering everything together – as in the weeks before!

Graduation and conclusion: A milestoone to celebrate

At the end of the programme, we all proudly held our diplomas in our hands. This time in Silicon Valley was simply unforgettable! I not only learnt a lot about IT – but also about teamwork and friendship. I met some great new colleagues. It wasn’t just a pleasure a work with them – we also shared valuable experience. I’m pretty sure we’ll stay in contact.

I experienced a lot of new things in just three weeks. Both positive and challenging moments have strengthened me and my project team. My time in San Francisco was very instructive, varied, exciting and full of new experiences that will help me both professionally and personally. Perhaps to an extent that’s not yet clear to me.

Fun times too: Sightseeing in and around Silicon Valley

The first week wasn’t just full of hard work – we also had lots of fun and enjoyed some sightseeing. We explored Chinatown, visited Alcatraz, the impressive Golden Gate Bridge and the chilled-out Salesforce Park.

In the second week, we went on a day trip to Silicon Valley. We visited the Google Campus and immersed ourselves in the world of technology at the Computer History Museum – simply pure tech! The visit to Palo Alto – a venue buzzing with start-up energy – was creatively crazy. The absolute highlight? Stanford University – huge, impressive and full of history. To round off the week, we went to the NHL game in San Jose. The perfect ending after so many exciting experiences!

Despite the intensive workload, there was still time for a few highlights of San Francisco in the third week. The Alcatraz Night Tour, a cool cable car ride and the NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the LA Lakers were unforgettable events!

Inspired by my report? Apply now for an IT apprenticeship

My colleagues and I would be delighted to have more help! Why not apply for an apprenticeship in 2026  – an opportunity that young people with a passion for IT should not miss out on. You can find information about our apprenticeships, way-up opportunities, the skills required and the application process on our website.

Curious about Dario’s adventures in Silicon Valley? Stream the short report from SRF News dated 17 October 2024 and learn more about the “Silicon Valley IT Talent Program” from Exchange Pro!

Caption: own image archive