Indian Students at JHU: Reflections on Their Internship Experiences
Internships are more than just stepping stones in a student’s academic journey—they offer a chance to bridge the gap between theory and practice, transforming classroom knowledge into tangible action. For several students from India studying at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), internships have provided valuable platforms for making meaningful contributions to fields like climate tech, sustainability, and global development. These experiences not only sharpen their professional skills but also highlight the real-world impact of their efforts across various industries.
In the following stories, we explore the diverse projects these students have undertaken, how their work has shaped their careers, and the valuable insights they offer to others aspiring to make a difference in similar fields. From energy policy research to data-driven innovation, their internships showcase the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and global perspectives in addressing today’s most pressing challenges.
Srusti Ithal
Project and Operations Management Intern, Third Derivative
What I did:
I focused on optimizing the performance of the mentor network, a key ecosystem offering for climate-tech startups. I conducted an in-depth analysis to identify sector and skill gaps and strategized ways to improve the network’s composition.
How I landed the role:
I highlighted my experience with sustainability—both conventional and unconventional—on my resume. During the interview, I emphasized transferable skills and the unique perspectives I could bring to the role.
Key takeaway:
I learned how to collaborate on a 3-month project with people from multiple teams. This experience helped me understand how to brainstorm effectively, adjust timelines when facing conflicting priorities, and set realistic expectations with team members.
Advice for future interns:
Start applying early, as early as September. The internship search itself is always a work in progress, and the only way you can become better at it is by continuously iterating. Use the networks of people you know—reach out for resume reviews, informational interviews, and mentoring requests. These relationships will lead to future opportunities.
Moksh Shukla
Data Science Intern, American Express
What I did:
This summer, I worked as a Data Science Intern within American Express’s Model Risk Management group in New York City. My main responsibility was enhancing the causal frameworks used in line assignment models for charge cards, particularly the Pay Over Time limit on cards like the Platinum and Gold Cards. I developed new metrics to evaluate the models’ causal effects on consumers, ensuring our strategies were data-driven and customer-centric.
How I landed the role:
I tailored my resume for each role I applied for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. I also networked with people at American Express, learning about the company culture and securing referrals that helped my application stand out.
Key takeaway:
This internship taught me about ownership, leadership, and adaptability. I also gained valuable insights into line assignment strategies and strengthened my technical skills by applying causal machine learning algorithms.
Advice for future interns:
Start your internship search early and keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated. Network actively, attend career fairs, and don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or informational interviews. Practice for interviews by working on relevant projects, and stay persistent—setbacks are part of the process. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn for help with resume reviews or internship advice.
Nitika Nayar
Research Intern, Energy Security and Climate Change Program at Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
What I did:
This summer, I interned in the Energy Security and Climate Change program at CSIS, a leading think tank in Washington, DC. I researched U.S. electricity markets, analyzed renewable energy procurement practices, and helped organize a climate trade war game simulation involving over 30 experts. I also attended congressional hearings on climate legislation at the U.S. Capitol, gaining exposure to the U.S. policymaking process.
How I landed the role:
I applied through the CSIS website after conducting informational interviews with professionals at the organization. These conversations helped me confirm that CSIS aligned with my career goals and led me to apply.
Key takeaway:
Attending congressional hearings and witnessing lawmakers debate climate laws was an enlightening experience. With six years of experience in India’s policy space, this internship gave me a global perspective on how policy decisions are made.
Advice for future interns:
Before applying, have a sense of the skills and expertise you want to develop. Conversations with mid-career professionals can help you determine your path. Seek internships that offer meaningful mentorship from seasoned professionals, as it often opens doors for future opportunities.