Tag Archives: Data Science

Learning Together: My Internship at an Education Non-profit by Dalia Ibrahim ‘27

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Name: Dalia Ibrahim
Class Year: 2027
Major: Growth and Structure of Cities
Minor: Data Science

Internship Organization: CollegeTogether
Internship Title: Student Analytics & Support Intern
Location:  Philadelphia, PA

What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!

I am currently interning at CollegeTogether, a non-profit organization committed to providing affordable education by offering degree programs that cost less than the Pell Grant. Our organization operates as a mentorship program in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, which enables participating students to earn their Associate’s and/or Bachelor’s degrees through the completion of over 50+ projects at their own pace (or an average of 1-3 years), serving as an alternative to traditional college coursework. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded their degrees directly from SNHU, a well-regarded online university with national and international recognition.

Picture of the office

In my role, I collaborate closely with the Head of Academics on various projects such as consolidating and cleaning student records data sheets, analyzing trends, and compiling relevant data. I also assist in using education-focused CRM software accredited by universities to improve data management and streamline communication processes related to student records. Additionally, I develop project trackers for each degree pathway and potential career options associated with those degrees. My responsibilities also include assisting with website building, preparing student content for newsletters, and supporting basic office organizational tasks and operational functions

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship to diversify my professional experience beyond my previous roles in working for government and historical preservation. While I am currently working for a non-profit organization, I want to broaden my professional experience as a Cities major; I previously pursued internships in government or urban planning. Additionally, I wanted to gain firsthand experience working in an urban environment for local Philadelphia communities understand post-graduate life in a city setting. Finally, I was eager to learn more about the operations of an education startup dedicated to supporting lower-income communities in Philadelphia.

Was there anything special about how you found this internship?

I learned about my internship through a friend’s connection. Isabelle Gershon ’29, who heard about the opportunity through one of her courses and shared it with me. The founder of the organization, Oscar Kirschwang, is a Haverford alum who previously gave a guest lecture in one of my friend’s education classes, during which she obtained his contact information. She mentioned this to me, provided his contact details, and I reached out via email to inquire about available positions. Typically, Oscar collaborates with the Haverford Center for Peace and Global Justice, but since the position was still vacant and the funding deadline for Haverford students passed when I applied, I was able to secure funding through my Bryn Mawr internship program.

What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn’t expect?

During my internship, I gained valuable insights into the internal operations and planning processes of a non-profit organization, including the historical context and expectations that contributed to the development of CollegeTogether. Additionally, working with a start-up CRM software provided a new perspective on how a mentorship and education-focused non-profit functions. I also learned a great deal from my colleagues, such as my supervisor, Sanya, and the most recent hire, Leslie. Both are recent graduates (within the past two years) who completed their college education through the CollegeTogether program and successfully presented their job ideas to the founder, Oscar. Their experiences demonstrate that taking initiative and advocating for oneself can lead to unique opportunities and the creation of roles aligned with one’s passions. It never hurts to ask and put yourself out there.

Purity Wanjiku ’27: Finding the Mathematics Behind Policy

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Name: Purity Wanjiku
Class Year: 2027
Majors: Mathematics, Economics
Minor: Data Science

Internship Organization: Bryn Mawr College Summer Research
Internship Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Location: Bryn Mawr, PA

What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!

This summer, I have been conducting Mathematics research under the supervision of Professor Leslie Cheng at Bryn Mawr College. My project focuses on the mathematical foundations of multiple regression and the Difference-in-Differences method, using Kenya’s Free Maternity Services Policy as the motivating application. Much of my work has involved reading econometrics textbooks and research papers, studying how these methods are derived mathematically, and writing the methodology chapter of my thesis. I have also met regularly with Professor Cheng to discuss new ideas, refine my understanding, and improve my academic writing. Through this process, I have developed a deeper appreciation for how Mathematics and Economics work together to answer important public policy questions.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship because I wanted to deepen my understanding of the Mathematics behind econometrics. After taking econometrics, I knew how to apply methods such as multiple regression, but I wanted to understand where these methods came from, why they work, and the assumptions that make them valid. The opportunity to study these methods while researching a policy from my home country made the project particularly meaningful to me. This research opportunity allowed me to explore those questions while combining my interests in Mathematics and Economics. I was also excited to work closely with Professor Cheng, develop my research skills, and gain experience that would prepare me for graduate study and a future in quantitative research.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship?

