Tel Aviv University (TAU) offers more than just a top-tier academic experience at one of Israel’s most prestigious institutions—it’s a launchpad for real-world success. TAU combines theoretical knowledge with practical opportunities, ensuring students are not only well-educated but also well-prepared to land top jobs in the global market.
Alon Ben-Shoshan, a TAU alum, exemplifies how the university bridges the gap between education and career, providing him with the tools and connections needed to succeed in today’s highly competitive tech ecosystem.
Alon is the Chief Business Officer at Instrumental, a company specializing in AI software for hardware development, with clients like Apple, Tesla, Cisco, and Meta. At Instrument, Alon oversees impactful projects, including Meta’s Oculus AI technology.
“Our AI tools optimize the design and manufacturing process, ensuring hardware meets the highest quality standards while reducing production costs and time to market,” he explained. Alon’s leadership is driving innovation, helping clients solve complex hardware challenges through advanced AI solutions.
Born in Tel Aviv and raised in Boston, Alon returned to Israel during his high school years. His deep connection to both countries shaped his identity, and he now lives in the serene setting of Lake Tahoe, California, commuting to Silicon Valley. His career has taken him through major hubs of innovation, from New York to Palo Alto.
Alon attributes much of his success to TAU’s School of Engineering, which gave him the skills and professional connections to launch his tech career. “I knew I could get a great education in Tel Aviv,” he said. His decision to attend TAU was influenced not only by family—his father had also studied there—but by the university’s proximity to Israel’s thriving tech industry and its reputation as a global innovation center.
One of the key advantages Alon experienced at TAU was the opportunity to work while studying, setting it apart from other institutions. Unlike the Technion or Ben-Gurion University, which also have strong engineering programs, TAU helped students secure tech positions during their studies. This allowed them to balance academics with hands-on engineering work.
“Most of my friends at TAU were working before they finished school,” Alon noted. This real-world experience was a crucial part of his education, allowing him to apply classroom knowledge to actual projects. Reflecting on this, he added “It’s crucial to work while studying—that’s how you truly learn…the education and work experience I received at TAU far exceeded what I could have gotten anywhere else. By the time I graduated, I was more hireable than anyone from any other program. That’s incredible.”
A TAU degree opens doors to top-tier jobs, particularly in the tech sector. “When recruiters see you went to TAU, they know you’re more equipped than most,” Alon explained. After graduating, he moved to New York, working in the financial district before being drawn to Silicon Valley’s startup scene.
He later lived in Paolo Alto, and now resides in Tahoe, reflecting on a dynamic career that took him from Israel to the U.S. Prior to joining Instrument, Alon worked at Amazon as a product manager, overseeing hardware development tools and managing product strategy. He also served as VP of Operations at a startup acquired by Amazon for $370 million. His experience at these industry giants honed his skills in both technical leadership and business development, establishing him as a leader in the tech world.
Alon’s story serves as a powerful example of how TAU’s unique approach to education can open doors. One standout feature of TAU, according to Alon, is its integration of internships into the academic experience, enabling students to gain hands-on work experience while still in school. He contrasted this with other top universities, where students often need to wait until after graduation to gain work experience. “Who wants to hire an engineer with no job experience?” he added, highlighting the significant advantage that TAU graduates have when entering the job market.
Beyond technical skills, Alon also spoke about the cultural and social benefits of studying at TAU. The university’s location in Tel Aviv, one of the most vibrant and innovative cities in the world, gave him access to a global network of professional and entrepreneurs. “Being in Tel Aviv means you’re at the center of everything,” he said. The city’s energy, combined with TAU’s cutting-edge research and industry partnerships, made it the perfect place for Alon to launch his career.
Alon’s experience is not unique. Many of his friends, also TAU graduates, are now thriving in Silicon Valley’s tech scene, with several securing prestigious roles at companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta. Alon believes that TAU can easily compete with Ivy League schools in attracting top talent, especially students from the U.S. and beyond, seeking a unique, global educational experience.
Alon is particularly focused on encouraging Jewish students to consider studying in Israel. “After October 7th, it changed how we, as Jews in the diaspora, connect with Israel,” he said. He believes that studying at TAU can deepen this connection and offer students a meaningful way to engage with Israel’s vibrant culture and cutting-edge industries.
Alon Ben-Shoshan’s journey from Tel Aviv University to the top of the tech world highlights how the right education can set the stage for a successful and fulfilling career. For Alon, TAU was more than just a school — it was the launchpad for his life’s work, providing him with the skills, experiences, and connections that continue to shape his career today.
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