In a recent interview with CNBC Make It, Chet Kapoor, now the CEO of generative AI company DataStax, revealed how his early experience as an intern at Steve Jobs' software company NeXT paved the way for his successful career in Silicon Valley.

As a teenager, Kapoor had always admired Jobs and dreamed of working alongside the tech mogul. His inspiration stemmed from a book called "A Little Kingdom," which delved into the story of Apple and its co-founders, Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Captivated by their journey, Kapoor knew he wanted to work with Jobs.

Motivated by his aspirations, Kapoor took computer classes and applied to colleges in the United States. Eventually, he landed at Arizona State University in 1986. Jobs, who had recently left Apple and founded NeXT in 1985, created an opportunity for Kapoor to fulfill his dream.

NeXT initiated a program called the Campus Consultants, hiring students part-time to work for the company from their respective colleges. Kapoor became part of this program in 1988, and after graduating, he and a select group of students were asked to join NeXT as interns.

Reflecting on his time at NeXT, Kapoor emphasized the impact of Jobs' leadership and the company's product and design-centric approach. Jobs placed great importance on user experience, displaying a maniacal focus on creating a seamless interaction between users and technology. This philosophy aligned with Apple's culture, as Jobs had previously stated in a 1985 Newsweek interview that his philosophy began with a great product.

Kapoor highlighted Jobs' emphasis on a strong engineering culture, noting how meticulous schedule-driven practices ensured an unwavering commitment to excellence. The CEO described the hardcore engineering behind Apple's products, explaining that while iPhone users may only see a pretty interface, there is a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes engineering that goes into its development.

Kapoor attributes a significant portion of his success in Silicon Valley to his time as Jobs' intern at NeXT, where he worked in close proximity to the tech icon. The exposure he gained to Jobs' thought process and the insights gained from attending all-hand meetings left an indelible mark on his professional journey.

Now, as CEO of DataStax, Kapoor continues to drive innovative advancements in the tech world. His formative years at NeXT, working alongside Jobs, undoubtedly shaped his career and instilled in him a passion for creating groundbreaking products while keeping user experience at the forefront.

Kapoor's story serves as a testament to the profound impact that visionary leaders like Steve Jobs can have on fostering the talents and aspirations of young professionals, leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond their time together.