One of the biggest challenges was becoming comfortable with not understanding everything immediately. Many of the mathematical derivations and econometric papers were much more advanced than anything I had encountered in class. Instead of getting discouraged, I learned to approach difficult material patiently by breaking it into smaller pieces, revisiting concepts several times, and asking questions during meetings. Over time, I became more confident tackling complex ideas independently, which has changed the way I approach challenging academic material.

Was this internship what you expected it to be?

Not exactly but in a good way. I expected to spend most of my time learning Mathematical techniques, but I didn’t realize how much independent thinking research requires. I learned that research is rarely a straight path; understanding one concept often raises new questions to explore. I also discovered how important reflection and discussion are in the research process. Regular conversations with my supervisor helped me think more critically about my work and showed me that developing as a researcher is just as much about asking thoughtful questions as it is about finding answers.

Research in a Pediatric Palliative Care Lab by Celia Huey ‘27

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Name: Celia Huey
Class Year: 2027
Major:  Psychology
Minor: Data Science, Child and Family Studies

Internship Organization: The Pediatric Palliative Care Innovation, Discovery, Evaluation, and Advancement Lab (PPC IDEA Lab)
Internship Title: Summer Intern
Location: Boston, MA

What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!

I am working on one of the lab’s research projects that is designing and testing a video decision aid to support conversations around goals of care between clinicians and parents of children with cancer ages 0-12. I am also shadowing different pediatric palliative care specialties.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied to this internship because I eventually want to work in pediatric palliative care. I believe that palliative care is so beneficial to serious illness in pediatrics and was excited to use my research skills to assist on a pediatric palliative care research project.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship?

The biggest challenge I have faced at my internship is that it is a very heavy topic. It is hard mentally for everyone to be seeing and doing research on children who are in the hospital and are very sick. While pediatric palliative care is such an important part of the hospital, it is not easy to support children and families of children with serious illness.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of this internship has been shadowing the pediatric palliative care clinical team. Meeting children and families of children with cancer or other serious illnesses during some of their worst moments and seeing how the palliative care team can support them has been really impactful. It also puts all of the research I have been doing this summer into perspective.

Esma Bilgi ’28: A Summer Printing the Future

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Name: Esma Yagmur Bilgi
Class Year: 2028
Majors: Computer Science & Neuroscience
Minor: Data Science

Internship Organization:  University of Freiburg
Internship Title: livMatS Research Intern
Location: Freiburg, Germany

What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!

Me and my friend Aila (Columbia’28) enjoying Freiburger Bächlepicknick, while listening to a jazz concert in the city center

This summer I am interning at livMatS, a cluster of the University of Freiburg, focusing on developing autonomous life-like material systems. I work closely with my PhD student supervisor, Yizheng Liu, from the CPI group, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Jürgen Rühe. As a research intern, I spend my days preparing substrates and glass slides, observing polymer synthesis, brainstorming on problems we encounter, and most excitingly, using a two-photon printer to develop micro actuators which will eventually be used to hold and stretch a single, living cell.

Most of my days are spent working in the lab and doing literature review, and attending weekly group meetings, which have been the greatest opportunities to get to know other PhD students’ ongoing research projects! Other than being fully immersed in a highly scientific, research-oriented environment, I have also become a part of a very international workplace, learning about other cultures and drinking various types of tea, even cold brewed for the hottest days of the year!

Why did you apply for this internship?

First hike in France! Picture showing me on top of Château de Saint-Ulrich after a 90-minute-long hike

After doing my summer internship remotely at a data science company last year, I wanted to apply for this internship to learn more about research in international universities and the European culture. As someone considering pursuing a Master’s degree in Europe, this opportunity was very appealing for me because I got to meet many Master’s students and learn more about what pursuing a PhD would be like. Moreover, I was interested in getting exposed to biocompatible, autonomous technologies that are being developed at the University of Freiburg, an institution that is older than the foundation of the United States!

Thus, when I was looking at opportunities Bryn Mawr College offered for the summer, I got intrigued by this specific position as it promised a work experience abroad and glimpse into a different field than mine. Searching more about the area and the university, I fell in love with Freiburg’s sustainable and extremely green environment, including the Black Forest, and the university’s previous projects, such as its snakeskin-inspired molting materials that can shed damaged layers in water to self-repair, and the Biomimetic Shell, an innovative research pavilion modeled after the structural biology of sea urchins and pine cones. And after all the searching, I am here now, contributing to sustainable research thanks to BMC!

