Founder's Associate Internship

3-6 months internship

Location: Dubai (Hybrid)

Compensation: Unpaid

Outcome: Full-time role for exceptional performance

About us

Helpdesk is building the fastest way to access real human expertise instantly.

As technology accelerates, we believe it should empower humans, not replace them with automations that can't handle edge cases. We are building across consumer, enterprise, and government verticals, and we are still early enough that the right person can directly shape the trajectory of the company.

This is not a traditional internship.

It is a founder apprenticeship.

About the role

You will work directly with the Founder on high-impact initiatives across:

• Strategy
• Product
• Fundraising
• Growth
• B2B / B2G Expansion
• Operations
• Marketing

This role is designed for individuals who want to operate at founder-level intensity.

You will not shadow.

You will build and execute.

What exceptional performance looks like

By the end of this internship, an exceptional intern will:

• Independently lead structured projects from idea to execution
• Anticipate problems before they arise
• Propose solutions rather than wait for instructions
• Remove cognitive and operational load from the Founder
• Demonstrate structured, first-principles thinking
• Operate with speed, clarity, and ownership

If you are looking to be managed step-by-step, this is not the role for you.

What you'll work on

Depending on company priorities, you may:

• Structure and execute go-to-market initiatives
• Conduct market and competitor analysis
• Build financial and strategic models
• Prepare investor materials
• Assist in enterprise/government proposals
• Design internal systems and workflows
• Analyze key metrics and identify bottlenecks
• Assist in fundraising

You will own projects, not just tasks.

Who this is for

This role is ideal for:

• Highly ambitious students or recent graduates
• Individuals considering entrepreneurship, consulting, or venture capital
• Structured thinkers with strong analytical skills
• High-agency operators
• Individuals comfortable in ambiguity and fast-moving environments

Bonus (not mandatory):

• Startup exposure
• Financial literacy
• Strong writing skills
• Technical fluency
• Arabic proficiency

Who this is NOT for

• Those seeking routine administrative internships
• Individuals who require constant direction
• Those prioritizing comfort over growth
• Individuals looking primarily for a brand name on their CV

What you'll gain

• Direct exposure to founder-level decision-making
• Real ownership over meaningful initiatives
• Mentorship and structured feedback
• Accelerated learning across multiple business functions
• A strong recommendation upon successful completion
• Full-time role consideration for exceptional performers

Selection process

We are intentionally selective. We expect the best of our hires to be a constant presence throughout the growth of Helpdesk, and we need to make sure we have the best on our side.

Applicants should expect:

• A short analytical assignment
• A structured interview
• A discussion around long-term ambition

We are looking for potential, judgment, and drive.