Mohammad Al Abed is a driven entrepreneur and the visionary behind InternGrub, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between emerging talent and industry needs. With a background in technology and a passion for empowering youth, Mohammad launched InternGrub to connect students, recent graduates, and young professionals with real-world internship opportunities across digital fields such as Computer Science, IT, and Digital Marketing.

As CEO, he leads strategic development, platform innovation, and university partnerships, while also championing AI-powered tools to enhance internship matching and career guidance. Under his leadership, InternGrub is not only matching interns with opportunities but also reshaping the future of early-career recruitment.

In this interview, Mohammad shares the inspiration behind InternGrub, the challenges of building a talent platform, and his vision for a more connected and inclusive professional ecosystem:

1. What inspired you to found InternGrub? What gap did you identify in the market?
The idea for InternGrub was born out of a personal frustration I experienced during my university years. Like many students, I was eager to find internships that would help me apply my academic knowledge and build professional skills. But the process was often discouraging—internship opportunities were either too limited, not aligned with my field of study, or failed to provide real training. I realized that the existing systems lacked personalization, structure, and transparency. There was a disconnect between companies that needed fresh talent and students hungry to learn. That’s when I envisioned InternGrub: a platform designed to close that gap by streamlining the internship process, using technology to match the right candidates with the right opportunities, and ultimately creating a more equitable and efficient ecosystem for young professionals and employers.

2. How does AI and automation improve the internship matching process on your platform?
Artificial Intelligence and automation are the backbone of InternGrub’s matching system. We leverage sophisticated AI algorithms that assess various aspects of a student’s profile—academic background, technical and soft skills, career interests, and even extracurricular activities. On the other side, we analyze employer needs, company culture, project scopes, and required qualifications. The system intelligently connects the dots to recommend the best possible matches. This minimizes human bias, speeds up the placement process, and improves the overall experience for both parties. Additionally, we’re developing AI-driven features that enhance learning about intern and vendor behavior over time, so we can offer dynamic, data-informed solutions that evolve with the market. It’s not just about filling roles—it’s about creating meaningful, tailored connections.

3. What were the key challenges in building InternGrub, and how did you overcome them?
Building a startup, especially one that aims to solve a systemic problem, comes with its own set of challenges. One of our early hurdles was data quality. For our AI to work effectively, we needed clean, consistent, and accurate data from both students and employers. Achieving this required extensive user education and onboarding. We created step-by-step guides and personalized support systems to help users understand how to complete their profiles meaningfully. Another significant challenge was building trust. As a new platform in a competitive space, we had to prove our value quickly. So we invested in human connections—we reached out personally to universities, student clubs, and companies. We hosted webinars, demo sessions, and one-on-one calls to show the real people behind the technology. This hands-on approach helped us build credibility and cultivate a loyal, engaged user base.

4. In your view, what defines a successful internship placement? Could you share a standout example?
A successful internship is one where both parties walk away with something of value. For interns, it means gaining hands-on experience, developing transferable skills, and building confidence. For companies, it means achieving measurable progress on projects and potentially discovering future hires. One of our standout examples comes from within InternGrub itself. We brought on a group of tech interns who worked on optimizing our website and boosting our digital presence. Not only did they apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, but they also contributed directly to our growth. They helped redesign user journeys, improve SEO, and even experiment with new features. In return, they received mentorship, portfolio-worthy accomplishments, and a better understanding of startup culture. It was a mutually empowering experience that embodied everything we stand for.

5. How do you balance innovation with practicality when introducing new features?
Innovation is exciting, but practicality is essential. At InternGrub, we approach innovation through a lens of user impact. We start by listening—collecting feedback from students, employers, and academic institutions. We then assess whether a new idea can address a specific pain point or streamline a process. If it can, we test it in a controlled environment, usually through a pilot program. This allows us to gather data, identify bugs, and improve usability before rolling out the feature platform-wide. We also have regular brainstorming sessions with our team where we evaluate ideas not only for their novelty but also for their feasibility and alignment with our mission. It’s a constant balancing act, but it ensures that we remain agile and forward-thinking while staying grounded in real user needs.