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

Me having bubble tea (yum!!) in front of Limmat River and the Fraumünster Curch clock tower in Zürich, Switzerland

I have to admit that the best part of my internship is the endless possibilities to explore neighboring European countries and cities. As an international student already studying in the United States, this experience has felt like a second study abroad opportunity. I am deeply grateful to Bryn Mawr College for providing this amazing internship opportunity that helps me grow as a scientist as well as a multi-cultural person. Other than its cultural exchange perspective, I have enjoyed learning material sciences from different aspects, especially with hands-on research. Even though it was a fully new topic to me, I have been very enthusiastic about learning about polymers, micro actuators, and their applications in various fields, especially biomedical research and environmental studies.

The city I do my research in, Freiburg, and the actual work I do in the lab helped me better grasp material sciences’ real-life applications and importance for our future. This experience has given me a new perspective as a future scientist and inspired me to think about how polymers could be applied in neuroscience. For example, I have already started brainstorming ideas such as using two-photon printing to fabricate an actuatable micro-platform for a single fly brain using biocompatible hybrid material systems that combine rigid structural polymers with smart hydrogels.

Can you talk about the skills you are learning and why they are important to you?

I am learning how to handle temperature and light-sensitive materials while improving my microscopy skills by observing microstructures approximately 10–60 µm in size. In addition, I have gained experience with laboratory techniques that were new to me, including doctor blading, spin coating, and two-photon printing. Developing these practical laboratory skills is important to me because I want to become a scientist with hands-on experience across different disciplines and familiarity with equipment based on a variety of scientific principles. These experiences contribute to my growth as a future scientist and broaden my perspective on what is possible today – and what is not, at least not yet.

Beyond the technical aspects of my internship, I have also been developing my interpersonal communication skills while working in a new country with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds. This has been one of the most valuable aspects of my experience, as effective communication is essential for successful collaboration and professional growth.

Strengthening my ability to communicate in an international environment will benefit me throughout my career as both a scientist and a professional! 

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship?

Research is full of barriers to overcome, problems to solve, and dead ends to navigate. I have faced some challenges doing experiments at BMC Shoenhard Lab, but always found a way to navigate them. At livMatS, the biggest challenge I have faced is again related to our project. In theory, everything was supposed to work fine until we put different polymers together on a glass slide. After several attempts, we figured out that solvent used for the middle polymer layer penetrates through the polymer beneath, causing it to become uneven and distorted. My supervisor and I have been trying to solve this issue by using different solvents and coating extra protection layers between the two polymers.

Even though we changed the solvent many times, we have not been able to solve this problem; thus, we resynthesized our bottom layer polymer and will try it once again using it. Because of this issue, we have not been able to fabricate a uniform batch of micro structures. However, I am optimistic that the newly synthesized polymer, together with a mixed-solvent approach that I suggested, will help us overcome this issue. At the end, it is a challenge I love to overcome, and this is how research works.

Finley Waits ’27: Vienna Proved Me Wrong. I’m Glad It Did.  

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Name: Finley Waits
Class Year: 2027
Major: International Studies, Minor: Data Science

Internship Organization: SCI Austria and The EU Research & Development Agency
Internship Title:   Project Management Intern & Research Assistant (Respectively)
Location:  Vienna, Austria
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!

At SCI Austria, I support the administrative and operational side of running an NGO. This means I am working with platforms like ERAMUS+ and YouthPass, adding and tracking participants for volunteer camps. It means I spend a fair amount of time in Excel, but I am also on-site and help prepare the host location for these camps. An example of one of these camps is Clown For Peace, and it is all about how clowning can be used as a form of peaceful protest to make a political statement. Just hearing about this camp exposed me to new ideas. Both organizations are incredibly international, and I have learned to navigate environments where people bring very different ideas about how work gets done. I have gotten to learn more about project management and realize that it is definitely something I want to consider for my professional future. Helping SCI Austria prepare for incoming volunteer groups has given me a personal look at how the camps I see on their website actually come together.

 At my second internship, The EU Research and Development Agency, I review and format learning documents that are used for projects. Like one of the projects, Eco Vogue, where participants learned about sustainable fashion and shared their own sustainable-designed outfits. During my time here, I have been able to learn how EU-funded organizations operate day to day, including the gap between how things look on paper and how they actually run. One of their projects, Sky Harvest, which is all about transparent land use when it comes to sustainable agriculture, is something I want to explore more in my academics, with my focus on food systems.

