Internships are more than just a line on a resume, they’re a crucial opportunity for growth, exploration, and connection. For both students and companies, internships hold the power to create lasting impact. A meaningful internship isn’t just about completing tasks; it’s about gaining valuable skills, making meaningful contributions, and fostering genuine relationships.

Real Responsibilities, Not Just Busywork

A great internship allows students to work on projects that matter. Whether it’s developing a new product feature, analyzing data for strategic decisions, or crafting a marketing campaign, impactful projects give interns a sense of purpose. Companies benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, while interns build confidence in their abilities.

Mentorship and Support

Strong mentorship can transform an internship into a truly impactful experience. Derick, a Staff Software Engineer at Censia, has been hiring Forge interns since 2021. Understanding that company jargon can be overwhelming, he keeps an open chat with interns during Zoom meetings to decode acronyms and industry terms in real-time. This simple yet effective approach makes interns feel more confident and integrated without the fear of interrupting a meeting to ask for clarification. Effective mentorship like this not only supports interns but also nurtures future talent.

Opportunities to Learn and Experiment

Internships should challenge interns to stretch their abilities, whether by mastering new technical skills, improving communication, or problem-solving in dynamic environments. The best experiences strike a balance between structured guidance and the freedom to explore independently, fostering innovation and creativity.

Feeling Like Part of the Team

Beyond tasks and responsibilities, interns want to feel included. When Manuella Kwawu, a Launch 2024 intern at Wake Electric, was invited to speak on their Changing Energy podcast (Episode 34: All Data Tells a Story), it wasn’t just a learning opportunity, it was a sign that her insights and contributions mattered. Meaningful inclusion like this builds confidence and a deeper connection to company culture.

“Being a part of Launch, was one of the greatest involvements in my undergraduate studies. I broke my limits to set far reaching ones!” ~ Manuella Kwawu

Clear Feedback and Growth Opportunities

Students don’t expect to be perfect, but they do want to improve. Regular feedback helps interns understand their strengths and identify areas for growth. Knowing that their work is being recognized and that their development is a priority makes an internship more fulfilling and impactful for everyone involved.

A Lasting Impact

At the end of an internship, both interns and companies should be able to reflect on meaningful progress, whether it’s a completed project, a stronger professional network, or a newfound career direction. Many interns even continue working with their internship companies after the program ends. Take Riley Washington, a Launch 2024 Software Engineering intern, who received a full-time offer from Lumin after her internship. Now a full-time software engineer, she credits Forge with giving her the foundation to succeed:

“Forge helped me get started and excel in the software engineering sphere.” ~ Riley Washington

What Makes an Ideal Intern?

An exceptional intern isn’t just someone who can complete tasks — they bring enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. They contribute value to their teams and embrace challenges with a growth mindset. Here are the key traits that make an intern stand out:

• Curiosity: Eager interns ask insightful questions, seek new knowledge, and embrace feedback as a way to improve. Curiosity and adaptability often outperform experience alone.
• Self-Starter: Exceptional interns take ownership of their work, proactively seek out ways to contribute, and aren’t afraid to propose creative solutions. Maya Alperin, Chief of Staff at Grandstand, shared her experience:

“Launch was fantastic! I would recommend it to any company that wants highly skilled interns who can move the needle at your organization.”

• Strong Communication Skills: Effective interns communicate their ideas clearly, provide updates, and ask for help when needed, ensuring smooth collaboration and understanding.
• Team-Oriented Mindset: Collaborative interns respect different perspectives, listen actively, and contribute positively to team efforts, making them valuable assets.
• Professionalism and Reliability: Showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and honoring commitments demonstrates accountability and readiness for a professional career.
• Passion and Enthusiasm: Genuine excitement for their work helps interns stand out, as enthusiasm is contagious and contributes to a positive work environment.

Why Partner with Forge?

Forge bridges the gap between talented, driven interns and companies looking for fresh perspectives and future talent. By partnering with Forge, companies gain access to vetted, high-potential candidates, while students receive hands-on experience that prepares them for their careers. If you’re ready to create a meaningful internship experience that benefits everyone involved, connect with Forge today and start building the future of your team!

What Makes an Internship Meaningful and Successful? was originally published in Forge on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Internships provide companies with fresh talent, innovative ideas, and additional support to drive key initiatives. At Forge, we connect students with industry-relevant internships in data science, software engineering, and digital marketing. Our interns are eager to contribute, equipped with the latest skills, and ready to make an impact.

Bringing on an intern offers multiple benefits beyond just extra hands on deck. Interns bring new perspectives, specialized skills, and enthusiasm to your team. They can tackle important projects that may have been on the back burner, assist with research and development, and help optimize processes. Plus, internships serve as a great pipeline for recruiting full-time talent, many interns transition into permanent roles after proving their capabilities. If you’re considering hiring an intern, here’s how they can add value to your business.

