Our first intern of the summer, Alex, has been working hard in the data center making sure that all the drives are spinning, and Marketing now has its first intern of the summer! Ari joins us from Indiana University, where he studies marketing and sales. Let’s learn a bit more about Ari, shall we?
What is your Backblaze title?
Summer Intern.
Where are you originally from?
I’m from Glencoe, IL, a northern suburb of Chicago, and have lived there most of my life.
What attracted you to Backblaze?
As a Midwesterner, I have never worked on the west coast, and I have also never worked for a smaller startup before. I was very excited to have the opportunity to work for a company that is both. Backblaze has introduced me to the laid-back, yet efficient culture of Silicon Valley, which I find very appealing.
What do you expect to learn while being at Backblaze?
As a marketing intern, I hope to gain insight into how Backblaze was able to leverage its marketing techniques in order to transform itself from a tiny start up to one of the best cloud backup companies out there!
Where else have you worked?
I have had internships both previous summers; first in the marketing department of Garvin Industries, an electrical manufacturer; and then in the human resources department of Follett Corporation, a college and high school bookstore franchise. I also work part time while attending university doing some marketing and finance work for Consulting Partners, a financial consulting firm.
Where did you go to school?
I am currently in the summer break before my senior year of undergrad at Indiana University in Bloomington. I am studying marketing and professional sales at the Kelley School of Business there.
What’s your dream job?
It is hard to say because I have so many interests and am pretty uncertain about what my future will bring. Ideally, I suppose, I would love a job where I can bring my three favorite things together: travel, humanitarianism, and business (particularly marketing). Maybe one day I will start my own international humanitarian aid organization, but who knows?
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
It is extremely difficult to pick just one place because I am such an avid fan of travel that I enjoy pretty much every place I go. As of right now, if I had to pick one, I would go with Morocco, where just this past spring break I went on my first trip as a solo traveler. I backpacked and “couchsurfed” around this beautiful country, where I had an amazing time and met many incredible people.
Favorite hobby?
Traveling is my favorite thing in the world. If I can’t travel at the moment, then my next favorite thing is planning travels, reading about travels, and discussing travels. As one of my favorite quotes says…
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”—Susan Sontag
“Star Trek” or “Star Wars”?
“Star Wars,” by default. I was a big “Star Wars” fan as a kid, especially the LEGO “Star Wars” games. I never really got into “Star Trek,” though. I only watched the new movies because of Simon Pegg and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Coke or Pepsi?
Coke. Definitely Coke. Pepsi is for people with low cola standards.
Favorite food?
That is a very tough question since I like pretty much all food, but having to pick one, I’d say that sushi shines above all the rest.
Why do you like certain things?
I like certain things because they either make me a better person, make the world a better place, or taste good.
Them’s fightin’ words about Pepsi, but most of us in the office tend to side with the Coke contingent—so you’ll fit right in! Welcome aboard!
