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Summer Internship: América Nájera '22

July 16, 2021
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Name: América Nájera
Class Year: 2022
Majors: Economics and Mathematics
Hometown: The Bronx, N.Y.

Internship Organization: Bryn Mawr College
Job Title: Research Intern
Location: Bryn Mawr, Pa.
Award: Bryn Mawr College Internship Fund


What’s happening at your internship?

At the beginning of my internship, I was gaining background knowledge in financial mathematics. By reading the spring 2020 MATHB225 notes and completing MATHB225 homework assignments, I was able to gain the necessary knowledge to research the valuation of options, which will also become the foundation of my mathematics senior thesis.

 

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Additionally, I am learning LaTeX, a free high-quality typesetting software system; it includes features designed to produce technical and scientific documentation. LaTeX is the de facto standard for the communication and publication of scientific documents.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied to this internship because I would like to go to graduate school for mathematics. As someone who has never done research before and plans on becoming a professor at some point in my life, I thought this would be a great opportunity to expose myself to what research is all about. I also plan on being a consultant after graduating, so this experience has further developed the soft and hard skills needed.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of this internships has been the relationship I have developed with my mentor, Professor Leslie Cheng. I had Professor Cheng for Real Analysis I and II so I came into this internship knowing her teaching style as well as how to work with her. My relationship with Professor Cheng is my favorite part of this experience because it has shown me the importance of building relationships with people who want to support you in any way they can.

What has working remotely for the first time been like for you?

This is my first time working remotely and it has definitely been a rollercoaster. When it comes to learning and working, I am “old-school,” meaning that I enjoy going in person and interacting with my peer(s) and mentor(s). I thrive from being able to talk and express my ideas without any technology. There is something beautiful about writing math that I do not get from working remotely. However, I have gotten better with time management, working at my own speed while still meeting deadlines, and when to take a break. From this experience I know I would not want this type of work setting for the rest of my life, but I am glad I got the opportunity early on.


Visit the Summer Internship Stories page to read more about student internship experiences.

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