This summer was all about balancing work, education, and enjoyment. I returned to Deloitte for another internship, this time working in their Cyber and Strategic Risk practice in Chicago as a Discovery II Intern. My background in Industrial and Systems Engineering at USC came into play during this internship. I was able to apply what I’ve learned about systems optimization and problem-solving to tackle real-world security and control challenges. It was a solid experience that not only deepened my interest in consulting but also helped me see how my engineering skills could be applied in a broader business context.
During my time working, I traveled to Dallas to attend Deloitte University (DU). DU is known for its training programs, and being there was a great opportunity to learn more and connect with other interns and professionals from around the country. The workshops were insightful, and I picked up a lot of new skills that will come in handy as I continue in the consulting field. The networking was also a big plus, and it was cool to meet people who are on similar career paths. If you’re able to able to visit, I recommend the “Green Dot” from Starbucks (all Starbucks drinks are free on the DeloitteU campus).
In addition to interning, I took on the challenge of enrolling in a summer Calculus 3 class, despite already working full-time and having ambitions of traveling the world all in one summer. I knew it would be tough, but I wanted to keep my academic momentum going and stay sharp in math. Taking this course was most important to me so that I could gain some additional flexibility for a potential progressive degree master’s program. The course turned out to be just as challenging as I expected, with complex concepts that pushed me to engage with the material. There were definitely moments when it felt overwhelming, especially balancing it with a full-time internship, but in the end, it was incredibly rewarding to complete. Finishing the class gave me a real sense of accomplishment and reinforced my confidence in handling tough coursework.
As I mentioned before, traveling was heavy on my mind this summer so in between work and study, I made sure to squeeze in some quick trips. For the 4th of July, I took a trip to New York for my during Deloitte’s holiday disconnect break. It was the perfect getaway, filled with fireworks, great food, sightseeing, shopping, and quality time with friends. The change of scenery was a nice reset, especially in the middle of such an already hectic summer.
When I wasn’t working, studying, or traveling, I made the most of my time in Chicago. Summer in Chicago is something I always look forward to – the festivals, the food, and just hanging out with friends by the lake. I spent a lot of evenings driving down Lake Shore Drive, enjoying the skyline, and blasting music. These moments were the perfect balance to the intensity of work and study, and they reminded me of how important it is to make time for myself and relaxation.
As I get ready to start my junior year at USC, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and readiness. This summer was challenging but rewarding with a mix of work, study, and life in general leaving me feeling more prepared for what’s next. I’m looking forward to what this year offers. Onto the next, round 3 here I come!