Data Science Internship Projects

For companies looking to bring on data science interns, the possibilities for impactful projects are vast. Data science interns bring analytical skills, programming expertise, and a deep curiosity to solve real-world business challenges. Based on past Launch intern experiences, here are some key project categories a data science intern could tackle this summer:

1. API Development & Integration

Data science interns can develop and integrate APIs to support business processes. Whether it’s automating client registration, pulling real-time data from external sources, or enhancing internal workflows, API development is a valuable skill set that interns can contribute to your company.

2. Data Visualization & Dashboarding

Interns can build dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or custom-built solutions to visualize key business insights. These dashboards can automate competitive analysis, track key performance indicators, and enhance decision-making across departments.

3. Machine Learning & AI Applications

From natural language processing (NLP) to deep learning and predictive modeling, interns can work on cutting-edge AI solutions. Launch interns have developed semantic filtering tools, forecasting models using neural networks, and even experimented with transformer-based technologies used in AI models like ChatGPT.

4. Automation & Workflow Optimization

Interns can streamline operations by implementing automation solutions. Whether it’s leveraging no-code tools or scripting solutions, they can optimize data pipelines, automate reporting processes, and enhance efficiency in day-to-day operations.

5. Marketing & Business Intelligence Analytics

Data science interns can collaborate with marketing teams to analyze customer segmentation, identify key demographics, and optimize marketing outreach strategies using data-driven insights.

Bringing on a data science intern gives your company the opportunity to harness the power of data while providing students with valuable real-world experience. If you’re looking to enhance your data capabilities, an intern could be the perfect addition to your team this summer.

Software Engineering Internship Projects

Software engineering interns bring technical expertise and problem-solving abilities that can drive meaningful innovation within your company. Whether working on backend infrastructure, frontend applications, or research-based projects, interns can make a significant impact. Here are some key project categories Launch software engineering interns have worked on:

1. Backend Development & Data Pipelines

Interns can build and optimize ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipelines, integrating data from multiple sources to support business intelligence or partner integrations. Technologies like Golang, Apache Kafka, and Clickhouse are commonly used in these projects.

2. Full-Stack Web & Application Development

Interns can contribute to full-stack projects, developing user interfaces and backend systems for web applications. This could involve building physician portals, creating patient health monitoring dashboards, or enhancing internal tools.

3. AI & Emerging Technologies Research

Some interns may work on researching and integrating AI-driven solutions, such as collaborative AI tools, automated decision-making systems, or chatbot functionalities for applications.

4. Feature Enhancements & UI/UX Improvements

Beyond large-scale projects, interns can also work on incremental improvements, such as implementing tooltips, enhancing user workflows, or redesigning key UI elements to improve accessibility and usability.

5. Hardware & Software Integration

For companies working with IoT or connected devices, interns can be involved in testing and refining device software, providing feedback on performance, and ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software components.

By engaging a software engineering intern, your company can tackle technical challenges while giving aspiring engineers a chance to build production-ready solutions. If you’re looking for talent to contribute to your engineering team, an intern could be a valuable resource this summer.

Digital Marketing Internship Projects

Digital marketing interns bring creativity, analytical thinking, and technical skills to support your company’s outreach and engagement strategies. From social media to SEO and PR, here are some impactful project categories Launch digital marketing interns have worked on:

1. Social Media & Content Marketing

Interns can manage and grow social media accounts, experiment with new platforms (such as YouTube Shorts or TikTok), and create engaging content to drive audience engagement.

2. SEO & Google Ads Management

Interns can optimize website content for search engines, conduct keyword research, and manage paid ad campaigns on Google and social media platforms to improve click-through rates and conversions.

3. Public Relations & Brand Partnerships

Companies can leverage interns to conduct PR outreach, secure interviews and articles, and explore partnership opportunities that enhance brand visibility.

4. Marketing Automation & Outreach Programs

Interns can assist in launching email marketing campaigns, LinkedIn outreach programs, and automated marketing workflows to improve audience engagement and lead generation.

5. Market Research & Data Analytics

By analyzing Google Analytics data and customer insights, interns can provide strategic recommendations to optimize marketing efforts and refine digital strategies.

Bringing on a digital marketing intern can help your company enhance its online presence, improve outreach strategies, and build stronger connections with target audiences. If you’re looking for creative and data-driven marketing support, an intern could be an excellent addition to your team this summer.

Why Partner with Forge for Your Internship Needs?

At Forge, we bridge the gap between companies and talented interns, ensuring both parties benefit from a structured and impactful internship experience. Our interns are equipped with industry-relevant skills and eager to make a meaningful contribution to your organization. Whether you’re looking for data science, software engineering, or digital marketing talent, Forge can help you find the right fit.

By partnering with Forge, companies gain access to pre-vetted, high-potential candidates, while students receive hands-on experience that prepares them for their careers. If you’re ready to take your internship program to the next level, connect with Forge today and start building the future of your team!

