Anna, Mathematics ’26
| Updated:
Author: acnels
Anna
Major
Mathematics
2025 Internship
JB Hunt, Engineering and Technology Intern
What advice do you have for students regarding internship/job searches?
“For both internships and my full-time job, I used CyHire to identify companies attending the Iowa State career fairs. I looked beyond just majors they were hiring for and also explored their company websites to understand their divisions and teams that aligned with my interests.”
“Some roles I looked for included: Data Science, Data Engineering, Data Analyst, Data Architecture, Data Research, Supply Chain Analyst, Business Intelligence, Financial Analyst, Information Technology, Industrial Engineer, GIS Analyst, Statistician, Operations, IT, and similar fields across analytics and quantitative work.”
How did you find out about the internship(s)/job(s)? What did the process look like from applying, interviewing, etc.?
“While I applied online, I found that the most effective approach was connecting with recruiters in person at career fairs. Many of my resumes were collected there and passed along directly. Interview processes varied by company. Internships were usually short (around 30 minutes to 2 hours) and focused on fit, communication, and ability to contribute to a 10-week project. I discussed class and research projects (clearly explaining the problem and goal), as well as extracurricular activities and clubs (including leadership roles and their impact).”
“For full-time roles, interviews were much more extensive. Some involved multiple back-to-back sessions over several hours. For example, the company I will be working for after graduation had six 30-minute interviews with different people, including technical, managerial, and behavioral rounds. The technical interviews were the most challenging and I was most nervous for them. They included logic and problem-solving questions, optimization-style problems, data flow diagram design, and more complex technical or modeling questions.”
“At the fair, I spoke with Accurant and they discussed their Renovo Automation division, which transforms GIS data from energy clients into actionable insights for improving plant efficiency. I asked about the challenges they faced, and when they mentioned GIS data structure issues, I suggested ways I could help integrate and analyze the data. Two days later, I received a call for a position they were creating specifically for me: Data Integration Analyst. In the interview, I focused on explaining complex projects and concepts in simple terms, using data flow diagrams and whiteboard illustrations to show my process. They were really impressed with my ability to break down simple concepts and communicate efficiently about past projects and my mindset and determination towards my work. A week later, I was genuinely excited and incredibly grateful to receive and accept the offer for a role that they had created with me in mind.”
“When solving these problems during the interview, I found it good to explain my process, ask questions about the problems when I was confused, and think about all the factors that relate to them. Many interviewers also asked about my study abroad experience, which allowed me to talk about problem-solving skills and adapting to different cultural environments.”
How has the job/internship helped you prepare for your next career steps?
“Overall, my industry experiences have reinforced that success isn’t just about technical knowledge, it’s about curiosity, adaptability, communication, and building meaningful connections. Being a math major has allowed me to approach problems logically and analytically, break complex concepts into manageable pieces, and apply quantitative reasoning across a variety of real-world situations, giving me a strong foundation to contribute effectively in industry in the future.”
What advice do you have for students seeking work experience in their field of study?
“My experience in industry so far has been really eye-opening. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there are so many tools and software environments, and companies are constantly updating or changing what they use. Staying on top of these tools and continuously learning is crucial to staying effective and adaptable.”
“I’ve also realized the power of networking. Talking to mentors, colleagues, and peers has given me insights into different companies and industries, helping me understand where my skills and passions fit best.”
“Another key lesson has been learning when and how to ask questions. Sometimes it’s important to observe and take notes, while other times clarifying immediately is necessary to keep a project moving. Taking detailed notes during meetings has helped me stay engaged, show that I’m listening, and truly understand complex discussions. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to ask questions about technical terms or unfamiliar concepts, it’s far better to seek clarity than to miss the bigger picture.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I have always known I wanted to work in industry because I am excited by companies that create innovative solutions to real-world problems. While I hope to return to school one day to pursue graduate-level education, my passion for learning drives me to gain hands-on experience first. This summer, I will be starting a new role at Accurant International, an energy consulting company that provides expertise in Energy and Resources through technology and software.”
“In this role, I hope to help bridge communication between Accurant International’s customers and their Renovo Automation division software, while applying my technical, data, and math skills to produce meaningful results. I am excited to grow my abilities while helping deliver impactful solutions to clients.”
Did you attend any ISU Career Fairs? If yes, which fairs did you attend? How did you prepare to speak with employers?
“Since I’m in Applied Mathematics and Data Science, I attended both the Engineering Career Fair and the Business and Technology Career Fair. I focused on both large companies with multiple divisions related to math, statistics, and data science, and smaller companies that may be building out these areas.”
“Preparing for career fairs has taught me the importance of confidence and preparation. Researching companies and their teams beforehand allowed me to ask thoughtful questions and make meaningful connections. I found it especially rewarding to discuss my study abroad experience, as many interviewers were curious about it. I loved sharing how learning math in different countries gave me new perspectives and approaches, and showed me how foundational math is across so many fields. Beyond the technical problem-solving skills I developed, I was also able to highlight the everyday problem-solving skills I gained, from navigating new environments to managing projects independently. Additionally, I could discuss the cultural communication and teamwork experiences that helped me develop leadership, collaboration, and strong communication skills, qualities that are just as important in the workplace as technical expertise.”