Why did you apply for this internship?

 My major is International Studies with a focus on global systems, trade, and cross-cultural exchange. I applied because I wanted to understand what international organizations actually look like from the inside. I wanted to experience the operational reality of how people coordinate across cultures, languages, and funding structures to get things done. Not only did I want to learn how an NGO operates from day to day, but I wanted to be uncomfortable. Bryn Mawr has given me a strong academic foundation, but there is a specific kind of learning that only happens when you are the newest person in the room, in a city where you don’t speak the language, trying to figure out what you can contribute. I am living through so many firsts, and it forces me to grow at a rate that comfort doesn’t accommodate.

Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns that describe your internship experience?

Adjectives: Unexpected, in all the different experiences I’ve had. Clarifying, in understanding who I am in a professional setting. Immersive, in new cultures and languages.

   Nouns: Patience, with myself, and learning. Epiphany, in what I am capable of. Agency, I have over my work life.    

What is most rewarding about your internship?

The work I have been doing is quiet and behind the scenes. While that is rewarding, what has really stood out and shaped me is the experiences I have had along the way. I am working with a lot of different people and nationalities, and I’m learning that small talk is different for everybody.

Most of my conversations come down to discussing differences in languages or cultures. One that stood out to me was a conversation about learning German. My coworker is Armenian and was talking about how hard it was for her to grasp the gendered words because in her language, there is just one option they use for both male and female, whereas I was having trouble with pronouncing the German words, but she found that easier because her language has so many more letters. The conversation demonstrated how two people trying to learn the same language can still have so many different experiences because of their native language; it is just one example of the many interesting conversations I have had. It is one example of how many of my expectations about Vienna, and about what a global workplace looks and sounds like, have been quietly reshaped. 

Bridging Data and Well-being: Investigating Hong Kong Youth Mental Health by Maika Kogawara ‘27 

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Name: Maika Kogawara
Class Year: 2027
Major:  Psychology, Minor: Data Science
 
Internship Organization: Chinese University of Hong Kong
Internship Title: Research Intern
Location: Hong Kong
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

Dim Sum lunch with all the interns and Centre staff members

I have been working as a research intern at the Centre for Health Behaviours Research (CHBR) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), where I am focusing on youth mental health and digital behaviours. I’m currently assisting with the screening and literature mapping for the Birth to Work project. This is a massive landscape study looking at youth well-being and mental health across Hong Kong, tracking the entire developmental timeline from birth up to age 24. I’m also involved in a systematic review and meta-analysis focused on culturally adapted digital mental health interventions for adolescents.

Why did you apply for this internship?  

I really wanted to gain solid research experience in a health setting, and this lab caught my eye because it perfectly bridges health psychology and child psychology. It’s an intersection I’ve always found fascinating and wanted to explore deeply. I also saw it as a fantastic opportunity to push my quantitative skills, working with R here has definitely been challenging at times, but seeing the outputs come together is so rewarding. Plus, being from Hong Kong, I was genuinely excited to see what the research sector looks like right here in my home city and work on projects that directly impact our community!
 
What has been your favorite part of this internship?  

The stress balls I always keep at my desk

Honestly, it’s the independence. The lab has this amazing culture where everyone is driving their own research on their own timeline. My supervisor gives me a lot of trust, which means I have the freedom and flexibility to manage my own day-to-day workflow and I absolutely love that autonomy. But what makes it work so well is that even though we are all working independently, we aren’t isolated. Everyone in the lab is incredibly friendly, so if I ever run into a tricky question or a weird data error, there’s always someone willing to step away from their own work to help me figure it out.

Can you talk about the skills you are learning and why they are important to you? 

The skills I’m building right now are giving me a massive confidence boost in my abilities as a researcher. First, re-learning Jamovi for data analysis and graphing has been a journey. It can be mind-numbing at first, but it is so rewarding the moment the output clicks and you finally understand what the numbers are saying. I actually surprised myself by discovering a love for quantitative data! To keep track of it all, I keep a stack of paper on my desk where I jot down outputs, double-check calculations by hand, and force myself to explain the correlations in my own words. 