Exciting Projects for Interns in Software Engineering, Data Science & Digital Marketing was originally published in Forge on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Why Gender Equity Matters

Women remain significantly underrepresented in tech roles, particularly in leadership and technical positions. Alarmingly, only 2.3% of venture capital funding goes to women-led companies. This gap isn’t just a statistic; it reflects a systemic issue where talented women are often sidelined. Forge recognizes that fostering an inclusive tech environment is a pathway to enhanced innovation and performance.

How Forge’s Launch Program Bridges the Gap

Forge’s Impact Initiative, launched in 2023, is dedicated to improving gender equity within our programming. We set ambitious goals to achieve at least 50% female participation across all offerings. Our 2024 impact results speak volumes about our progress:

• 48% of our company partners are women-focused.
• 80% of participants in the Launch Data Science program are women, a significant increase from 71% in 2023.
• 46% of our Software Engineering program participants are women, up from 32% the previous year.

We also focus on placing women of color in internships. In 2024, 27 women of color secured internships through Forge, accounting for 51% of our total participants. These figures illustrate our commitment to addressing the service gap in tech education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Spreading Awareness Through Forge-Sponsored Events

The Launch program is designed to provide comprehensive mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities focused on improving gender equity in tech. We are committed to:

• Increasing the gender diversity of our intern candidate pool, especially among women.
• Partnering with women-led companies to amplify their presence in our network.
• Educating students on gender equity challenges and solutions to foster a more empathetic and inclusive workforce.

We believe that awareness is a powerful tool for change, which is why Forge actively sponsors events like the Gender Equity x Tech Panel and Women @ Work: The Glass Ceiling and the Broken Rung, where industry leaders share insights on overcoming challenges in tech. These panels provide networking opportunities, practical advice, and inspiration, empowering attendees to navigate their careers successfully.

Gender Equity x Tech Panel

Forge hosted a panel discussion featuring industry leaders who shared their insights on gender equity and career development in tech. The evening began with a 30-minute discussion featuring accomplished women from Rho Impact, WillowTree, and CCRi. Their diverse career journeys provided students with a rich perspective on the tech landscape. Following the panel, attendees participated in interactive breakout sessions led by each panelist, covering topics from breaking into software development to mastering salary negotiation. This hands-on engagement allowed participants to connect with experts, ask questions, and gain practical insights for their professional journeys.

Women @ Work: The Glass Ceiling and the Broken Rung

In collaboration with The Galant Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce, HearstLab, and the Venture Lab at The University of Pennsylvania, Forge presented a panel discussion featuring accomplished women graduates from the University of Virginia and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. These women, now successful investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders, shared their experiences overcoming challenges in their fields. Their stories provided invaluable insights into navigating the glass ceiling and achieving success in a competitive environment. Attendees left the event motivated and equipped with practical advice from these inspiring leaders, showcasing how determination and innovation can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.

Success in Increasing Access

Forge’s Impact Initiative aims for at least 50% women engaged in all programming. The initiative has enhanced partnerships with women-led companies, increasing these partnerships by 8% since 2022. Once students are accepted into the Launch Internship Program, they undergo a structured approach to support.

Forge is dedicated to fostering an inclusive tech environment where all students can succeed. By preparing the students during summer training, hosting free events and workshops, and hosting gender equity workshops, we lower barriers to entry, making opportunities accessible to a broader audience. These initiatives engage and support underrepresented groups in STEM, creating a space where everyone can thrive.

Bridging the Gender Gap in Tech: Forge’s Commitment to Equity was originally published in Forge on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Intersection of Creativity and Strategy

Marketing blends creativity with strategy, making it an ideal field for those with a liberal arts background. Your ability to think critically and communicate effectively is invaluable in crafting compelling marketing campaigns. In the fast-paced startup environment, these skills can help you stand out and drive impactful results.

Understanding Digital Marketing

Digital marketing encompasses a wide range of online strategies aimed at promoting products or services, including social media marketing, email campaigns, search engine optimization (SEO), and content creation. For liberal arts majors, it provides a canvas for creativity and a dive into analytics and data-driven decision-making.

With a solid foundation in digital marketing, you can engage audiences, understand consumer behavior, and leverage various platforms to maximize reach. This knowledge not only makes you versatile but also equips you with the tools needed to thrive in today’s digital-first landscape.

Some of the job responsibilities that one might have include but are not limited to:

• Content Creation: You’ll learn to craft engaging content that resonates with target audiences, an essential skill for startups aiming to build their brand.
• Social Media Strategy: Develop expertise in managing social media platforms and creating campaigns that drive engagement.
• Data Analysis: Gain insights into analyzing campaign performance, making informed decisions, and demonstrating Return on Investment (ROI).
• B2B Marketing: Many startups operate in a business-to-business (B2B) landscape. You’ll learn how to tailor strategies that address other businesses’ needs.
• Sales Fundamentals: Understanding how marketing supports sales teams will set you apart in the startup world.

