Tag Archives: Economics

Embracing a Bigger Mission Through Finance by Quynh-Chi Tran ‘27

Posted on by

Name: Quynh-Chi Tran
Class Year: 2027
Majors: Mathematics, Economics

Internship Organization: Options for All
Internship Title: Financial Analyst Intern
Location: San Diego, CA

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

When I started my internship at Options for All, I expected to spend most of my time behind a computer working with spreadsheets, financial data, and forecasts. While that is definitely a big part of what I do, my experience has become much broader than just the day-to-day responsibilities

At Options For All, I support financial planning and analysis for a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My work includes analyzing revenue, expenses, cash flow, and financial performance, while also finding ways to make reporting processes more efficient through automation and data analysis.

What has made the experience especially meaningful, though, is getting to see beyond the numbers. I have had opportunities to interact with clients and better understand who Options For All serves and how its programs impact their daily lives. That first-hand experience has given me a different perspective on my work. Instead of viewing a budget or forecast as just numbers in a spreadsheet, I can better understand the people and programs behind those numbers and why effective financial planning matters.

The internship has also provided opportunities to learn and connect outside of the office. Through company activities, I have had the chance to visit Seaworld and the San Diego Zoo, watch a Padres game, and even go surfing with my coworkers. These experiences have been a great way to get to know the team outside of work and experience more of San Diego.

Another highlight was having lunch with the executive team. It was a valuable opportunity to hear about their career experiences, learn more about Options for All from a leadership perspective, and better understand how different teams contribute to the organization’s mission.

Overall, this internship has taught me that seeing the purpose behind my work helps me do it better. Understanding what problem each task is helping solve and how it supports Options For All gives me more context when approaching my work. Instead of simply completing a forecast, report, or analysis, I can better understand why it matters, what decisions it supports, and how it contributes to the organization’s mission.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I was initially searching for opportunities in finance and came across Options For All. I had mostly been exposed to finance in a traditional business setting, so I was curious about what finance looks like in a nonprofit organization and how financial planning supports a different type of mission. I wanted to gain hands-on experience in areas like budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis while learning how those skills apply in a nonprofit environment. That curiosity about the organization and the opportunity to see a different side of finance is what led me to apply. 

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

One of the biggest things I have learned during this internship is that the most valuable skills go beyond technical knowledge. I have developed stronger problem-solving skills by learning to look at a process and ask critical questions: Why are we doing it this way? Is there a better way? What problem are we actually trying to solve?

Through my work, I have been able to identify inefficiencies and find ways to improve processes rather than simply completing tasks as they were given to me. This has taught me to be more proactive and think critically about my work. These skills are important to me because I want to be someone who does not just complete a task, but understands the problem behind it and looks for ways to make the process more effective.

Was this internship what you expected it to be?

Not exactly, but in a better way than I expected. I originally thought the internship would be mostly technical work, focused on financial analysis, reporting, and learning new tools. While I have gained a lot of that experience, I did not expect the internship to be such a well-rounded experience.

I was initially a little intimidated by the idea of interacting with the executive team, but I quickly realized how approachable and supportive everyone was. I also learned that an internship does not have to be limited to completing assigned work. The people you meet, the conversations you have, and the experiences you share with your team can be just as valuable in shaping your professional growth.

Overall, the experience has shown me that an internship can be both a professional learning experience and an opportunity to build genuine relationships, step outside of my comfort zone, and enjoy the experience along the way.

Paula Ferreira ’27 Conducts Economics Research through Social Sciences & Humanities Research Program

Posted on by

Name: Paula Ferreira
Class Year: 2027
Major: Economics

Internship Organization: Social Sciences & Humanities Research Program at BMC
Internship Title: Economics Research Assistant
Location:  Remote

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

This summer I worked as a research assistant for Professor Minuk Kim in the Economics Department at Bryn Mawr. Our project looks at how US tariffs affected American consumers’ purchasing behavior across different counties. My work has been a mix of things. A big part of it was data gathering and cleaning such as pulling employment data from the BLS, agricultural sales data from USDA’s NASS database, farm income data from the BEA, and tariff schedules from trade policy databases, then getting everything into a format that could actually be analyzed together at the county level.