Beyond the data, I’m learning how to navigate the professional world. Handling constant email communication has taught me how to maintain a sharp, professional tone. Most importantly, I’ve learned to be proactive. Instead of guessing what my professor wants, I’ve practiced stepping up, asking clarifying questions early, and actively volunteering for more tasks. Mastering this balance of  grit and proactive communication is exactly what I wanted to get out of this experience. 

Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns that describe your internship experience? 

Impactful, Chill, Interdisciplinary 

Flexible, Challenge, Growth  

Jean Valencia Ngunjiri ‘26 Interns as Finance Summer Analyst 

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Name: Jean Valencia Ngunjiri
Class Year: 2026
Major:  Economics
Minor: Data Science
 
Internship Organization:  American Express
Internship Title:   Finance Summer Analyst
Location:   New York, NY
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

This summer, I worked on a project that focused on understanding and analyzing prepayment behavior in American Express’ Personal Loans business. Prepayments occur when customers pay back more than their required monthly installment, which directly affects the company’s accounts receivable forecasts and ultimately the revenue it earns from interest. My project was to identify seasonality trends in prepayments and recommend ways to incorporate these insights into forecasting models. I applied statistical techniques and tested adjustment methods to improve the accuracy of forecasts. Along the way, I learned how finance teams use data to support decision-making and how even small improvements in forecasting accuracy can have a meaningful impact on business outcomes.

Why did you apply for this internship?  

I wanted to experience how the skills I’ve been developing in my Economics and Data Science courses could be applied to real-world finance problems. American Express offered the opportunity to combine analytical work with strategic thinking, while also giving me exposure to one of the most recognized financial services companies in the world. I was especially excited to join a team where my project aligned with business-critical priorities and where my work could directly inform leadership decisions.
 
Was there anything special about how you found this internship? 

I actually learned about this internship through friends who are Bryn Mawr alums, which made it feel even more special. Hearing about their positive experiences at American Express gave me the confidence to apply and showed me how strong the Bryn Mawr network can be.  

What has been your favorite part of this internship?  

The highlight of this internship has been the people and culture at American Express. The environment is collaborative and supportive, where questions are encouraged and diverse perspectives are valued. The team fostered an atmosphere of trust and inclusivity that made the work especially rewarding. Beyond the day-to-day projects, the intern cohort added another layer of community. Building friendships and sharing experiences with peers made the summer both professionally and personally meaningful. 

What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn’t expect? 

I didn’t expect to learn how important storytelling is in data. I came in ready to focus on technical analysis, but I realized the real impact comes from communicating findings clearly and connecting them back to business decisions. I also learned how much company culture can shape growth, having supportive mentors and teammates gave me the confidence to take ownership of my project and step outside my comfort zone.  

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced during your internship? 

The biggest challenge was learning to adjust when things didn’t work out the first time. Data isn’t always clean, and forecasts don’t always line up. At first, this was frustrating, but it pushed me to become more flexible and creative in problem-solving. I learned to test new approaches, ask for feedback, and not be afraid of trial and error. That process was challenging, but also where most of my growth happened. 

Working remotely for the first time? What has that experience been like for you? 

This was my second summer working in a hybrid format, so the experience wasn’t entirely new. I’d say it was manageable and quite doable. The remote days required being intentional about staying connected, setting up check-ins, asking questions, and keeping communication open. The in-person days balanced that out, giving me the chance to build stronger relationships with my team and experience the company culture firsthand. Overall, the mix of independence and collaboration made the hybrid structure work well. 

Can you talk about the skills you are learning and why they are important to you? 

Over the summer I developed: Analytical skills: Strengthening my ability to work with large datasets and financial models. Communication skills: Learning to present complex findings in a clear and engaging way for different audiences. Collaboration skills: Working with teammates taught me the value of feedback, brainstorming, and adapting ideas. 

Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns to describe your internship experience? 

Adjectives: Welcoming, Challenging, Transformative  

Nouns: Growth, Mentorship, Community  

Was this internship what you expected it to be?  

It was even more than I expected. I came in hoping to build technical and professional skills, and I definitely did that, but I also found mentors, peers, and a community that supported me every step of the way.  

What is most rewarding about your internship? 

The most rewarding part was the sense of ownership. Even as an intern, my project was tied to the team’s larger strategy, and I could see how my work contributed to bigger goals. Just as meaningful was the mentorship I received, having colleagues who believed in me and celebrated my progress made this experience unforgettable. 

