What are the most important skills (business/technical) and people that you have discovered in your internship? Is there a skill that you didn’t have before but realize that you absolutely need? Is there a person that you discovered that you definitely want on your side (besides your boss of course)?
The most important skills, I would say, are the ability to make connections and be likable. You want people to trust and like you because a good reputation can open many doors for you in the future. Communication skills are also extremely important because they help you present confidently in front of important people and explain things clearly, which is something I struggle with and need to improve. Having technical skills like Power BI, Excel, SQL, can also help you perform your job more efficiently and effectively. I think having a good relationship with other managers from different departments is super important and them knowing you are a reliable and hardworking person.
One of the most important skills I have discovered during my internship is problem-solving. Whether working with AI tools, software platforms, or business processes, I have learned that understanding the root cause of a problem is often more important than finding a quick fix.
I have also realized how valuable communication is. Being able to ask good questions, explain ideas clearly, and collaborate with different teams helps work move forward much faster.
A skill I did not fully appreciate before this internship is technical literacy. I do not need to be an engineer, but I do need to understand how technology, data, and business objectives connect.
Beyond my manager, the most valuable people I have discovered are the experienced engineers and product team members who are willing to share their knowledge. They have accelerated my learning and given me a much better understanding of how products are built and improved.