Sean Lai
Sean is currently a junior studying computer science. He previously built out data systems for startups and was the first undergraduate fellow at Manus AI. Outside of building dev tools for himself you'll find him cooking or attending broadway shows with friends.
Background
2025
Vice President
2024
Startup Week Lead
2023
Startup Week Committee
Why tech@nyu?
It's the community. Personally really subscribed to the idea that you become the people you spend the most time together, and I see drive in so many of my friends through the club. It's also fun, since as much as we love to code, grind for the jobs, and push ourselves to bring voices, we love hosting dinners, socials, and retreats.
What was your journey into SWE
Something along the lines of losing myself into FPS games when I was 14. While I never really picked up into coding until my junior year in high school, the long sessions grinding games like Valorant, CS:GO, Fortnite, and Rainbow Six Siege to the highest ranks created the product and system first mindset that I take to every problem. There's the beauty in madness, calling the shots, and iterating from every mistake.
What has helped you succeed?
Give without expecting anything. I'd say so much of what we're told is to be taking for ourselves, but I've found that genuine generosity with initiative never goes to waste. It's been how I've been able to meet cool people at NYU and in the startup ecosystem.
How do you spend your free time?
It's been more cooking, seeing Operas/Broadways, and the occasional exercise. I've always been appreciative and hooked on the journey to excellence, and whether that is me cooking, seeing the top actors, or pushing my bars of excellence, I'd like to spend time in these environments to see greatness on display or in the making.
Advice to your younger self
If you are uncertain about many seemingly good choices, commit to one, and give it your 110%.
What keeps you grounded?
Frequent calls & hanging out with friends and family. It's the best.