Looking to Jumpstart Your Career Journey?

Forge’s Launch Internship Program is a 12-week summer opportunity accessible from anywhere. It kicks off with three weeks of skills training in areas like software engineering, digital marketing, or data science, followed by a high-impact, paid internship for nine weeks with one of Forge’s company partners. This program offers:

• Soft Skills Training: Build a standout resume and hone your interviewing skills, ensuring you make a great impression on potential employers.
• Technical Skills Training: Learn the tools and technologies used in the industry through hands-on projects and group work, enabling you to learn by doing.
• Internship Placement: You’ll be matched with a summer internship at one of Forge’s 200+ company partners, tackling impactful projects and gaining real-world experience. Forge often partners with startup companies, allowing you to be part of a growing and dynamic team.

Hear it Straight from a Launch Alum

During the summer of 2023, Maria Kathleen Villanueva got matched with Teaching Lab.

“If you want to immerse yourself with talented people and limitless opportunities, consider applying to Forge’s Launch. Through their matching program, I landed my all-time favorite internship as an undergraduate + an offer to continue working with an awesome company.”

Exploring the Benefits of Startups

Working in a startup offers a unique and enriching experience that can significantly enhance your career. Unlike larger corporations, startups often operate in dynamic environments where innovation and agility are key. This setting allows for a more hands-on approach to learning and growth, providing opportunities to make meaningful contributions from day one.

• Diverse Responsibilities: Startups often have smaller teams, meaning you’ll wear multiple hats. This allows for rapid skill development across various marketing domains.
• Innovative Environment: The startup culture encourages experimentation and creativity. You’ll have the freedom to propose new ideas and strategies without the bureaucratic hurdles often found in larger corporations.
• Networking Opportunities: Working in a startup provides the chance to connect with founders, investors, and industry leaders, paving the way for future career advancements.
• Impactful Contributions: In a startup, your contributions are often more visible. This can be incredibly fulfilling as you see the direct impact of your marketing efforts on the company’s growth.

Conclusion

For liberal arts majors, a career in marketing — especially through programs like Forge’s Launch Internship Program — offers an exciting blend of creativity, strategy, and tangible impact. You’ll not only leverage your existing skills but also acquire new ones that are essential in today’s digital landscape. If you’re looking for a dynamic career path that prepares you for success in the startup ecosystem, consider applying to the Launch program. Embrace this opportunity to develop your talents and make your mark in the marketing world!

The Era of Digital Marketing for Liberal Arts Majors was originally published in Forge on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Background

Sasha Fischer, a Psychology major at the University of Michigan, has always been intrigued by the intersection of human behavior and marketing. Having completed the Launch Internship Program this past summer, she had the opportunity to work at NYC Footy as a digital marketing intern. The experience not only broadened her skills, but also solidified her interest in the marketing field.

Preparation for the Internship

Sasha’s preparation for her role was heavily influenced by the Launch Program. Through it, she gained essential insights into marketing, public relations, and media strategies. She frequently referred back to the NYC Footy materials, lessons from Launch, and her notes from previous internships to refresh her knowledge before starting work.

Surprises, Projects, and Memories

What surprised Sasha the most about her internship was the strength of the connections she formed with her bosses and coworkers, despite the entirely online setup. The focus on building community was palpable, and it eased her initial nervousness.

At NYC Footy, Sasha explains that she “worked on numerous ongoing projects rather than having one major project that I gradually worked on throughout my experience. Most of my job required me to dive into social media marketing, specifically YouTube Shorts which was new for the company, and I posted on this account everyday. I also helped the marketing team with Google ads, whether it was to increase awareness for upcoming events or league registrations. I used the lessons that we learned during Launch training to help with keywords, subgroups, and other SEO aspects.”

She adds, “Another project that I continuously worked on was finding PR for the company and working with the head of PR for marketing opportunities, whether it be articles regarding the company or interviews with our founders. I also hopped on production meetings to brainstorm ideas for partnership videos and sponsorships. I love that I got to try a bit of everything in the marketing field!”

One of the most memorable experiences of Sasha’s time at NYC Footy was at their first and only in-person event—the Cup of Dreams tournament— toward the end of the summer. This was also her favorite part, as it was a bittersweet culmination of her work and allowed her to finally meet everyone she had collaborated with. The day was intense, requiring 16 hours of engagement from start to finish, but was gratifying to see over 100 attendees come together.

She took pride in being a crucial part of the event’s execution as the middleman and contributing directly to its success. Sasha shares, “I spent my entire internship helping with the marketing for this event, and it was so rewarding seeing it all come to life especially because it was Footy’s first indoor tournament. I got to play on a team and have a group dinner with the company as well!”

