Meet the Interns

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 served as the President of the Columbia Global Summit and the HR Director for the NYU Gala. Currently, I serve as Vice President of both the Columbia Business Management Club and the Human Capital Management Club, where I lead initiatives and talent operations to support large-scale events and employer engagement. 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!

As a Technology Management master’s student at Columbia University, I support the Employee Relations team at the Career Design Lab. I am passionate about driving innovation at the intersection of finance and technology. My background includes strategic consulting in banking and capital markets, M&A advisory, and entrepreneurial ventures where I have raised venture capital and led transformative projects in private banking and investment strategy. In addition to supporting the Career Design Lab, I serve as President of the Technology in Business Association (TIBA), where I organize industry site visits, speaker panels, and networking events that connect students with leading professionals in tech and finance. I believe everyone should make the most of the incredible opportunities Columbia offers, and I strive to help students do just that by fostering connections, creating learning experiences, and opening doors to new possibilities. Outside of my studies, I am passionate about sports and have competed as a professional soccer goalkeeper. This experience has shaped the teamwork, resilience, and leadership values I bring to both my academic and professional life.

Pamela Herrera is a graduate student at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, pursuing her Master’s in Applied Analytics. She brings a strong background in Financial Planning and Analysis, having worked in the manufacturing industry across Latin America for 6 years. Pamela currently serves as a Curriculum Committee Intern for Columbia’s Career Design Lab (CDL), where she supports the development of career readiness resources and programming. With a passion for strategic thinking, data-driven insights and impactful communication, she is committed to helping students connect academic learning with career outcomes. Pamela holds a B.A. in Economics and Finance and is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Hi! I’m Giorgi from Georgia (yep, the country – not the U.S. state). I spent 12 years in Germany before making my way to New York to pursue a Master’s in Applied Analytics at Columbia University. I originally studied Physics at Jacobs University, but quickly discovered that my real passion lies where people and data intersect. For the past 10 years, I’ve worked in people data analytics, translating insights into strategies that help organizations grow by attracting the right talent and building the skills they need to succeed. What drives me most is having meaningful conversations, listening deeply, and helping others tackle challenges through thoughtful, data-backed solutions. I’m super excited to bring that energy to the Career Design Lab and support students on their career journeys!

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. 

Jade Gautier is a graduate student at Columbia University pursuing her Master’s in Applied Analytics. She brings a strong background in marketing and data science, with professional experience in Sales Operations at BMW Group, where she supported business performance analysis. Jade currently contributes to the marketing team at Columbia’s Career Design Lab (CDL), leading initiatives in website redesign and digital engagement. With a passion for international marketing, data-driven strategy, and brand innovation, she is committed to bridging analytics with creative business solutions. Originally from Paris, Jade is fluent in French and English. Her interests include tennis, traveling, and exploring global perspectives through people and places.

Aarushi is a Graduate Student pursuing a Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management at Columbia University. Originally from New Delhi, India, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management at the University of Hong Kong. Prior to joining Columbia, Aarushi gained professional experience across Hong Kong and New York, including roles at Citadel, Willis Towers Watson, as well as entrepreneurial experience co-founding a venture at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.

In addition to her role as an incoming Employer Relations Intern at the Career Design Lab, Aarushi serves as Head of External Relations for Columbia’s Business Management Club, where she helps connect students with global industry leaders. She has also worked on international initiatives, leading youth-focused diplomatic conferences at the UN and in eight countries worldwide.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Aarushi enjoys dance, aerial yoga, and card games, and is an avid traveler who has visited 28 countries so far. Catch her on campus? Say hi – she’s always up for a conversation about global markets, entrepreneurship, or the next hidden food spot in the city.

John Josiah is a 2024 HBCU Fellow at Columbia University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology with minors in Bioinformatics and Chemistry from Johnson C. Smith University.

Committed to enhancing the accessibility and delivery of quality healthcare, John is currently focused on leveraging data and predictive technology to address health challenges that impact individuals’ well-being. He hopes that his degree in Applied Analytics will equip him with the leadership and technical skills to translate data into meaningful action and drive informed decision-making.

Hi! I’m Junfei Bai, originally from China and now pursuing my Master’s in Applied Analytics at Columbia University. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Mathematics from Boston University, where I first discovered my passion for using data to understand patterns, uncover stories, and solve real-world problems.

I’m deeply fascinated by how data-driven insights can empower organizations and communities to make smarter decisions and create meaningful impact. Through my work and studies, I hope to keep exploring ways to transform complex information into clarity, purpose, and positive change.