I also replicated tariff exposure measures from existing papers on the topic, which meant digging into other researchers’ code and methodology to understand exactly how they constructed their variables and whether their approaches fit our question. Most recently, I helped build and compare different ways of measuring how exposed each county was to tariff shocks and ran regressions to see whether more exposed counties showed different income trends after tariffs hit.

Why did you apply for this internship?

This summer I wanted to do something different and more intellectually challenging than what I had done before, and the further I got into my econ major, the more I realized research was something I genuinely enjoyed. During my spring semester, I took International Trade with Professor Kim so when I found out that his summer research project was focused on tariffs specifically, it felt like a great opportunity to go deeper into something I was already curious about.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part has been feeling genuinely challenged and engaged. Working through large datasets and picking up new coding skills pushed me more than I expected, and seeing what the patterns in the data were actually telling us about a real world problem made it all feel worth it

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

This was my first remote internship and honestly it worked really well for me. My past experiences had very structured office days that weren’t always the most productive, so having the flexibility to work on my own schedule this summer was an amazing change. I learned pretty quickly how to manage my time and stay on track with deadlines without someone looking over my shoulder, which felt like a useful skill to build. Being remote also meant I could spend the summer in Chicago, which made the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. I could run my code, draft a memo, and then head out to explore the city or spend time with friends and family. It was a really nice balance.

Hannah Bruggeman-Ton ’27 Spends Summer Interning with American College of Physicians

Posted on by


Name: Hannah Bruggeman-Ton
Class Year: 2027
Major: Economics

Internship Organization: American College of Physicians
Internship Title: Ryan Mire, MD Summer Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.

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

For my internship at the American College of Physicians, I worked in their regulatory affairs department. Outside of a project for the regulatory affairs department, I attend site visits and webinars with the other interns in the Ryan Mire, MD Summer Internship Program. I have gone to Philadelphia via Amtrak to visit the American College of Physicians’ headquarters as well as learn about a variety of careers in healthcare.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship as an opportunity to gain professional skills and apply my knowledge outside an academic context. Additionally, I was drawn to the American College of Physicians’ focus on health equity and access to care. My study of economics at Bryn Mawr has made clear the impact a population’s health has on the growth and strength of a nation’s economy the necessity of health equity.

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

The biggest challenge with this internship was the travel. Usually once a week, the other D.C. office based intern and I would take Amtrak to meet the Philadelphia based interns at various locations in and around Philadelphia. While the Amtrak ride from D.C. to Philadelphia is very familiar to me as a D.C. area based Bryn Mawr student, riding there and back in a single day was something of a game of chicken trying to balance Amtrak delays around work hours. Beyond one day where our train ended up three hours delayed, we never ended up canceling the trips up and overall it taught me to be more flexible with plans and to be prepared for anything with a book (no better way to kill two hours in William H. Gray III 30th Street Station).

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of the summer internship was winning a trivia night event hosted by a Congresswoman Maxine Dexter. I attended the event alongside members of the American College of Physicians’ legislative affairs team and the other D.C. office-based intern. While going to the event was an extension of the American College Physicians’ lobbying efforts, it did not feel like work at all and we happily bantered with the other trivia teams lead by the Congresswoman herself and another medical society over correct trivia answers. Not only that but between all the fun we were able to bring home the first place trophy.

Purity Wanjiku ’27: Finding the Mathematics Behind Policy

Posted on by


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.

Menahil Bilal ’29: Glimpse of Finance in Pakistan

Posted on by


Name:  Menahil Bilal
Class Year: 2029
Majors: Economics, Computer Science

Internship Organization: Fast Cables
Internship Title: Accounting Intern
Location:  Lahore, Pakistan

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

‎I joined my internship at the peak of budgeting season which was a very hectic environment, workers staying overtime, lots of banter, tea and concern about timelines. A lot has cooled down since then, whilst before when I joined I immediately aided in with as much knowledge I had on researching and financial documents and seeing hands on real company data, now my position has become a lot more on working from scratch on newer projects, finding data, visualizing it and analyzing it from point 0.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I was interested in Economics and a root of my interest was growing in Pakistan with so much of the surrounding messaging always stressing its economic position or the new economic deal and how much it showed up in our society. When I got the opportunity to see how a company interacts, forecasts and deals with the market trends in Pakistan especially a big one, I felt I got a chance to explore if this is something I see my future in and get hands-on experience.

