Summer is a time for exploration. No, not just finding the right trails, swimming holes, or beaches. Instead, finding the right career. Lehigh students explored career options through summer internships at notable companies. The work they focused on illustrates how well they can apply what they are learning on campus to address challenges across industries. Meet a few summer intern standouts!
2023 Intern Standouts
Chemical Engineering Major and Business Minor
Hometown: Perkasie, Pennsylvania
Internship: Trane Technologies
Internship Location: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Internship Title: Technical Sales Intern
Responsibilities
I shadow control sales technicians; I listen in on calls with potential clients and go to the potential job sites to meet with clients.
Value of experience
Technical sales is not a common path for engineers, so I had no idea what the career would be like. After getting to spend the summer working with sales engineers, I realized that it is an exciting field and plan on reapplying for technical sales roles next summer. A few employees are also Lehigh alumni.
What you learned
I learned a lot about business culture and client relationships. I think communication is a critical skill to have in the workplace. Interning in this role where communication was the main responsibility greatly improved my ability to effectively communicate with others.
Journalism Major and International Relations Minor
Hometown: Vandergrift, Pennsylvania
Internship: FOX Sports
Internship Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Internship Title: Post-Production Intern
Responsibilities
I am a video editor to make the visuals that appear on screen during a sports broadcast, specifically for the TV show NASCAR Race Hub. I am in the studio six days a week and nearly 50 hours a week just absorbing as much information as I can about every department. There’s no part of the studio that feels off limits to us because the leaders at FOX recognize our ambition as interns.
Landing this role
There are very few spots at FOX Sports for internships — the acceptance rate sits around 1.7%. I knew I specifically wanted to work in auto racing for a while, which already gave me a large step up. I currently run U.S. Open Wheel Nation, a website and social media platform that writes and makes videos about a lot of young race car drivers. When I applied, I thought to myself, “What can I do to provide any sort of additional value to this multibillion-dollar company?” So I highlighted what made me unique as a creator, young businessperson, and genuine human being. There are so many people and organizations at Lehigh as well that helped, including the Center for Career and Professional Development and department of journalism.
Value of experience
I’m one of the youngest interns at the company, which is my greatest strength because I’ll be able to refit my skills before I hit the job market and make myself a really valuable asset to a lot of these big sports networks. As a racing journalist and broadcaster through my site, I want to absorb any information to help me take my own creative ventures to the next level.
What you learned
I learned at FOX Sports that the most important thing is to be supportive of everyone else, even if they have the same aspirations as you. Instead of saying, “I’m going to be on camera someday,” I try to say, “We’re going to be on camera someday.” In a competitive industry, the best way to go is to make as many friends as possible. There are so many people and moving parts in an operation as large as this. That size can be overwhelming as an intern, but you learn that in those moving parts, everyone has their own gifts and talents. I think my biggest takeaway is that there are so many people with so many different talents that you should focus on what you provide and not what 50 other staff members are doing.
IDEAS Major and Aerospace Engineering Minor
Hometown: Easton, Pennsylvania
Internship: SpaceX
Internship Location: Hawthorne, California
Internship Title: Software Engineering Intern
Responsibilities
I am designing, building, and testing flight software for satellites.
Landing this role
I was able to get this role due to my previous hands-on projects. In the past, I have built software including apps, embedded software to control model rockets and robots, and created a multi-graphics processing unit engine. My independent work on these projects is exactly what SpaceX is looking for because they want to see what can be achieved in the real world beyond just ideas.
Value of experience
I am using my skills to build robust systems that are being used in the real world. There are a considerable number of Lehigh alumni at SpaceX.
What you learned
I’ve learned a lot about how to work most efficiently by designing and implementing large systems quickly.
Computer Science Major and Data Science Minor
Hometown: Podgorica, Montenegro
Internship Organization: Institute of Production Systems at the TU Dortmund (through the Ruhr Fellowship Program)
Internship Location: Dortmund, Germany
Internship Title: Machine Learning Research Intern
Responsibilities
The focus of my internship was an automated screw-driving machine. It screws two bolts to attach two pieces in a process that lasts about 20 seconds. The machine collects information about the screws’ positions, the torque applied at each turn, and the result — whether the operation was successful. Failure occurs less than 10% of the time. Preempting these anomalies is crucial in production systems in order to mitigate potential disruptions and minimize downtime. My work was split between data collection, data analysis, and presentation of insights. I established an experiment design and conducted it over 8,750 runs. I completed a comprehensive analysis of the series data and communicated my findings, insights, and recommendations both to my supervisor and an audience of experts.