New Skills and Knowledge

One of the standout moments of Sasha’s internship was participating in a production meeting where they brainstormed ideas for creating professional-quality videos to highlight sponsorships. Collaborating with the production team was exciting for her, as they discussed innovative concepts, from memes to engaging promotional strategies. This experience deepened her understanding of video production and the nuances of creating compelling short commercials.

Academic vs. Professional Environment

In academia, Sasha often dreaded group projects, but working in a professional environment at NYC Footy changed her perspective on the working style. She found that collaboration was much more efficient and enjoyable in a professional setting. She particularly enjoyed the moments spent working with other teams, which made her realize that she thrives in collaborative frameworks rather than solitary roles.

Contribution to the Team

Sasha played a significant role in developing content for TikTok and YouTube Shorts. NYC Footy was less familiar with these platforms, but her understanding of TikTok and willingness to learn how to create YouTube Shorts allowed her to engage younger audiences effectively. Sasha’s contributions resulted in increased followers and subscribers, enhancing the company’s online presence.

Personal Development and Confidence

Sasha’s internship experience boosted her confidence, especially in terms of communication in a remote setup. She was apprehensive about asking questions and initially struggled with imposter syndrome, but quickly learned the benefits of asking for help. The approachable nature of her colleagues made it easier to seek guidance, and their willingness to assist reinforced her belief in the value of teamwork.

Career Interests

Sasha’s time at NYC Footy confirmed her interest in marketing, though it also shifted her perspective on what aspects she might want to explore further. She is more drawn to the field now than ever, but still feels the need to delve deeper into specific areas to find her niche.

Valuable Lessons Learned

A couple of the most valuable lessons Sasha took away from her internship was recognizing the importance of self-confidence and the courage to share her ideas. She learned that although she was new to the company, her Gen Z perspective was needed. She therefore did not hesitate to make recommendations as a younger peer. Embracing her unique viewpoint has helped Sasha understand that she belongs in whatever work environment she finds herself, and in the marketing field as a whole.

“The most valuable aspect of my internship with NYC Footy was the fact that despite my work being entirely remote, the connections that I built with the rest of the company were just as meaningful,” Sasha says, “I was immediately welcomed by the staff, and I was always encouraged to share my ideas. From this environment I learned that asking questions is the most effective way to learn.”

Advice for Interns

For students preparing for their first internship, Sasha recommends reaching out to peers and older students who have had similar experiences. Hearing their stories and learning about their paths to success imparted useful information that helped her navigate her own way.

Future Plans

As Sasha starts her senior year, she is excited to continue working part-time with NYC Footy. Though she is unsure of what the future holds, she is grateful for the opportunity to remain with a company that has become a significant part of her professional journey.

Reflecting on her experience with Forge and NYC Footy, Sasha remarks that she appreciates how Launch connected her with various companies and exposed her to diverse roles within marketing. She admits, “I was nervous that I was not going to be able to find a connection with any of these internships, but Forge makes sure that there is an opportunity for everyone.” Each position offers unique challenges and learning opportunities, making it an intriguing field to explore as she builds her career.

Navigating the World of Digital Marketing: An Internship Experience at USA’s Largest Adult Soccer… was originally published in Forge on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Background

Isaac Tabor is a fourth year Economics major with minors in Data Science and Business Spanish at the University of Virginia. His focus on Data Science has shaped his academic and professional journey, leading him to a rewarding internship with IT Concepts. IT Concepts is a global technology services company that delivers end-to-end solutions for the private and government sectors.

Preparing for the Internship

Isaac’s internship preparation involved three weeks of intensive Forge training. This training involved working in groups, which was instrumental in enhancing his collaborative skills to work effectively in teams at IT Concepts. Isaac was surprised by the level of advancement in the internship; it often felt like he was engaging with material typically reserved for master’s programs. For example, he delved into deep learning and natural language processing (NLP), and even picked up JavaScript on the job — something he hadn’t realized was commonly used in the data science field.

Isaac says, “The Forge Launch Internship Program was an incredibly valuable experience. Not only did I gain very marketable technical skills including projects with many different programming languages, but also honed strong presentation and collaborative skills that are equally important in the field of data science.”

Challenging Projects

The centerpiece of Isaac’s internship was developing a Tableau semantic filter extension. He explains that, “This involved researching, learning and applying some of the most in demand data science topics like NLP, deep learning, machine learning, etc… It was so cool to work with transformers too, which is some of the technology used in making ChatGPT. I also worked on a forecasting model that used neural networks.”

The tool he built enables federal agencies to semantically filter their data within Tableau dashboards. Working alongside two other data science interns and two software engineering interns, they created an extension that allows users to input specific phrases, ensuring that the system comprehends and retrieves relevant data. This experience was not only challenging but also incredibly rewarding, as their work was aimed at providing tangible solutions for the federal government.