Was this internship what you expected it to be?

‎ ‎Honestly not at all, I did not envision how much of finance is rechecking data and researching, I was also very surprised to see the integration of AI in the workforce and how much it aids in our work.

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

‎Honestly the main skill I’ve learned is to stop hesitating. Initially when I was really scared to show my work in fear I would get it wrong or miss something out. My the end of the internship however I felt that I wasted a lot of time initially in fear which was completely unnecessary, and your manager really is there to help you and wants to hear from you and doesn’t expect perfection ‎

My internship at the Ministry of Finance by Solongo Altankhuyag ’29

Posted on by


Name: Solongo Altankhuyag
Class Year: 2029
Major: Economics

Internship Organization: Ministry of Finance
Internship Title: Development Finance Division Intern
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

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

During my internship, I have taken on a variety of responsibilities that have contributed greatly to my professional and personal growth.

One of my main tasks has been assisting in organizing events, including the Development Partners Meeting held at the State Palace of Mongolia. This experience allowed me to learn how medium-to-large-scale government events are planned and executed. My responsibilities included preparing and delivering formal invitations, assisting with logistics, and ensuring compliance with the State Palace’s security requirements. I also learned from observing how my senior colleagues handled event execution and unexpected situations.

I have also participated in meetings involving organizations such as JICA, UNICEF, and the Ministries of Finance of Mongolia and Laos. My role included taking meeting protocols, briefing my team afterward, and conducting additional research on the topics discussed to share my thoughts. These experiences have helped me better understand Mongolia’s financial development policies and international cooperation.

Throughout the internship, I have met many professionals from different organizations, which has strengthened my communication and networking skills. The connections I have built have also provided valuable guidance on the career path I hope to pursue in the future.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I became interested in how governments handle their external loans and debts after learning about how it plays a considerably important role in a financial crisis in one of my economics classes. Hence, I wanted to better understand how these funds are allocated, monitored, and used effectively, as well as explore ways to improve their management. Therefore, I thought the Ministry of Finance would be the perfect place for me to learn about these processes and explore that curiosity.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of this internship has been the opportunity to work with and learn from such welcoming and warm colleagues. Despite the different age groups within the team, there was a warm, family-like atmosphere that made me feel comfortable from the very beginning. I especially look forward to our breakfast time before work, which helped me build genuine relationships with my teammates. I am grateful that I am forming meaningful connections that go beyond professional networking through this internship.

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

The biggest challenge I faced during my internship was adapting to a completely new and often fast-paced working environment. There were many internal procedures, especially regarding official documents, that I was unfamiliar with, which led to a few mistakes. For example, I once incorrectly numbered an outgoing document due to a misunderstanding and had to find a solution while our division head was away on a business trip.

Another challenge was being asked to deliver around 12 event invitations within an hour before the end of the workday. I had to navigate unfamiliar office buildings, and some embassies had already closed early for Friday. I remember that time being quite physically demanding due to the long walks, the short time and the summer heat.

Looking back, I realized that my anxiety about unfamiliar situations and the responsibility I was given made these challenges seem bigger than they actually were. This experience taught me that staying calm, adapting quickly, and focusing on the whole picture are important skills that I need to continue improving.

Hannah Bruggeman-Ton ’27 Conducts Research with Bryn Mawr’s Social Sciences & Humanities Research Program

Posted on by

Name: Hannah Bruggeman-Ton
Class Year: 2027
Major: Economics  
 
Internship Organization:  Social Sciences & Humanities Research Program at Bryn Mawr College
Internship Title:   Economics Student Research Assistant
Location:  Remote
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

My internship position is as a research assistant for Professor Minuk Kim of the Economics Department at Bryn Mawr College. I have been assisting him in gathering and cleaning data on acquisitions and mergers in the liquor industry between large multinational enterprises and small foreign or domestic liquor brands. The intention is to use data on these mergers and acquisitions to analyze their effect on the both the liquor market and consumers. So far this summer I researched mergers and acquisitions which occurred from 2010-2019 and then matched unique product codes to the brands acquired. After that I spent many hours this summer searching the internet to create brand portfolios for these groups at the time of their acquisition’s/mergers. My latest task of the summer has been collection url links to review pages on each of the acquired and portfolio brands, these will then be used to find similarities between the groups existing portfolios and the acquired brand through machine learning.
 
