My internship journey, like many others, began with stress and uncertainty. Unlike many others, uncertainty remained til July when I found my internship (as you may have guessed from the title). To preface, I’m currently a Junior majoring in Biology and Mathematics with a concentration in Data Science and Statistics. However, before this, I was premed, and after 2 years of being extremely uninterested in anything premed, I realized I should probably start exploring other options.
Fortunately, I had earned an internship in the field of abstract mathematics in the city which began right after my last final, but unfortunately, coincided with the NJ Transit strikes, making that first opportunity pretty short-lived. Soon came many rejections from companies big and small, start ups to corporations, and no news was anything but good. I had applied to around 400 internships, done interviews for around 5 companies (not a good ratio, I know), but most importantly, I had gotten one internship as a Data Solutions Intern at Unite Us.
You might be wondering what Data Solutions is; I was, too. It was a position that sat at the cross-section of data engineering, product development, client relations, and data analytics. A lot of my role involved creating templates of SQL queries used to create data dictionaries, data reconciliations, and audit tags. I then documented my systems on Confluence, completed tickets on Jira, eventually contributing to the beautification (or optimization as my colleagues called it) of the dashboard, and ended my day how I started, with a variety of meetings giving me the opportunity to shadow other teams and coffee chats.
One of the most interesting surprises was learning how real data teams operate using Agile, Scrum, BI tools, and sprint models, especially across a variety of levels. I had heard these terms in passing, but actually seeing how they shape deadlines, communication, and collaboration was eye-opening.
Because Unite Us supports continuity of care, the data was never abstract to me. It represented real people being connected to housing, food support, healthcare, and community resources. Through this experience, I realized I can help others not only through direct care like Medicare work, but by designing data pipelines that improve access and coordination at scale. I learned how to code and build data diagrams, but more importantly, I learned what I want to do.
What surprised me most was how directly my coursework translated into my work, even in ways I didn’t expect.
From Classroom to Career:
● DIDA 325: Taught me how to structure projects, explore data, and document processes with the mindset of a practicing analyst.
● Harpur Edge Coding Crash Course: Strengthened my Python fundamentals and confidence working with code.
● Math 330: Developed my understanding of the logic behind data validation and pattern recognition in complex systems.
● Math 384 (Combinatorics): Trained me to reason rigorously through abstract problems, manage constraints, and think systematically, skills that directly transfer to real analytical and technical work.
I’d say even if your coursework does not scream quantum physics or AI on paper, it still counts. It is easy to look around and think everyone else is doing something flashier or more cutting-edge, but these classes gave me a solid, transferable foundation. You do not need the trendiest title to be useful, competitive, or taken seriously. Even some of my non-traditional classes like participating in FRI (First Year Research Immersion) helped me with file management, independent task organization and the ins and outs of communication.
The Best Part (No, Really):
This internship gave me a front-row seat to how all parts of the data world connect. I wasn’t siloed into one task; I saw engineering, analytics, QA, onboarding, and product all working together. I especially loved the work related to continued care, which felt both important and intellectually interesting.
Because the internship was fully virtual, I could coffee chat with people across teams and time zones, and I took advantage of that. I met engineers, analysts, onboarding specialists, and even people outside my department. Those conversations helped me understand not just the company, but the industry as a whole.
Growth Beyond the Technical:
Of everything I learned, the lesson that changed me the most came from the interview process: I completely flopped my first technical question. It was very simple, and to be very honest, it still haunts me.
Instead of moving on and claiming my loss, I asked, “Can I try a different one? I don’t think that was a proper demonstration of my skills.”
And they said yes.
That moment taught me the importance of advocating for yourself. You won’t always get the “perfect” question, and interviews don’t always reflect your abilities. But you can speak up if you feel you weren’t represented accurately. Even if they had denied my request, I’m glad I asked and showed my interest in the position. An internship is a learning experience, so it’s okay to not know everything going into it.
That single moment probably changed the trajectory of my summer.
Advice for Students Looking for Internships:
● Put yourself out there. I got rejected from roles that were “easier” than the one I eventually landed, including unpaid startups, campus positions, and retail jobs. Rejection doesn’t mean you aren’t talented; it often just means it wasn’t your place.
● Don’t give up. I found my internship in June and was accepted in July. It’s never too late. The worst thing you can do is stop applying. Your timeline is valid, even if it looks different from everyone else’s.
● Remember, LinkedIn is social media. People only post their highlights. You are not alone in the struggle, and you are not behind.
● Don’t sell yourself short or rely too heavily on AI. Your hard work deserves to be shown at its fullest. It’s okay to use tools, but always review and make things your own.
● Apply anyway. The worst that can happen is rejection. It’s okay to have dream companies and big goals. I remember I would tell myself, “Okay, tomorrow I’m going to the library with a coffee, and I’m applying everywhere,” and to be very honest, most of the time that didn’t end up happening. Try to set a realistic goal for the day; one application is better than none.
● It’s okay to ask for help. No one enters the job market completely confident. Find accountability partners, be honest about your experiences, and don’t hesitate to set boundaries with people who pressure you or belittle your accomplishments to make theirs shine.
The Unexpected Ending:
All in all it was not the timeline I planned, but somehow the one that worked. This experience helped me understand what I want next: I plan to continue in data analytics, and I’m excited to explore consulting, finance, and health-tech roles. I’m not locked into one path yet and for the first time, I feel excited about that uncertainty.
I’m deeply grateful to Unite Us for giving me the opportunity to grow, explore, and find clarity. If you’re reading this and wondering whether you should apply to that internship you’ve been eyeing: do it.
You never know which application will be the one that changes everything.
Connect With Our Office:
Utilize the Fleishman Center resources to learn how best you can incorporate these experiences into your resume.
Drop-ins: When classes are in session, Monday-Friday, from 12-4 p.m., you can visit our office to schedule a 20-minute drop-in with our staff
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Written by: Isha Gavas
Uploaded & Edited: Jen Weiss