New Skills and Professional Insights

Isaac gained vital skills and insights into professional life this past summer. He learned about the importance of accountability and self-advocacy through his exposure to the agile methodology used by his company. This consisted of reporting daily to his manager through stand-ups, which are brief high-level meetings to monitor progress and identify blockers for a project. In these meetings, Isaac made a habit of showing his work and speaking to it, whereas in an academic environment, he would often submit assignments without having to explain his process.

Isaac’s team achieved proof-of-concept, culminating in a successful demonstration of their product to internal stakeholders. Isaac states, “It was really cool that I contributed a lot… the cool thing about Forge is that we are getting a valuable internship.” He was able to see his hard work come to fruition as the tool would be deployed to federal agencies, thus highlighting its practical impact.

Personal Development and Career Aspirations

Isaac felt that his internship significantly boosted his confidence and provided him with advanced data science skills beyond what he could access at UVA. “It made me really confident about working in the real world after college. It really made me feel ahead of the game,” he comments. His nine-week stint at IT Concepts confirmed his passion for data science and opened his eyes to various specializations within the field. He understands that data is integral to many professions, shaping his aspirations for future career opportunities.

Valuable Lessons Learned

One of the most important lessons Isaac learned was the value of self-confidence, self-advocacy, and having the courage to reach out to people. Engaging with coworkers and managers, seeking feedback, and being open to learning were crucial elements of his growth. He realized how beneficial it was to leverage the expertise of those around him — especially senior leaders like the CFO — who were always willing to share insights and guidance.

Advice for Future Interns

For students preparing for their first internship, Isaac’s advice is simple: approach the experience with confidence. He adds, “You’re going to learn, even if it’s not what you expected. Even if it’s not through Forge, or the tech skills you’re going to be using,” be open to learning both technical skills and soft skills, such as communication and networking. Building connections can lead to unexpected opportunities in the future. Embrace every moment; he was fortunate to truly enjoy his experience.

“I loved IT Concepts’ company culture,” Isaac shares, “The people genuinely cared about my professional development. I loved working with the other data science and SWE interns, and managers.”

Looking Ahead

Isaac is excited to explore all opportunities that lie ahead. While he is still determining his next steps, the Launch Internship Program has prepared him to navigate the professional world with greater assurance and a clearer vision for his future in data science.

Unlocking Potential: A Data Science Intern’s Journey in Government Contracting was originally published in Forge on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Background

Choa Choi is a fourth year Cognitive Science major with a focus on Digital Marketing, at the University of Virginia. This past summer, she interned at Phazemos, a biotechnology company that provides clinical research solutions. There, she was offered the opportunity to immerse herself in the dynamic world of digital marketing and learn firsthand about startup culture.

Internship Preparation and Surprises

Choa’s path to securing her internship was “non-traditional,” in her words. She felt like she jumped straight into her role once the internship started. Launch training was Choa’s way of preparation for the position, which helped with the work she tackled during her first weeks at Phazemos. Though she did not know what to expect, Choa was surprised by the friendly atmosphere of startup culture she witnessed during her time with the company. The casual conversations, relaxed dress code, and the approachable nature of her CEO and founder made it a welcoming environment.

Projects and Challenges

One of the main projects Choa worked on involved expanding Phazemos’s network of members. This included launching a new program for LinkedIn outreach and assisting with client podcasts. The challenge was figuring out what potential guests to look for and how to reach out effectively. She did not anticipate working on podcasts, as it was not covered in her initial training, but it turned out to be an enriching experience.

New Skills and Knowledge

Throughout her internship, Choa learned new skills related to featuring podcast guests and digital marketing automation. She utilized a tool called Snow for LinkedIn outreach (that functions similarly to MailChimp), which allowed Phazemos to send automated messages. This experience taught her the importance of effective communication in a digital setting.

Professional Environment vs. Academic Experiences

Working at Phazemos was notably different from Choa’s academic life. The internship required more independence compared to the collaborative nature of group projects she was used to in school. This shift pushed her to take initiative and develop a proactive approach to her tasks.

Contribution to the Team

Choa contributed to several new projects, helping launch initiatives from the ground up. Seeing these programs develop from inception to execution was incredibly rewarding for her, and it was gratifying to know that her efforts played a role in the company’s growth. Choa adds, “My favorite part of the internship was how every coworker saw my contribution as valuable, no matter how big or small. I also appreciated how I could work at my own pace as long as the work given to me was being done.”

Personal Development and Confidence

This internship boosted Choa’s confidence, particularly in the area of cold outreach. As someone who is naturally shy, she found that reaching out in a digital format made it easier for her to express herself. Being pushed out of her comfort zone helped her to recognize the significance of making meaningful professional connections through clear intentions. She learned how to craft better emails, to which she says, “It may seem so small but I realized how important it is.”

