Intern Insights - Michael Bobov

Dr. Helena Pleinert spoke with Michael Bobov , who joined the Pleinert & Partner team as an intern from January to February 2024, in the framework of our?collaboration?with Virtual Internships .

Helena: Michael, you have just completed your marketing internship with Pleinert & Partner, arranged in the framework of our cooperation with Virtual Internships. Can you share a bit about your academic and professional journey before joining our team?

Michael: Yes, I am currently a student at Arizona State University, my professional experience consists of working at startups primarily in the renewable energy sector, my most recent experience was working for Scylla Microgrids as an intern lead and a R&D intern, my primary focus was drafting proposals for international company projects, most notably in Borneo where we were installing a microgrid system to sustain a village.

Helena: Can you share some highlights from your experience during the internship? Any specific projects or tasks that stood out to you?

Michael: I really enjoyed how AI centric this internship was, I feel like in school we don't get enough freedom with this kind of technology which is such a waste because it will be something that is dominant in professional life, so I think that all of the AI research I did on different tools like text to video creation was super interesting to me as well as content generation through AI

Helena: How do you believe this internship has contributed to your personal and professional growth? Were there any significant lessons or skills you acquired during your time here?

Michael: Well I think that working in a remote company taught me the critical importance of effective communication. When you’re not physically present with your team, clear and concise communication becomes the lifeline. Regular check-ins with supervisors, team meetings, and written updates were essential. I learned to express my thoughts succinctly and adapt my communication style based on the context and audience. I would also say that in a remote setting, self-discipline becomes especially paramount. I started creating detailed plans, breaking down tasks, and setting weekly goals.

Helena: You have shown a particular interest in the changing nature of learning, a key competency for both individuals and organizations, and in offerings of learning in the market - what are your thoughts in this area?

Michael: I believe universities should focus on adapting to the current times. By that, I mean teaching students how to use technologies such as AI that will be vital for them in the workforce in 5-10 years. Unfortunately, I haven't observed significant adaptation to AI technologies in most colleges. Some institutions emphasize the importance of AI in learning and professional fields, but most adhere to outdated ethical guidelines that strictly prohibit AI use. They seem to be ignoring the fact that their stance limits students' ability to build skills for the ongoing AI revolution. While I recognize the importance of ethics, I believe leveraging AI to enhance and articulate one's thoughts is becoming a crucial tool in the professional world. It's my opinion that those who cannot embrace this technological assistance risk becoming outdated in their skills and perspectives.

Helena: Finally - in what ways did our company's focus on new work and organization resonate with your career interests and aspirations?

Michael: Pleinert & Partner's commitment to embracing new work methodologies extends to cutting-edge technologies such as VR workspaces and AI, perfectly aligning with my career interests and aspirations. As you can see, I am quite enthusiastic about leveraging these advancements to enhance productivity and drive innovation. By joining this innovative team, I had the opportunity to actively contribute my skills and insights to an environment that not only embraces progress but also addresses the demands of the continually evolving professional landscape. It was a unique opportunity to actively shape and influence the future of work.

Helena: many thanks Michael for sharing your insights and for the excellent collaboration - it was a pleasure working together!

A big thank you also for our account manager?at Virtual Internships, Rene' Reddy (Thilakalal)