Cockroach Labs, a pre-IPO company, offers equity to its interns as an incentive for them to return after graduation. The company provides direct exposure to high-impact projects and ongoing mentorship during internships. Additionally, subject to board approval, they may extend options (pre-IPO shares) to interns that will vest if they choose to return to Cockroach Labs after they graduate. This approach demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting its engineering interns in their long-term career decisions and recognizing the impact of their work even before full-time employment.