Valuable Lessons Learned

The most significant lesson Choa took away from her internship was the importance of asking questions. During her interview, she asked numerous questions, which caught the CEO’s attention and demonstrated her genuine curiosity. She found that taking initiative and knowing how to operate autonomously are critical skills in the professional world.

Advice for Future Interns

For students preparing for their first internship, Choa recommends focusing on building indirect skills that complement their main area of study. While she did not have a lot of direct marketing skills, she worked on developing supplementary and soft skills on her own. Choa states, “My advice would be to gain experience outside of your class time,” such as through clubs and personal projects.

Confirming Career Interests

Choa believes her experience at Phazemos solidified her interest in digital marketing. As she has become aware of the many paths within the field, she wants to explore them further by learning more and gaining more experience, particularly in areas like analytics and creative strategies. She realizes that there’s so much more for her to discover before she commits to a specific career path.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Choa plans to attend as many career fairs as possible to survey new opportunities. She recently heard about the possibility of studying abroad during the January Term, which she is considering as a way to broaden her horizons.

Embracing Digital Marketing: Insights from an Intern Working in Biotech was originally published in Forge on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Censia’s product helps companies quickly identify, evaluate, and hire the best talent using sophisticated AI models. To maintain their edge, Censia’s Innovations Team continuously works on new features and technologies that push the boundaries of their platform. However, finding young talent who can hit the ground running is no easy task — that’s where Forge’s Launch Program has made a real difference.

The Forge Difference: High-Quality Interns Who Deliver Results

Derick Johnson, Staff Software Engineer at Censia, has overseen six software engineering interns through the Launch Program since 2021. Each year, the interns have worked on projects that directly impact Censia’s customer-facing products, pushing code to production and building technologies that stay in use after the internship ends.

Derick has been particularly impressed by how well-prepared Forge interns are when they arrive. “Launch consistently impresses us with their candidates,” Derick shared. The interns’ strong technical skills, professionalism, and initiative set them apart from other interns.

Forge interns begin the internship already familiar with tools like React. “They arrive well-prepared to tackle complex systems and tasks.” Derick also mentioned that these interns excel because of the soft skills and professional training they receive through Forge. Forge interns are proactive, often taking ownership of tasks and offering thoughtful suggestions for improvement. Additionally, they maintain clear and structured communication, showing confidence in navigating feedback loops and collaborating with teams remotely. “They are open to challenges and enjoy having fun along the way, aligning perfectly with our team mentality.”

Key Projects Led by Forge Interns

Since 2021, Forge interns have played a pivotal role in advancing Censia’s core technologies, taking on impactful projects each year:

• 2021: Brittany was part of the team working on Censia’s visualization components, utilizing modular designs. These systems continue to impress customers.
• 2022: Jessie and Emily made significant contributions to Censia’s AI companion. They handled user interface designs, data storage, and some of the AI components.
• 2023: Yash was a key team member in building Censia’s next-generation AI systems. He required minimal guidance and became a contributing member of the team from day one.
• 2024: Anh and Harun worked on several critical projects. Anh spearheaded the integration of Censia’s launch platforms and AI companions, demonstrating initiative in tool assessment and recommendations. Harun further contributed to the evolution of Censia’s AI systems, focusing on benchmarking and DEI initiatives.

A Seamless Integration into Censia’s Team and Culture

One of the core strengths of Forge’s Launch Program is how easily the interns integrate into Censia’s team. Despite the remote nature of many internships, Censia has fostered a collaborative and inclusive work culture for its interns. In addition to weekly engineering meetings, interns also participate in virtual team-building events, such as Friday video chats that blend technical discussions with fun, personal questions to help team members connect on a deeper level.

This summer, Censia’s current and former interns took a break from the screen to meet in person at The Presidio in San Francisco. They spent the day bonding over coffee, walking along the beach, and discussing their work. Censia’s efforts to cultivate relationships with interns don’t stop when the internship ends — past interns, now working at companies like Netflix and Capital One, have remained in touch with the team.

A Long-Term Partnership Built on Trust

“I would recommend the Launch internship program due to the ease of navigating through the process and the consistent quality talent that comes from the pipeline.” -Derick Johnson, Staff Software Engineer, Censia

As a long-time partner of Forge, Censia’s commitment to the Launch Internship Program is evident. Derick and his team continue to hire Forge interns each summer, confident in the high caliber of talent that Forge delivers. The consistent quality, professionalism, and drive of the interns have made the partnership a cornerstone of Censia’s approach to developing new talent.

Censia: A Success Story with Forge’s Launch Internship Program was originally published in Forge on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

1. Get the #1 Ticket at Bodo’s

If you wake up early enough, you can eat a delicious bagel, maybe watch the sunrise, and feel a sense of superiority for achieving this elusive task. Personally, I have yet to get out of bed and haul myself to Bodo’s at the crack of dawn, but who knows, maybe one of these days I’ll find myself with a bagel craving at 6:30 am that can’t be ignored.

