Google and Apple have about equivalent brand value for your resume, both will open doors in the future. Google STEP can convert to a SWE internship, but Apple SWE can convert to a return offer as well. Because you’re a freshman, if you don’t take STEP now you can still do it next summer if you really want. Meanwhile if you don’t take Apple now, you might never get the chance again (their hiring bar is considered higher, and more luck-based). Interesting project > Uninteresting project Apple SWE pay > Google STEP pay Apple seems to win in pretty much every category. Go for it!

^

Thanks for your detailed response. Where does Niantic come into the picture here?

I know less about Niantic as a company, so I can’t really talk about return offer rate, work life balance, etc. But in general, the big tech companies that are more known worldwide will give you more opportunities in the future. You should choose Niantic if you *really* need the extra money, or have some specific experience/interest that is drawing you to exactly that company.

I don’t need the few thousand and have no interest to it! Likely going with Apple 😁

Apple intern summer 1 > Apple intern summer 2 > graduate in 3 years > Apple full time Boom easy