Value of experience
The insight into the world of research and its methodologies was most valuable. Having no prior experience in this area, I was eager to explore the day-to-day of a machine learning research scientist, particularly in the field of machine learning.
What you learned
The biggest takeaway from this experience by far was that the hardest and the most important part of a data scientist’s job is to translate data, graphs, and performance metrics into interpretable and actionable insights. An analysis is only as good as the analyst’s ability to communicate why it’s important and what it means going forward. This includes adapting what’s shared to audiences with varying levels of familiarity with machine learning.
Economics Major and Global Studies Minor
Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania
Internship: Moody’s Analytics
Internship Location: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Internship Title: Product Management Intern
Responsibilities
I shadowed a senior product manager, communicated with stakeholders about their needs for our database platform, and worked with the technical team to determine the optimal solutions for fixing or enhancing the product based on stakeholder needs.
Value of experience
This profession has become increasingly important in the technical space. I wasn’t aware of how important it is to have a team that acts as the “human aspect” between developers and stakeholders to ensure efficient communication and optimal features and enhancements are added to the platform.
What you learned
I learned how product managers function in the technical space and how to leverage the most common technical development frameworks for the most efficient results.
Accounting Major
Hometown: Seaford, New York
Internship: Ernst & Young
Internship Location: New York City
Internship Title: Assurance Intern
Responsibilities
I support staff, managers, and senior managers in quarterly and year-end audit procedures. I've even been able to work at the client office and sit in on meetings.
Landing this role
I applied for this position early last summer, and I reached out to the recruiter and current staff to learn more about the role and organization. There are plenty of Lehigh alumni at EY, and I was interviewed by a senior manager alumnus. With all of the help and resources from the career center, I perfected my resume and interview skills.
Value of experience
I’ve had the opportunity to see what working at EY and in auditing specifically is like. Everyone here knows that I'm learning, so questions are always welcomed and appreciated.
What you learned
I've learned about the skills it takes to work in auditing and more about the commercial real estate industry since those are the clients I've been working with. I've seen what everyday tasks look like for a full-time staff member and all of the support that comes with it.
Supply Chain Management Major and Sociology and Real Estate Minors
Hometown: Scarsdale, New York
Internship: Ross Stores, Inc.
Internship Location: New York, New York
Internship Title: Assistant Buying Intern
Responsibilities
I am assisting the senior buyer with conducting market research and analyzing consumer trends, collaborating with vendors on orders, analyzing data to ensure we meet our planned goals for the month, and supporting the senior buyers team in preparing purchase orders, tracking shipments, and making strategy decisions.
Landing this role
I met with an HR rep at the Lehigh career fair. I applied and interviewed — an alumna who works on the college relations team in their HR department ended up conducting that interview. We hit it off, and I had a second round of interviews and was offered the role!
Value of experience
I am able to get hands-on experience in the retail industry by building relationships with vendors and being exposed to the behind-the-scenes buying approach in a Fortune 500 company, seeing their decision-making process to create strategy based on data.
What you learned
I learned a lot about supplier management and how to successfully negotiate without tainting a relationship. I have also taken a negotiations class at Lehigh, which helped with some background knowledge before starting this program. I learned a lot about data analytics and how to analyze a set of data to make informed buying decisions. I learned a lot about teamwork as I was working in a smaller section of Ross (their specialty size division for women’s clothing). There was also a large emphasis on problem-solving as sometimes shipments are delayed or shipped with tainted/destroyed units.
Psychology Major and Marketing Minor
Hometown: Needham, Massachusetts
Internship: Fidelity Investments
Internship Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Internship Title: Marketing Intern
Responsibilities
I am researching underserved communities, such as AAPI, military, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities, to help Fidelity gain more insight about these communities in order to meet their financial needs and give people from these communities access to their resources.
Landing this role
I applied on Fidelity’s website for their summer 2023 internship program. I was interviewed for three roles. My friend who interned for Fidelity the previous year gave me a contact to connect with on Linkedin. The people at the Center for Career and Professional Development really helped me throughout the internship process.
Value of experience
This role gave me the opportunity to network with other Fidelity employees, who do marketing activation, consumer segment marketing, digital marketing, and multicultural marketing. Fidelity encourages interns to join different employee resource groups (ERGs) to feel a part of the community and make a difference. I am also gaining an understanding of what the workplace is like and was able to attend an event at another Fidelity regional center in Merrimack, New Hampshire, for military appreciation. Here, I was exposed to live interviews with a camera crew, a speaker panel, and presentations from Fidelity associates from all over the country.
