Name: Xianzhuang Jiang
Class Year: 2025
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Shenzhen, China
Internship Organization: The Paradigm Forum GmbH
Internship Title: Research Intern
Location: Virtual
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
During my internship at The Paradigm Forum GmbH, I collaborated with fellow interns to explore innovative approaches in leadership development programs and educational institutions. We focused on incorporating art-integrated and experiential learning methods to enhance leadership and change-making skills for emerging technical talents and changemakers.
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied for this internship because it aligns perfectly with my academic interests as a sociology major, my ongoing and previous internship experiences, and my future career goal of contributing to and benefiting society. This opportunity is an ideal platform for me to gain insights into leadership skills and the application of technology in driving innovation. I believe that navigating the ethical implications of tech talent's work and building connections among communities are crucial in the era of artificial intelligence.
Working remotely for the first time? What has that experience been like for you?
Working remotely for the first time was an unforgettable experience, especially since our team, including fellow interns and our supervisor Tabi, was spread across four different countries and time zones. Virtual connections enabled our collaboration, leading to the unique experience of exchanging greetings like "good morning" and "good evening" simultaneously. Despite the time zone differences, we communicated and conducted meetings promptly and efficiently. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with our group despite being in different locations. However, I imagine we would have had more personal connections and interactions if we had met in person. It was a pleasure meeting and working with such a great talented of individuals.
How would you describe your internship experience?
I found the research process enriching as I explored various topics contributing to our project theme. It allowed me to deepen my understanding of our focus area and connect more deeply with my research content. Each week, we concentrated on enhancing leadership and change-making skills through specific tracks. Our weekly meetings provided engaging learning opportunities where I expanded my knowledge through discussions and idea-sharing with fellow interns, while also benefiting from the perspectives and guidance provided by our supervisor, Tabi. We identified connections among our research topics, integrating them into a cohesive framework. This collaborative process was immensely rewarding, and I appreciate our teamwork that made it successful.
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.