Name: Kitty Shi
Class Year: 2025
Major: Political Science and Mathematics
Hometown: Suzhou, China
Internship Organization:
Job Title: ESG Consulting Intern
Location: Hong Kong SAR/Shenzhen, China
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
At my internship with Alaya Consulting, I'm developing green policies, calculating carbon emissions, translating ESG reports, expanding our client base, and preparing sustainability documents, all while building a comprehensive understanding of corporate sustainability practices.
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied for the ESG consulting internship at Alaya Consulting because it aligns perfectly with my environmental politics studies and my practical data analysis experience. My passion for sustainability started with my work at the Global Philadelphia Association and grew more assertive at the Mother Compost project for my Math Praxis Independent studies. I'm excited to use my skills to develop green policies and improve sustainability reporting at Alaya. This internship is crucial to earning a graduate degree in sustainability management and advancing my career in the ESG sector.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
My favorite part of this internship at Alaya Consulting has been the chance to work in a small company environment where I can focus on meaningful tasks without getting bogged down in the typical "busy work" that can come with larger companies. It's been great to dive deep into significant projects like developing green policies and calculating carbon emissions, which aligns well with my ESG interests.
Additionally, collaborating with colleagues from Hong Kong has been incredibly fascinating. They bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge about global sustainability practices that have greatly enriched our discussions and projects. This cross-cultural collaboration not only enhances our work but also adds a valuable dimension to my professional growth and understanding of ESG on a global scale.
What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn't expect?
One unexpected and exciting development during my internship at Alaya Consulting has been discovering my knack for expanding the client base, a talent my boss quickly recognized. Initially, I focused primarily on technical tasks like carbon emissions calculations and policy development. However, my ability to understand and meet potential clients' needs caught the attention of my supervisor.
Because of this, I've been allowed to work closely with full-time staff on business development efforts. This has involved researching industry trends, understanding the sustainability records of potential clients, and tailoring our pitches to demonstrate the specific benefits of our ESG services. It's been enriching to apply my skills in a way that directly contributes to the company's growth, and it's opened up a whole new aspect of my career interests in sustainability and client relations.
Through the Career and Civic Engagement Center Beyond 今日吃瓜 Summer Internship Program, 今日吃瓜 students pursue opportunities in fields such as nonprofits, government and law, health care, research, sciences, business, and the arts. Thanks to the generosity of our alumnae/i and donors, over 150 students across all academic departments are funded to pursue unpaid internships or research experiences in the U.S. and abroad each year.
Career & Civic Engagement Center Political Science Mathematics