What you learned
I have learned that taking the time to meet with team members is always valuable in the workplace. It provides an opportunity to learn about their role, hear their career journey, and receive advice. In order to get the most out of this experience, you have to want it. It is very important to meet people, do the task at hand, and show up and be motivated to put in the effort each day.
Chemical Engineering Major
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Internship: Henkel
Internship Location: Trumbull, Connecticut
Internship Title: Formulations Development Intern
Responsibilities
I am in an innovation team where we try to come up with ways to make our products better through new technologies. My project this summer was to improve fabric softeners and hand soaps for our company. For this, I planned different formulations, batched them, and came up with many different ways to test them.
Landing this role
I used to attend a lot of career fairs and events. I was at an info session for Henkel one day, and it turns out they were doing a first-round interview then. That's how I moved forward with getting this internship.
Value of experience
I was always interested in working in consumer goods, and this experience gave me an opportunity to know how things work in this industry, network with a great pool of people, and learn how scientists come up with completely new innovations.
What you learned
It’s important to keep learning different skills outside of classes. Soft skills are really important to networking.
Finance Major and Real Estate and Supply Chain Management Minors
Hometown: New York, New York
Internship Organization: Paramount
Internship Location: New York, New York
Internship Title: Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis Intern
Responsibilities
I consolidate profits and losses from internal department managers to generate forecasts that allow analysis of three core business segments and their performance against the quarter, budget, and full-year objectives for the CFO to present to the board of directors and Wall Street analysts.
Value of experience
I have gained insight into the complexities of the media industry and how far-reaching the companies in this field are. I have also developed technical as well as interpersonal skills.
What you learned
The vital role that financial planning and analysis plays in any company and how it is important to stay on track with financial guidelines so that the overall corporation can achieve its operational goals. More importantly, how to apply what I have learned in various classes at Lehigh so that I can stand out when delivering work to management.
Mechanical Engineering Major and Computer Science Minor
Hometown: Bridgewater, New Jersey
Internship: Sanofi
Internship Location: Swiftwater, Pennsylvania
Internship Title: Packaging Engineer Summer Intern
Responsibilities
I work alongside a packaging engineer on the vaccine packaging line to ensure vaccine packaging and quality control of pharmaceutical products. I have undergone extensive learning and training on packaging processes, safety protocols, and quality standards. I have learned and analyzed the mechanical functions of all six of the packaging machines on one line of packaging production and been involved in the day-to-day packaging operations.
Value of experience
I have gained extensive industry knowledge, problem-solving skills, and experience working and collaborating with a team, maintaining the highest quality of work, and making process analysis and improvements.
What you learned
My manager was thorough, hands-on, and gave me many opportunities to push myself to my potential. Because of this, I gained technical skills related to operating and maintaining machinery, industry knowledge, and essential professional skills.
Computer Engineering Major and Electrical Engineering Minor
Hometown: Millwood, New York
Internship: Lutron
Internship Location: Coopersburg, Pennsylvania
Internship Title: Project Management Intern
Responsibilities
I am working with Lutron's proprietary software that is used to design lighting solutions for large commercial projects. I have been tasked with creating a system to better track and prioritize suggested improvements and bugs.
Landing this role
I went to the career center often to develop better strategies for job applications and polish my resume. They provided resources to help develop my interviewing skills and helped boost my confidence. Before I got the role, I reached out via Linkedin to some recent Lehigh graduates who are at Lutron and was able to talk to them about their experiences at the company.
Value of experience
I have been able to develop skills that I wouldn't learn in the classroom. I am learning so much about collaborative projects, big businesses, and working with people from all different backgrounds.
What you learned
I have learned a lot about the process of putting together large-scale projects and organizing teams that may have hundreds of people. I have learned lots about Lutron as a company and how to thrive in this environment. I have learned about making connections and putting myself out there and taking advantage of working in-person five days a week.
Population Health Major and Business and Entrepreneurship Minors
Hometown: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Internship: New York Presbyterian Hospital
Internship Location: New York City, New York
Internship Title: Revenue Cycle Analyst Intern
Responsibilities
Our team is working on implementing new workflows and reports for the three structures of payer escalation at New York Presbyterian. I am responsible for capturing meeting minutes, setting agendas, and creating checklists to standardize and improve the workflows. As interns, we get to go on hospital tours and immerse ourselves into the day-to-day operations on the front lines. Additionally, I went on an ambulance ride along and sat through a brain surgery.
