Intern Feature: Kyle Pandiscio

This summer, I worked at TripAdvisor as a Flights Product Intern. Based in Needham, MA, I interned – alongside over 1,000 other employees - in the Global Headquarters. I spent a majority of my internship working on the Flight products (Airline Reviews & Flight Searches), where I focused on product research/analysis projects and product testing specs. As a product intern, I was fortunate to work with all different departments within the business. I collaborated with Design to create product mockups, Data Analytics to track user engagement, and Engineering to turn my proposals into functioning products. 

During the course of my internship, I also had the opportunity to present my research decks to of the Flights Product team and upper level management. I even spoke in front of 200+ employees during the TripAdvisor Intern Hackathon, where my team was awarded second place. I learned the importance of expressing one’s thoughts both clearly and cohesively, while focusing on persuasive insights and valuable suggestions.

HOW DID YOU FIND THIS OPPORTUNITY?

I found out about the Internship program at TripAdvisor during December 2015. At a holiday party, my friend mentioned she knew a recruiter at TripAdvisor (Who happened to also be an Isenberg Alumna!)

In early January, after getting the recruiter’s contact information, I her an email with my cover letter and resume. Over the next 4 months, I periodically sent her emails to express my continued interest in the internship program, and even had the chance to meet with her at the UMass career fair in late February. Following a Skype interview with my soon-to-be manger in early April, I got the internship offer on my birthday!

WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

My experience at TripAdvisor was truly amazing. The internship program gave me so many opportunities to develop both my professional and networking skills. I worked on meaningful and challenging projects, met with top executives to learn about their careers, and built strong connections with my co-workers. I have learned how important it is to find a work environment that fosters teamwork and collaboration. Everyone at TripAdvisor was willing to help me with any questions I came across, which in turn, increased my opportunity to learn.

I have also become more aware of how crucial it is to find a company that creates an atmosphere and culture you believe in. TripAdvisor stresses the importance of a comfortable and lively work environment, because they believe employees who enjoy their jobs typically produce the best work! Lastly, TripAdvisor instills the importance of not being afraid to make a mistake. Nothing is ever going to be perfect the first time around, so putting your work forward for valuable feedback is the best way to improve. As the CEO, Steve Kaufer, always says, “Speed Wins”.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER STUDENTS?

My advice to students pursuing internships is to take advantage of every opportunity that is available. Since summer internships typically only last 10-12 weeks, it is so important that students become involved in their respective companies and aim to make an impact. Prove to your managers that you can produce work they would typically expect from recent college graduates. As an Isenberg student, you have developed the necessary skills to be successful– Now it’s your opportunity to show them off!

Participate in any, and all, events/activities that your company offers. In my short time at TripAdvisor, I was able to volunteer with two service organizations, participate in multiple scavenger hunts/trivia nights, speak on an Intern Q&A Panel, and even compete in a 4-day Hackathon. By taking advantage of these opportunities, I made so many more connections than would have been possible just sitting at my desk and leaving the office as soon as my scheduled workday was over.

Lastly - Freshman can get internships! This is a mindset that Isenberg instills in all of its students. Work hard. Grow your network. Prove you're driven. Set your goals higher than you think are possible – You will probably surprise yourself with the opportunities you can create.