Meet the Interns

Born and raised in the “Golden Chersonese,” Faye is a professional interpreter with four years of experience managing sales marketing and project operations. She earned her BA (Hons) in Translation and Interpretation with a minor in Mass Communication from Universiti Sains Malaysia, where she developed a strong passion for cultural studies and media production.

Faye’s experience in the fields of tech-savvy language services, public relations, and community work has deepened her interest in knowledge management and data analytics within the social sciences. She is currently pursuing an MS in Information and Knowledge Strategy at Columbia SPS to diversify her skills and be adaptable to many industries as a future data-driven business analyst consultant.

Fun fact: Faye is a guitarist, a horse rider, and an aspiring artist with enthusiasm for painting, film photography, and culinary arts. She travels to hike, do water or winter sports, attend shows and jazz clubs, and capture live landscapes.

Sylvia is a student intern at Columbia University’s Career Design Lab and is currently enrolled in the Graduate Enterprise Risk Management Program. Originally from Shanghai, China, she graduated from Emerson College in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies. Sylvia has diverse internship experiences in digital media, marketing, and investment banking. Apart from her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys photography, cooking, and traveling.

Fun Fact: In 2023, Sylvia traveled to five countries and thirteen cities.

I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Applied Analytics and am thrilled to be part of this journey. In my professional experience, I’ve been fortunate to implement a scrum methodology, drive business growth through market insights, and optimize processes for superior customer experience. Working with esteemed companies like VMware and Flipkart (a Walmart subsidiary), I’ve taken on roles such as Senior Business Analyst and Business Development Manager. My proficiency in data analysis tools like Tableau and Python and my business acumen have empowered me to deliver impactful insights and solutions. I take pride in my track record of successfully managing projects and conducting thorough analyses to drive business success. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute significantly at Career Design Lab, leveraging my passion for data-driven insights to make a meaningful impact.

Fun Fact: Prachi is an enthusiastic traveler and a passionate Taylor Swift fan. She is always searching for new destinations to explore, all while budgeting to attend concerts.

Hey, I’m Jiya Jain, a marketing intern for CDL and a master’s student in Strategic Communications at Columbia University. I did my undergraduate degree in Business Administration at Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley. I’m from India and a trained Indian classical dancer.  I’m interested in marketing, creativity, and exploring how generative AI can shape the future of communication. Outside of school and work, I love spending time outdoors—beaches and parks are my happy places. 

Hi, I’m Christy Zhao! I am currently pursuing master in Human Capital Management at Columbia University. I earned my Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Human Resources from the University of Toronto, where I developed a strong foundation in HR principles and practices. I have professional experience in HR, focusing on areas such as recruitment, training and development, and global talent management. I also have experience leading digital HR training transformations, introducing innovative platforms to deliver seamless and engaging training experiences for employees across regions. I’m always passionate about exploring new ways to align HR practices with big-picture business goals—especially in fast-paced, creative industries. 

When I’m not diving into the world of HR, you can find me dancing, playing tennis, or planning my next adventure to a new city. Fun fact: I once managed a dance studio in Toronto, blending my love for creativity and leadership. Oh, and I’m a huge fan of finding the perfect outfit—whether for work or a weekend out!

Aarushi Goyal is a Master of Science candidate in Enterprise Risk Management at Columbia University, with a background in finance, risk management, and operations. She has co-founded a startup and is passionate about understanding global markets and creating strategies that drive impactful outcomes.

Fun Fact: Aarushi practices aerial yoga and loves the thrill of hanging upside down to find balance and focus!

Raheem Downer is a Columbia CCIP intern. A dedicated and motivated student pursuing an Associate in Arts in Political Science at Borough of Manhattan Community College. With strong analytical skills and a keen attention to detail, he is passionate about understanding political systems and their impact on society. Adaptable and resourceful, Raheem excels in problem-solving and time management, making him a valuable asset in any professional setting.

Hey, I’m Amanda Aviles!  I’m a storyteller at heart, passionate about bringing ideas to life through film, television, sports, and music. Based in New York, I’m currently earning my Master’s in Strategic Communication at Columbia University, building on my experience in media production, content creation, and audience engagement.

I’ve worked behind the scenes at WFAN / CBS Sports Radio, helping produce live broadcasts in-studio and for the New York Yankees’ Spanish broadcast, create digital content, and shape engaging on-air moments. My experience in filmmaking started with Asi Studios and Univision and my love for music took me to the Long Island Ducks to be a DJ. Whether it’s crafting compelling narratives, producing content, or setting the perfect vibe with music, I love being part of the creative process.