Value of experience
This experience is valuable because I get to engage with executives within the hospital and gain insights into challenges and the strategies they employ to overcome those challenges. It is fascinating to get a look at what is occurring behind the scenes of our healthcare system.
What you learned
I am learning about the complex problems this industry faces and within the focus of my role, the importance of little things like organization, proper formatting, and summaries as they help ensure clear, shared understanding across the team and are vital to the project's success. I have also learned more about how to better work on teams, communicate effectively, give and receive feedback, manage projects, and improve processes.
Population Health Major in the 4+1 Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Program
Hometown: Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Internship: Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Internship Location: Remote
Internship Title: Summer Intern for the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Clinical Trials
Responsibilities
I am doing a variety of activities in regard to supporting clinical trials and collecting data. Some projects include collecting epidemiological data on certain diseases or indications, analyzing diversity metrics for ZIP codes of potential clinical trial sites, collecting clinical trials restrictions in 70-plus countries around the world, and working on a literature review on the LGBTQ+ community in regard to disease disparities, barriers to health care, and access to clinical trials.
Landing this role
I started looking for internships last fall and applied to many across the private and public sector. I was leveraging my personal network to connect with leaders within multiple companies to get general career advice. One of those was an employee at Takeda. The conversation was very helpful, and she referred me to her peer in the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Clinical Trials.
Value of experience
This experience validated my passion for health equity as I explored the different aspects of a pharmaceutical company and learned about the representation disparity in clinical trials.
What you learned
The main thing I will take away from this experience is how important it is to advocate for minority and underrepresented groups, especially in clinical trials. Diseases and conditions disproportionately affect several groups of people, and a lot of times those individuals are not represented in clinical trials. Creating educational materials and reaching out to communities is so important, especially for minority groups who have not been represented in the past. Medicines and devices are meant for all who need them, and without a diverse group of clinical trial participants, companies won’t truly know that what they are creating will be efficacious.
IDEAS Degree: Computer Science and Cognitive Science Majors
Hometown: Tinton Falls, New Jersey
Internship: Becton Dickinson
Internship Location: Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
Internship Title: Client Engineering and User Experience Analyst (Edge Intern Program)
Responsibilities
My role revolves around identifying, implementing, and deploying the best solution for our clients.
Landing this role
It started when I spoke with a current associate at the Lehigh Career Expo in the fall of 2022. From there, I applied online and had a pre-interview dinner and an in-person interview.
Value of experience
This experience has given me the ability to learn how a large organization is supported, network with many people, including executives, and contribute to real-life projects that have an impact on the company.
What you learned
One of my most valuable takeaways from this experience is to be intentional about everything. It's important to ask the right questions to the right people. Most importantly, to be willing to be uncomfortable and ready to learn.
Computer Science and Business Majors
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Internship: Visa
Internship Location: Austin, Texas
Internship Title: Software Engineering Intern on Visa Global Billing Platform Team
Responsibilities
I engage in team meetings, stand-ups, and project discussions to stay updated on progress, share my updates, and learn from others. Throughout the internship, I mainly worked on the final project with another intern to design and implement an approval workflow state machine and API, enabling users to track the status of uploaded business objects, contributing to streamlined processes, and improving user experience. Outside my team, I was also part of the Global Case Challenge, similar to a pitch competition. I worked collaboratively to solve a Visa social impact prompt where I researched, prepared, and delivered a 10-minute pitch to senior leaders.
Landing this role
During my freshman summer, I participated in a technical interview prep course with CodePath. The organization has partnerships with some top companies, including Visa, so I submitted a priority application for Visa through CodePath, including my resume.
Value of experience
This is my first internship, and it is in an area I'm passionate about. I was able to put a lot of skills I learned in school to practice, such as agile development and project management tools like Maven that I used in my software engineering class. My favorite part of the internship is definitely the people at Visa. The company culture and team culture is very welcoming and supportive. My manager is very communicative, could understandably explain some more complicated concepts, and directed me to the help I needed. My team would eat lunch and go to happy hour together. Outside my team, I met many people who are extremely good at pool and ping pong, as those are my go-to social activities.
What you learned
I'm interested in financial services and payments, so I learned a lot about the payment ecosystem and Visa's initiatives for the future of payment. Through the mentorship program, executive speaker series, tech talks, coffee chats with directors, and networking events, I talked to many professionals and learned about other services that Visa is working on outside VisaNet. The one I found most interesting is a session on consultative selling in a sales methodology workshop. As a computer science and business student at Lehigh University, I was intrigued about Visa's sales practices as it is one of the world's most valuable brands.