6. What role do universities and vendors play in the InternGrub ecosystem?
Universities and vendors are more than stakeholders—they are strategic partners in our ecosystem. Universities act as gateways to a large pool of ambitious, talented students. By collaborating with career centers and academic departments, we can ensure students are not only aware of InternGrub but also guided on how to use it effectively. Vendors, on the other hand, provide the essential opportunities that bring the platform to life. They create the demand that fuels our engine. These partnerships are symbiotic: universities get to offer their students real-world exposure, while vendors gain access to pre-vetted, motivated interns. We aim to foster long-term relationships where everyone benefits—students are better prepared for the workforce, vendors fulfill their business needs, and academic institutions strengthen their placement records.

7. What impact has InternGrub had on local talent development in Beirut?
Beirut is filled with bright, capable young minds, but the transition from education to employment hasn’t always been smooth. InternGrub is actively working to change that. By creating a centralized, tech-driven platform for internships, we’re helping students access opportunities that were once hidden behind closed networks or limited to word-of-mouth. We’ve already supported hundreds of students in Beirut, connecting them with startups, SMEs, and even larger corporations. Beyond just placements, we’re also closing the skills gap by exposing interns to emerging technologies, teamwork, and workplace expectations. Over time, this creates a ripple effect—more skilled graduates, better-prepared professionals, and a stronger, more resilient local economy. Our broader vision is to replicate this model across Lebanon and eventually the region.

8. How do you support continuous growth and motivation within your team?
At InternGrub, we believe that our team is our greatest asset. That’s why we foster a culture of continuous growth and curiosity. We provide team members with access to online courses, mentorship programs, and cross-functional projects that encourage them to step outside their comfort zones. We also practice open communication—everyone’s voice is heard, and good ideas are welcomed regardless of role or title. Recognition is another important pillar. We celebrate both small wins and major milestones, whether it’s through team shoutouts, bonuses, or just a heartfelt thank you. By aligning personal growth with company goals, we ensure that our team remains energized, innovative, and deeply connected to our mission.

9. What feedback have you received from users about InternGrub’s career development support?
The feedback has been incredibly encouraging. Interns often tell us how much they value the personalized approach we bring—whether it’s the way we match them with companies or the support we offer throughout the process. Many have shared stories of how their internships led to full-time jobs, boosted their confidence, or helped them discover new career paths. Employers have also expressed appreciation for the simplicity and effectiveness of our platform. They like that it’s free, easy to use, and backed by a team that genuinely cares about making successful matches. These testimonials fuel our passion and guide our roadmap as we continue refining and expanding our offerings.

10. What is your long-term vision for InternGrub and its role in shaping the job market in Lebanon and beyond?
Our long-term vision is bold yet achievable: to make InternGrub the leading internship and early career development platform in Lebanon and the MENA region. We see ourselves not just as a platform, but as a movement—one that transforms how young professionals prepare for and enter the workforce. To get there, we’re investing in advanced matching technology, expanding partnerships with universities and companies, and launching tools for career coaching, portfolio building, and professional networking. We aim to create an ecosystem where internships are not just a formality but a powerful launchpad. By doing so, we can help bridge the unemployment gap, reduce brain drain, and empower a generation of doers and thinkers who are ready to make a mark.

Mohammad Al Abed’s mission with InternGrub reflects a broader shift toward meaningful, skills-based pathways for the next generation. By combining innovation, accessibility, and strategic partnerships, he is laying the foundation for a more inclusive and efficient talent ecosystem.

At The Digital Alchemist, we’re proud to spotlight changemakers like Mohammad who are using technology not just to disrupt—but to empower.

Want to connect with the next generation of talent?
Explore internship opportunities or learn more about how InternGrub can support your organization by visiting http://www.interngrub.com or connecting with Mohammad Al Abed on LinkedIn.