Summer Internship with Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation: Olivia Lin ‘27

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Name: Olivia Lin
Class Year: 2027
Major: Psychology
Minor: Data Science
 
Internship Organization: Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation
Internship Title:  Community Workshop Assistant
Location: Philadelphia, PA

What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

As an intern at the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, my main responsibilities involve managing our social media presence and content strategy. It’s an exciting opportunity to apply what I’ve learned as a psychology major to the real world. I spend my time designing engaging visuals like promotional posters using Canva, translating post captions for our bilingual audience, and managing the content calendar to ensure our posts are published consistently. 

A major part of my role is supporting community-focused initiatives. I am actively involved in a campaign to educate the community on their civic rights, where I’ve created materials like the “Know Your Rights” brochure and informational cards. I also help promote major cultural events like the Chinatown Lantern Festival by designing promotional materials to boost attendance and collaborating with community partners. 

Why did you apply for this internship?  

One of the biggest surprises has been the sheer volume of content creation required and the fast pace of work in a non-profit setting. I expected to be involved in social media, but the constant demand for fresh, engaging visuals and translated captions was more than I anticipated. It has been a great lesson in adaptability and managing expectations. 

Can you talk about the skills you are learning and why they are important to you?  

I’m developing a range of skills that are helping me grow both personally and professionally. I’m sharpening my technical skills in Canva for graphic design and using Microsoft Excel more strategically for project tracking and data organization. More importantly, as a psychology major, I’m learning how to apply psychological principles to create messages that truly connect with people. For the “Know Your Rights” campaign, I’m learning how to communicate sensitive information in a way that empowers people without causing fear. This internship is showing me how a psychology degree can be used in a practical, community-focused field and, as an international student, it’s teaching me about the dynamics of an American workplace. 

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship? 

The biggest challenge was initially the fast-paced environment and the high volume of content creation. It was a bit overwhelming at first to manage the content calendar and ensure timely publication while also supporting other initiatives. I’ve handled this by becoming much more organized and using Excel to plan my week and prioritize tasks. I also learned to ask for clarification when needed, which has saved a lot of time and rework. 

Cynthia Amoaba ‘26 Interns this Summer at MFS

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Name: Cynthia Amoaba
Class Year: 2026
Major:  Economics
Minor: Data Science
 
Internship Organization:  Massachusetts Financial Services Investment Management
Internship Title:   Global Distributions and Strategy (Data Science, Fixed Income)
Location:  Boston, MA
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

At my internship, I’m working with the Global Distributions team to analyze how advisor meetings translate into actual investment purchases. My project involves connecting meeting data with trade data to measure conversion rates, average time-to-purchase, and product performance across different organizations and portfolio codes. Using Excel and Python, I generate reports and visualizations that help the team identify trends, target high-potential opportunities, and improve sales strategies.
 
Why did you apply for this internship?  

I applied for this internship because I wanted hands-on experience at the intersection of data analysis, finance, and client engagement. MFS Investment’s strong reputation in asset management and its collaborative culture offered the perfect environment to apply my analytical skills, learn from experienced professionals, and contribute to projects that have real business impact.
 
Was there anything special about how you found this internship? 

Yes. I found this internship through conversations with people in my network. I’ve learned that it’s important to talk openly about the things you’re interested in, even if you have multiple areas you’re exploring. Sharing my interests led to connections and opportunities I might not have found on my own.  

What has been  your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part has been meeting with people in various departments. I’ve also enjoyed the lunch meetings and meeting other interns through our volunteer programs. The running club on Wednesday afternoon is a reflection that the community at MFS goes beyond the walls of our office cubicles. And oh, I enjoyed the free museum tickets as well. 

What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn’t expect? 

My manager challenged me to connect with someone new each week, which led to conversations I might not have initiated on my own. I even reached out to senior leadership — including the CEO and president — and was pleasantly surprised by their enthusiasm to meet. This experience taught me that if someone’s calendar looks full, it’s still worth sending a meeting request; people often make time for genuine interest. I later learned that some employees who have been here for years have never had those meetings, which made the experience even more valuable.  

Can you talk about the skills you are learning and why they are important to you? 