2. Go on one last sunrise hike at Humpback

Just 30 minutes from grounds, and a must-do for every UVA student at least once! A sunrise hike is another early morning activity, but if you don’t want to wake up that early, the views are phenomenal at any time of day. Bonus points if you take in the views on Skyline Drive on your way there.

3. Go to a UVA sporting event

Basketball season is over (I don’t want to talk about it.), but there are plenty of other sports games to attend! Don’t count out club sporting events as a fun activity too!

4. Have a picnic on the lawn

Whether you pick up some food or cook it yourself, the lawn is the perfect spot to lay down a blanket and picnic with friends.

5. Go to the Foxfield Races

Enjoy the beauty of the countryside and watch some spectacular horse racing. What more could you need?

6. Get a meal at all of your favorite restaurants

I don’t know about everybody else, but I will mourn the loss of some of my favorite Cville staples after I graduate. Where am I supposed to get both wings AND tacos in one glorious Dos Amigos combo other than Asado? Eat up while you can.

7. Visit a winery or brewery

Since most Fourth years are over the age of 21, there are some more activities in Charlottesville to explore. There are lots of wineries and breweries offering great drinks as well as concerts, food trucks, and amazing views.

8. Sit in on a class outside of your major

If you get an instructor’s permission, this is a cool way to learn something new and take advantage of the diverse areas of study offered here!

9. Paint Beta Bridge

Did you know the tradition of painting Beta Bridge has been around for almost 200 years? Be a part of this tradition and leave your own mark!

10. Streak the lawn

Another tradition that is so ingrained in UVA culture it’s practically a graduation requirement.

Hope you enjoyed our list and that these activities will help you make the most of your last few months at UVA!

10 Things To Do Before You Graduate UVA was originally published in Forge on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

*If you aren’t familiar with our Launch internship program, please visit joinforge.co/launch.

Resumes and Prep

The prep work was very helpful — resume prep helped me realize that a hackathon I initially didn’t think should appear on my resume was valid experience. The interview prep was definitely the most helpful, though! I was pretty nervous all through the prep and messed up more than a few times, but the other students and the Forge team helped me notice the mistakes I was making which allowed me to fix them before it was time for real interviews.

— Angela Gagin, Launch ’21
Angela worked at RepairPal in the summer of 2021.

“When I released the pressure to get any job, it was easy to find the right job.”

The Interview/Matching Process

I went into the matching process feeling as though I needed to apply to every single company possible in an effort to get as many interviews as possible. A couple of rounds into matching, I realized that this dragnet strategy was flawed. The desire to get a job had clouded my thinking. Shifting to applying to companies I would genuinely be excited to work for and for which I would be willing to put serious interview prep, my success in getting interviews and overall enjoyment increased. Ultimately I applied to nine companies, interviewed with three and found the right company for me. When I released the pressure to get any job, it was easy to find the right job. Thinking back on the process I often laugh, as the strategy of applying to every company got me zero interviews, likely due to a litany of mediocre applications, rather than a few legitimate applications demonstrating real interest.

— Cooper DeVito, Launch ’21
Cooper worked at Hard Yards in the summer of 2021.

Training Process

I was shocked with just how much we were able to learn and cover in the 3 weeks of training. It honestly felt like I learned more than I have in entire semester long CS courses. On top of the learning, the amount of comfort and ease I gained with React from Countdown 1 to the last day of training was astonishing.

— Charlie Glennon, Launch ’21
Charlie worked at Kintech Cloud in the summer of 2021.

Advice for Future Students

My biggest piece of advice for Launch students is to work hard, and to enjoy the process. It can be stressful at times. Launch is designed to be a strong learning experience, which means hard work is needed. Rarely are there times we learn a lot that don’t require serious work. Hard work is not, however, mutually exclusive with fun. The best parts of launch were the most challenging for me. I remember a day of practicing interviewing with a small group. We were all pretty stressed and felt some pressure being asked cold questions by the instructors. At the end of the session, we had all learned so much and had given each other meaningful, genuine feedback. We all were closer afterward and upon reconvening with the whole group, we realized all the students had a similar experience. This was simultaneously one of most stressful and more enjoyable days of training. I think this example also serves as a lesson for the whole program. Treating the experience as time to give mediocre results led to less growth, less fun, and mediocre results. When we did good work, there was an abundance of growth, and a ton of laughter along the way.

— Cooper DeVito, Launch ’21

If you have any further questions about the software engineering track of Launch, Launch in general, or even just about Forge, do not hesitate to visit our website! Launch is a program that many people find value in, whether it be to learn new skills, get a summer internship, or both. If you’re an upcoming Launch student for the summer of 2022, or are thinking about applying next year, we hope you found this article helpful, and feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Software Engineering: Launch Student Stories was originally published in Forge on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.