Sheena Yadav
UMass Boston, Data Analyst Intern with the Academic Affairs Institutional Research Team
Sheena supports the Institutional Research team by maintaining and updating reports, preparing data for internal and external stakeholders, and developing automated solutions that streamline reporting processes. As an intern, her work contributes directly to data-informed decision-making at the executive level.
Most Memorable Moment:
One of Sheena’s most memorable projects was developing an IPEDS Tableau dashboard from scratch, an interactive tool compiling data from 2016 to 2023. The dashboard allows users to explore and compare institutional metrics, such as enrollment and completions, across UMass campuses and peer institutions statewide.
A Valuable Skill Acquired During the Internship:
“The most valuable skill I’ve gained during this internship is the ability to transform raw institutional data into actionable insights through efficient reporting and data visualization. This experience deepened my understanding of how data supports strategic planning and policy decisions in a higher education environment.”
Advice for Future Interns:
“If you're considering applying for this internship, my biggest advice is, go for it! Also, don’t hesitate to ask questions or suggest ideas. You’ll work with experienced professionals who are open to mentorship and collaboration.”
Carley Castro
UMass Boston, Communications Intern
As a Communications Intern, Carley supports the team by brainstorming and creating content for social media, drafting copy, and assisting with key projects and campaigns, such as the State of the University. Her work helps elevate the visibility of UMass initiatives and engage audiences across platforms.
Most Memorable Moment:
One of Carley’s favorite memories was visiting Camp Shriver at the Mount Ida Campus. She was able to work with the team and film footage of the kids at camp. Later, she helped turn the footage into a social media promotional video. “It was great to be out in the field and witness firsthand the impact UMass’s programs have on the community.”
A Valuable Skill Acquired During the Internship:
"One of the most important skills I’ve gained is learning how to effectively promote information on social media. Showcasing the incredible research being done by students and faculty is so meaningful, and figuring out how to present these stories in a way that resonates with a diverse audience has been both rewarding and eye-opening."
Advice for Future Interns:
“Don’t try to be perfect! As an intern, you are here to learn and develop your skill set. If there’s something you don’t know how to do, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you make a mistake, don’t dwell on it. It’s all part of the experience!”
Parker Sowersby
UMass Dartmouth, Digital Experience Intern with UITS
As a Digital Experience Intern, Parker contributed to the redesign and accessibility improvements of the UMass President’s Office website. Her work focused on user research, digital accessibility, and supporting site enhancements within Drupal to improve the overall user experience.
Most Memorable Moment:
Parker’s most memorable project was contributing to the umassp.edu website refresh. From gathering user feedback to revising pages for improved accessibility, she played a hands-on role in shaping the university's digital future.
A Valuable Skill Acquired During the Internship:
“One of the most important skills I learned was knowing when and how to pivot when certain projects don’t come to fruition,” Parker shared. This adaptability led her to expand her technical skills within Drupal and find new ways to support the team’s goals. The experience emphasized the importance of flexibility and proactive problem-solving in a digital environment.
Advice for Future Interns:
“I had major impostor syndrome the first day I went in,” Parker recalled. “Make sure to remind yourself that even though it’s a big change that will take some time to get used to, you do belong here."
Maiti Fucci
UMass Amherst, UITS Intern
Starting in Fall 2021 as a Cybersecurity intern, Maiti first tackled phishing awareness and email safety, eventually giving a presentation on the risks of clicking on suspicious links. She later transitioned into the IT Process Analyst team, where she supports major incident mediation and manages the Most Valued Behavior (MVB) Coin program.
Most Memorable Moment:
One of Maiti’s favorite projects is coordinating the Most Valued Behavior Coin Recipients program, which highlights the outstanding contributions of colleagues across the office. She plays a key role in the process, serving as the only person who knows the identities of the nominated recipients until the final reveal!
A Valuable Skill Acquired During the Internship:
“A very important lesson I've learned is how to effectively connect and communicate using tools like Slack, email, and Zoom. The 2020 pandemic really changed the world in that regard. This is my first remote job experience, and even though there are occasions when you go into the office, you really have to learn how to build connections using online tools."
Advice for Future Interns:
“Communicate! School is always the number one priority. If you feel as though you are swamped with schoolwork, whoever is managing you in your internship will be extremely gracious and understanding. Every single colleague I encountered during my internship was more than friendly and happy to help with any questions I had."
Tyler Small
UMass Amherst, Business Analyst Intern with the Innovation and Operational Services Team
Tyler supports communication and collaboration between the UMass campuses and the President’s Office. In a project management-focused role, he helps coordinate meetings, organize internal communications, and create materials like presentation decks to keep initiatives on track and aligned across departments.
Most Memorable Moment:
One standout experience for Tyler was helping UPST manage the use of internal demo software, TUIT. The project involved establishing a regular meeting schedule, setting clear reporting structures, and building a collaborative workflow from the ground up.
A Valuable Skill Acquired During the Internship:
“For me, this was my first corporate job experience. I think one of the most valuable takeaways is learning the ropes of how a professional office operates,” Tyler said. From scheduling and planning to cross-departmental collaboration, the internship gave him a strong foundation in workplace communication and project management.
Advice for Future Interns:
“Have an open mind! Collaborating with colleagues from the UPST team has opened my eyes to potential data analytics roles that I hadn’t considered before. When you go in with an open mind, you can learn a lot."