During my internship, I’ve been developing both technical and professional skills. On the technical side, I’ve gained experience in data analysis using Excel and Python, which has strengthened my ability to transform raw data into actionable insights. These skills are critical for making informed business decisions and will be valuable in any data-driven role I take on in the future.My team was also using Snowflake which got me to start my personal courses to learn more about Microsoft Azure On the professional side, I’ve improved my communication, networking, and presentation abilities. Meeting people across departments has sharpened my confidence in engaging with different audiences, including senior leadership. These skills are important to me because they not only help me contribute effectively in the workplace but also build long-term professional relationships and open doors for future opportunities. 

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship? 

The biggest challenge I faced was during my project, when I realized the dataset I was working with was much larger and more complex than I initially anticipated. I also had to navigate how to merge different data sources, interpret company-specific terminology, and understand how it connected to portfolios and strategies. My first instinct was to try to figure it out on my own, but I learned the value of asking questions and leveraging the expertise of my colleagues. This experience showed me the true meaning of teamwork and how collaboration can lead to better, faster solutions. 

What is most rewarding about your internship? 

One of the most rewarding moments of my internship was volunteering at Cradles to Crayons. During our session, I cleaned over 15 pairs of shoes in just two hours, the highest number completed that day. This experience was deeply personal for me. Having once been unable to attend school due to a lack of proper shoes, I understand firsthand how something as simple as a good pair of shoes can make a difference, not only enabling a child to attend school but also allowing them to fully participate in the joys of childhood. I am grateful for the chance to give back in a way that resonates so deeply with my own journey. 

Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns that describe your internship experience? 

Adjectives: Collaborative, Insightful, Challenge  

Nouns: Networking, Growth, Excitement 

Was this internship what you expected it to be? 

This internship exceeded my expectations. Not only did MFS push me through a period of tremendous professional and personal growth, but it also introduced me to the vibrant city of Boston, a place definitely worth experiencing. I will truly miss both the people and the environment that made this journey so memorable. Who knows, I might just find myself back here again in the future. 

The Rush of Getting it right (and Sometimes Wrong) by Mariya Mushtaq ‘26 

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Name: Mariya Mushtaq
Class Year: 2026
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Data Science
 
Internship Organization: Liberate Inc.
Internship Title:  Machine Learning Intern
Location:  Remote (USA)
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

This summer, I’m working as a Machine Learning Intern at Liberate, a fast-growing Series A startup building in the voice AI space. At this stage of my work, I’m working on curating high-quality training datasets for fine-tuning LLMs using real customer service transcripts – essentially turning raw, messy data into something that large language models can actually learn from. I’ve also been brainstorming logic to evaluate and structure this data in ways that directly impact how helpful and accurate the AI can be in real conversations. The project I’m working on is currently being experimented with to evaluate key metrics – and if successful, could help shape product decisions at a larger scale than I had expected.

Why did you apply for this internship?  

Liberate has been the kind of environment where things move fast, ideas are taken seriously, and there’s real space to learn by building. The team’s pace, ambition, and openness to experimentation have made it an ideal place to grow – not just technically, but also in confidence. There’s something energizing about knowing your work could make it into production and potentially shape how the product evolves. Being part of a small, focused team where everyone is working hard toward a shared vision has taught me a lot about autonomy, adaptability, and staying curious.
 
What has been your favorite part of this internship?   

Definitely the dataset work. I’ve really enjoyed the process of curating training data and developing logic to evaluate and structure it effectively. Thinking through how raw transcripts can be transformed into meaningful inputs for large language models – and how to design evals that actually reflect useful performance – has been both challenging and rewarding. It’s given me a much deeper appreciation for how critical high-quality data is in building reliable AI systems. Something that really stuck with me was a conversation where I mentioned my fear of breaking production. My manager laughed and said, “I broke production at my first job too – that’s how you learn,” and the CTO added, “If anything breaks, that’s on us, not you. Go ahead and explore.” That mindset has made it easier to take risks, experiment, and grow more confidently throughout the internship. 

What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn’t expect? 

One thing I didn’t expect to learn was just how important it is to be comfortable with being wrong. Coming into a fast-paced startup, I expected an intense, high-pressure environment where mistakes were to be avoided at all costs. I started this internship thinking I needed to get everything right on the first try, but I quickly learned that experimentation, failure, and iteration are not just accepted here; they’re expected. I learned that psychological safety isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a real strategy. Giving people the freedom to experiment and fail without fear is what allows a team to move quickly and build fearlessly. That realization was a significant mindset shift. It empowered me to take more initiative, try different approaches, and ultimately build more confidence in my decision-making. It’s been a powerful lesson in trusting the process of learning itself.