Ava R.  

As a Co-op at Toast, I have come to realize that working for a company scaling globally means your work is the opposite of siloed. Instead, you are invited into a vibrant, global community where the 'Early Career' cohort collaborates across all Toast regions, serving other Toasters and customers around the world.

Toast proves that connection isn't just a business goal; it's a true value, allowing the next generation of talent to lead from anywhere. To see this culture in action, I reached out to early-career Toasters and their managers from across our global regions to have them share their experiences driving innovation, supporting our communities, and making a difference from day one.

India: Engineering with Empathy

Our Bangalore and Chennai offices are powerhouses of hospitality-driven engineering. While our internship program is designed to develop early-career talent, the impact often flows both ways. 

The Intern Perspective: Real Impact

Ritik K., a Software Engineer Intern, describes the engineering culture as "hospitality-driven." "Knowing that the code I wrote is being used by thousands of restaurant owners is incredibly rewarding. I’m not just a student; I’m a contributor to a product that keeps the heart of the hospitality industry beating."

Vaibhav G., another Software Engineer Intern, highlights the unique visibility interns get to leadership, including sessions with Kavita V.. "Everyone is eager to have conversations and discussions. Within the team, I was welcomed and it gave me a sense of belonging."

The Manager Perspective: Reverse Mentorship

Shivam R., Engineering Manager II, realized that having an intern on the team is one of the best ways to test Toast’s internal systems and frameworks. "The intern on my team served as a reminder that fundamental concepts should never be taken for granted," Shivam explains. "Their questions about foundational details prompted me to realize that as teams scale, unwritten rules can easily become obscure 'ancient knowledge’."

For Kritika S., Senior Manager of Data Science, her intern provided a lesson in professional courage during a team development session. "In his very first week, when the trainer asked for a volunteer, he simply raised his hand and spoke—no hesitation or over-calibration," Kritika recalls. "It was a small moment that stood out to the entire team. It reminded us that growth comes from taking the opportunity in front of you, not waiting for the 'perfect' moment."

Ireland: Visibility and Innovation

Our Dublin office serves as a premier technology hub where the environment is defined by "measurable impact." Built on a balance of autonomy and collaboration, it’s a space where early-career engineers are trusted to deploy next-generation tools and leave a lasting mark from day one.

The Intern Perspective: Leading with Innovation

Peter F., a Software Engineer Intern, finds his motivation in the physical growth of the brand: "We have a map of Ireland in the office that updates to show the growing count of restaurants... it allows us to see the measurable impact of our work." During the company Hackathon, Peter even experimented with AI tools to accelerate development, proving that at Toast, even the newest members of the team can lead the charge on the newest technologies.

 

United States: Staying Close to the Heart (HQ)

Being at Boston Breadquarters, co-ops and interns are steps away from the very restaurants and businesses that drive our mission. In the U.S., the Early Careers program is an integral part of Toast, and through robust programming, and genuine care, early-career Toasters are empowered to make a measurable impact from day one.

My Perspective as the Employer Brand Co-op: Bringing My Whole Self to Work

One of my absolute favorite aspects of being a co-op here at Toast is that I am viewed as so much more than just my job description. I am a student with unique, individual interests, as well as a professional—and Toast is truly a place where you are encouraged to bring all of those identities into your work. This supportive environment has allowed me to experiment with new creative strategies, step outside my comfort zone, and continuously learn from a team that genuinely invests in my growth.

The Manager Perspective: Empowering and Scaling Impact

Samantha Z., Program Manager of Toast.org, looked to her interns to help scale the fundraising efforts for the End Summer Hunger campaign, , connecting Toasters across the country to provide summer meals to children experiencing food insecurity. Reflecting on their dedication, Samantha shares: "their perspective reminded us how meaningful it is to support our communities every day.”

Paige M., Senior Program Manager of Employer Brand, emphasizes that early-career talent represents a critical source of innovation. Having watched her co-ops consistently challenge processes and improve how the team operates, Paige notes: “I've seen co-ops go above and beyond to refine resources and suggest new ways to share information—the impact of this work is felt long after they return to campus.”

 

One Toast, Many Timezones 

While our time zones may differ, the baseline of hospitality and shared values remains exactly the same across every office. This creates an incredible cycle of positive reinvestment—where seasoned Toasters mentor the next generation, and interns bring fresh perspectives to complex problems. Ultimately, that's what makes Toast such a unique place to learn and grow.

To the future Toasters reading this: know that this is a place where you are encouraged to bring your whole self—whether you're a student, analyst, volunteer, storyteller, or all of the above—to your daily work. Cheers to a season of breaking down silos and building connections that span continents!

If you're interested in joining a team that genuinely invests in your growth and helps you reach your goals, check out our open Early Career rolls* here!