Why did you apply for this internship?  

I applied for this internship since I am an Economics major at Bryn Mawr who is interested in working on economic research.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?  

My favorite part of this internship has been researching the brand portfolios of the major firms in the liquor industry. There is no central database of these portfolios, especially not across time and so I spent a lot of time looking at archived ‘our portfolios’ pages each of which had their own unique and usually liquor themed design spin on the webpage. This was somewhat frustrating from a data collection standpoint, however personally I was having incredible fun. One of my personal favorite pages was an ‘our house of brands’ graphic from Campari that featured a graphic shaped in the outline of a house with contained images of liquor bottles from each of their brands. Incredibly dated, extremely unfriendly to the poor user who is actually trying to figure out what liquor brands the Campari Group owns, and yet so amusing nonetheless.  

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

This internship as involved a lot of firsts for me, including working remotely for the first time in my life. While taking zoom calls from my childhood bedroom isn’t a foreign experience thanks to the pandemic, the independence and responsibility to manage deadlines and decide my work schedule is certainly very new. However, between daily to-do lists, quiet workspaces in the public library, and café visits with my laptop I’ve manage to get myself into a decent routine. One that gets me up before noon and working during the daytime hours which is quite an accomplishment for me, especially during the summer. 

Jean Valencia Ngunjiri ‘26 Interns as Finance Summer Analyst 

Posted on by

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. 

Cynthia Amoaba ‘26 Interns this Summer at MFS

Posted on by

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. 

Najya Shah ’27: Exploring the Idle

Posted on by


Name: Nayja Shah
Class Year: 2027
Major: Economics
 
Internship Organization: Paradigm Forum
Internship Title:   Summer Research Intern
Location:  Remote
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

At Paradigm Forum, I research the increasingly addictive relationship between digital technology and people. This internship was prominently self-motivated. I chose a virtue I found missing in modern society: idleness, and explored why we humans are becoming more uncomfortable with doing nothing. I also began drafting a questionnaire with the hopes to help my peers reflect on their use of technology and why it seems that so many of us are choosing to be busy over being idle. Towards the end of this internship, I am going to create a monograph based on the virtue I researched to encourage people to try doing nothing.

Why did you apply for this internship?

When I first discovered this internship on Handshake, I found it to be the perfect intersection of my work and academic experience. I was seeking a research opportunity that’d allow me to both introspect and have an impact on my community. Having worked as an English tutor, I came to realize that many young people are not properly equipped to critically think because of our increasing use of digital technology. With this realization and my data science coursework, I saw the research opportunity at Paradigm Forum to be an ideal opportunity to dig deeper, for both myself and the kids I work with.  

What was the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship? 

The biggest challenge I experienced at this internship was the fact that it was remote. While to many, including myself, a remote internship is a blessing, I found it difficult initially because of the nature of the internship. Our research required more reflection and thought and I wanted to discuss a lot of what I read with my supervisor and partners, however that was not possible when we were only able to meet once a week via zoom. So early on, I realized that to deal with this mental block I needed to both get better at journaling and communicating via email. I found myself a notebook and would summarize the articles I read or the podcasts I listened to daily. Then whenever I needed guidance, I emailed my supervisor or made mental notes as to what I should ask during the weekly meetings. This has helped me not only improve my communication skills but also has encouraged me to introspect, something I hadn’t done in quite a long time. 

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

I learned a lot more about boredom and doing nothing that I could ever expect to know. It is quite ironic, because as an economics major (where almost everything we learn about is tied back into how humans can be more productive) the research I am doing this summer is the complete opposite of everything I’ve been told to prioritize. Now, productivity seems to be an afterthought, and I’ve begun to reflect on how I can best grow and connect with my community.