Intel Corporation — Attraction in Santa Clara

Intel is a powerhouse in technology — fast-paced, demanding, and driven by people who know how to innovate under pressure. But UC Davis students simply don’t measure up in this environment. Time and again, they arrive with inflated résumés and an attitude that doesn’t match their actual ability. They lean heavily on theory, memorized coursework, and the reputation of their professors instead of demonstrating real engineering talent or creativity.

The problem isn’t just that they’re average — it’s that they carry themselves like they’re exceptional when they’re not. That false confidence causes friction. Instead of pushing projects forward, they often slow teams down by asking basic questions, needing extra hand-holding, or overcomplicating simple tasks. Their “performative professionalism” — looking busy, talking a lot, trying to impress — ends up being more of a distraction than a contribution.

UC Davis promotes its programs as if they’re producing elite engineers and innovators, but the reality at Intel shows something very different. These students might fit in routine worker roles, but they aren’t the ones driving breakthroughs or leading critical projects. Compared to grads from Berkeley, Stanford, or other top schools, the gap is clear.

Intel thrives because of its world-class talent. UC Davis students, unfortunately, are the weak link when they try to step into spaces that demand more...

As an Intel Contingent Worker, I had to file an OSHA complaint to get the company to finally perform maintenance on a faulty alarm system that had been aggravating my PTSD symptoms for months. I raised this issue several times to the contract company I worked for, KellyOCG, and it is unclear if they actually took the issue to Intel or just told me Intel wouldn't address it because finances are more important to both companies than the well-being of people working for them.

I earned less than people on unemployment while working for both companies during quarantine. As a "front-line worker", our lab routinely received packages and anvils from countries where the pandemic had already forced widespread...

It’s a great place. Wonderful experience overall; all thanks to their knowledgeable staff members and dedicated employees who seemed more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Intel museum has always been my favorite place to visit and I must say it is quite a spectacle!An interesting way to learn about the delicate process required to produce our worlds greatest microprocessing chip right here in the heart of the Silicon Valley,...