Need Some Advice - Internship related

[JatinNavani]

Hello guys, I am currently in the 3rd year of a Computer Engineering undergraduate course from India. I plan to pursue my master's in Financial Engineering in USA.
As I know, a good application requires some internships and research in this field. My father has an algorithmic trading startup, so when I work under him, I get to learn a lot. So does that count as a valid internship?
However, some of my friends said that experience within a family-owned firm doesn't count. Is this true? What do you suggest? Should I continue working with him or look for outside opportunities?

 

[Paul Lopez]

If you can show that you learned something and acquired hard skills it should be fine. No need to advertise it's your dad's firm. If you code well and understand key concepts that are needed for future work, that counts more than anything. Looking for another internship down the line while you are doing your MFE will be helpful as well for sure!

 

[achirikhin]

Absolutely valid, especially if C++ skills you obtain will help you obtaining 100% on Codility, when you apply for the job (if not coming back to work for your father).