Shreena Bhati, Technical Product
Management Intern, Dell Technologies
Shreena Bhati (MIMS ’24) spent the summer as a Technical Product Management Intern at Dell Technologies.
Describe a typical day at your internship.
I interned with the Compute Server Technical Marketing Team, which perfectly combined technical expertise with product knowledge. Every day varied, but I always made sure to chart out a plan for the week. The first half of a typical day involved connecting with my mentor and team. We discussed my agenda for both the day and the week, focusing on my action items and placing significant emphasis on their invaluable feedback and guidance. During the second half of the day, I had one-on-one conversations aimed at networking. These interactions helped me connect with the broader teams and leaders within the organization, all while working towards my summer project objectives.
What was the most valuable thing you learned at your internship?
During my tenure as a Product Management intern, I effectively strategized around planning and implementing initiatives. Despite the obstacles I encountered, I was able to deliver high-impact projects on time.
From a professional standpoint, the most valuable lesson I acquired was the importance of adopting a user-centric mindset and being meticulous in details. I am convinced that even minor, well-thought-out changes can yield significant results, which was a central theme of my summer project. A key realization for me has been that my success is intrinsically linked to the team I work with. This internship gave me the privilege to collaborate with a remarkable team of skilled professionals.
On a personal note, I grew in my adaptability, became more receptive to asking questions, and learned the importance of constructive disagreement. I embraced my role as an individual contributor, which meant taking ownership and being accountable. Over the summer, I was given the opportunity to enhance my product management skills and delve deep into the realm of servers. I am pleased to mention that I published two white papers - one on AI and another on ElasticSearch, a blog post, and a YouTube video within a span of three months. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my team, for which I am profoundly grateful.
One of the highlights of my internship at Dell was the exchange of ideas. Engaging in empowering conversations enriched my experience and stands out as one of my most cherished memories as an intern.
What was the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge was twofold. The first was to understand and grasp the Hardware and Server world. The second challenge arose from the fact that the server/compute technical marketing and hardware industry is predominantly male-dominated. Therefore, it became imperative to change the narrative. Having immersed myself in the male-dominated realm of hardware and server technical marketing during the internship, I've witnessed first-hand the transformative impact that diverse perspectives can bring to traditionally gender-skewed fields. My experiences have further strengthened my belief that women possess the prowess to excel in high-compute arenas like server technology. This necessitates a paradigm shift towards inclusivity. This successful internship is a testament to my dedication to shattering gender stereotypes and advocating for women’s participation in technology. This commitment remains resolute and is evident through my contributions aimed at addressing these challenges and expanding the role of women in server technical marketing.
How did your work at the I School prepare you for this role?
My first year at the I School has been transformative on both academic and professional fronts. I engaged in classes such as Lean/Agile Product Management, which aided me in comprehending the responsibilities of Product Managers. The class INFO 202, INFO 247 (Information Visualization) class, instructed by Marti Hearst, along with the Product Design Studio class, imparted valuable skills in data and product visualization which were directly transferable to my product management role. Lastly, the capstone project I participated in, along with the classes involving presentations and participation, played a pivotal role in refining my public speaking skills.
Any advice for next years MIMS students as they prepare for their internships?
1. Practice, practice, and practice some more! - There’s no substitute for refining your interview skills.
2. Seek feedback – the good, the bad, and the ugly. - Dedicate time to crafting your stories and share them with Eva or Rebecca to ensure your narratives are compelling. This isn’t only vital for internships; candid feedback offers more room for improvement. Embrace feedback, even if it’s critical, as it offers ample opportunities for improvement.
3. Prioritize your resume. - The countless resume reviews and suggestions I received from Eva were immensely beneficial. The Career Services Team is always available for discussions. I’d strongly advise first-year students to utilize their resources.
4. Recognize the value of your coursework. - In retrospect, I realize I gleaned a wealth of knowledge from all my classes and peers. Embracing diverse perspectives and integrating the nuggets of wisdom you gather at South Hall can significantly aid your search and interview preparations. It also helps you identify your true areas of interest and passion.
Did your internship influence your career plans after graduation?
My summer internship has been a defining moment in my professional career. These three months have tremendously influenced my decision to continue pursuing Technical Product Management as a career after graduation because life is too short for bad products!
