The transition from student life to the professional world can be both exciting and daunting. It is during this pivotal phase that internships emerge as gateways for young individuals to bridge the gap between theory and practice, gaining valuable insights and experiences.
In this article, we sit down with Rhea Aggarwal, a talented and enthusiastic individual who has recently joined our team as a new intern.
With the help of this interview, we are able to learn a great deal about Rhea’s new outlook, her goals, and the enthusiasm she feels as she enters the workforce. Join us as we begin this enlightening discussion as Rhea shares her initial thoughts, ambitions, and the fascinating adventure she anticipates as a new intern.
Tell us about yourself, such as your interests, passions, or any unique experiences that have shaped who you are?
Hello, My name is Rhea Agarwal and I am a third-year Systems Engineering major at the University of Virginia. I am passionate about understanding and breaking down the real world, complex problems, and finding simple solutions. In the past 2 years at UVA, I have taken multiple Systems Engineering courses that have piqued my curiosity in the consulting and VC world.
What made you choose to pursue an internship with our company?
I have always been intrigued by how VCs work and the process that goes into making decisions about which startups would bring the largest return, while also keeping in mind business ethics. I wanted to experience, first-hand, how a VC works, and what the day-to-day life of someone who has to make such decisions is.
How do you see this internship fit into your long-term career goals?
In the long term, my goal is to, in whatever field I pursue, find simple solutions to complex problems by making holistic decisions. By working with a VC like Silverneedle, I will be able to understand the thought that goes into making decisions throughout the pipeline from getting a startup pitch to selecting startups to work with. I am also very intrigued by all the factors that not only go into startup evaluation but also the factors beyond economic ones that a VC like Silverneedle must consider when making all their decisions.
What do you hope to contribute to our team or fund during your internship?
I am currently working on a report about the sustainability startup space. Through this well-researched report, I hope to provide Silverneedle with clear information about funding in the sustainability space, and also hopefully provide direction as to which sectors will, in the future, generate the best results, in terms of funding in sustainability startups in the present. With the growing importance of sustainability around the world, and with the increasing number of sustainability startups even specifically in India, I believe that it is important to note the current trends and predict future trends in relation to the same, in order to make successful funding decisions.
Are there any particular sectors you are excited to work on during your internship?
I’m excited to get an overall experience of what it is like to work in the real world. Specifically, I am excited to work on research and learn new things about the sustainability space in relation to startups, and the business world in general.
