Jason Marceau is a Director at Karsun Solutions. He holds a Master’s of Science in Business Analytics and Management Science from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom. Recently he returned to the University of Southampton to share his summer project experience with aspiring students and reveals how the program continues to inspire his work within Karsun’s Advanced Analytics practice. This post first appeared on LinkedIn.

Graduate summer projects are an excellent opportunity to work directly with practitioners in students’ chosen field of study. Programs pair advanced students with employers, where they research real-world challenges and prototype solutions. Summer projects act as an extension of coursework building toward students’ capstones or dissertations. Karsun Solutions engages with students locally on such projects and as part of my dissertation at the University of Southampton I participated in such a project, an experience that informs my work today.

Below I share my summer project journey for those that were not able to attend the CORMSIS (Center for Operations Research, Management Science, & Information Systems) lecture at The University of Southampton, UK. These are helpful insights for any student that may have the opportunity to participate in an in-depth summer project with their advanced or graduate studies.  I summarize the high points related to leveraging the value of these projects.  Though to hear my stories of the great adventure and experience you’ll have to find me at my next engagement at the University of Southampton.

While my lecture focused on CORMIS and its analytics projects, a summer project supporting any advanced studies or dissertation allows you to apply academic knowledge, build your network, prepares you for progressive hiring processes, and builds your personal story.

Apply Academic Knowledge

A summer project brings the academic knowledge to life and allows for an understanding of the practical application.   However, the value goes much deeper. Embrace every moment you have within the project and company to learn.  You will learn far beyond the academic application here if you seek it out. Also, many will encounter challenges along the way. If in fact those that do will be better served by the experience.  It will force you to learn to adapt, have alternatives, and overcome obstacles for success. This is a key element that you can speak to when interviewing with companies.  This will make you stand out as a problem solver and someone who can overcome adversity.

Build your Network

Building your network can perhaps be one of the most powerful things you do during the summer project.  You see I am not really that smart, I just know a lot of smart people.  The point being no one has all the answers, but the power of a network often does and it can open many doors not seen by others.

Prepare for Interviews

Many progressive companies have changed their hiring process from interviews to technical challenges first.  This weeds out those that only understand the academic.  In fact, the company I work for Karsun Solutions does exactly this in many cases.  It takes the risk out of knowing if someone can interview well but can’t do the job.

Build your Personal Story

Seek out the greatest experience and if it scares you then it is the probably the right answer. The culmination of academic, practical, relationships, experiences, challenges, failures, and successes all develop your personal story.  A good story will often make your stand out when seeking an opportunity, it will keep you hungry for more, and it is fun to tell.

We recently welcomed our 2018 Summer Intern class into our Herndon, Virginia headquarters. Interns tackle difficult problems alongside our program and Innovation Center teams. Last year’s internships covered everything from cloud operations to the blockchain. This year’s class includes students from Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and University of Maryland, College Park. Meet each of our interns below and see how they inspire us to Do Extraordinary!

Sean Kim

Sean Kim is majoring in Computer Engineering and minoring in Cybersecurity at Virginia Tech. This summer he will support our GSA customer as a member of the CAMEO SB TDR team. Growing up, music has been a big part of his family and life. Sean plays several instruments including the clarinet, saxophone, piano and guitar. He also stays active whenever he can whether it’s playing sports or going hiking with friends.

How Sean Does Extraordinary at Karsun Solutions:

“My main objective for this internship is to learn as much as I possibly can. Being with Karsun for a couple of weeks now, I have been exposed to so much even though I know it’s only just the tip of the iceberg. It’s exciting to see how everyone works together to create solutions, and I am so grateful knowing that I can be a part of the process.”

Kiran Saravanakumar

Kiran Saravanakumar is a rising senior at George Mason University. He is majoring in Computer Science and will be graduating in May of 2019. Outside of the workplace, he likes to go biking, listen to music and hang out with friends. Additionally, he plays competitive basketball and cricket. Kiran supports our GSA customer and the CAMEO SB TDR team this summer.

How Kiran Does Extraordinary at Karsun Solutions:

“Throughout the course of this internship my number one objective is to actively learn as much information about the industry as well as the various technical tools that are being utilized by the teams here at Karsun. At the end of this summer, I hope to become a more well rounded individual both as a professional and as a communicator. I plan on achieving my goals by taking initiative and being very hands on by asking for new tasks as soon as the opportunity opens up.”

Henry Chen

Henry Chen is a Computer Science and Statistics double major at the University of Maryland, College Park. As an intern, Henry joins the Karsun Innovation Center. In his free time, Henry likes to experiment with new technologies.

How Henry Does Extraordinary at Karsun Solutions:

As a member of the Karsun Innovation Center, Henry hopes to contribute directly to production development work. He plans to work hard to Do Extraordinary during his time at Karsun Solutions.