Student Spotlight: BU MET 4-Month Internship Program in Boston 2026

Boston University Metropolitan College collaborated with Global Career Center (GCC) on a four-month internship program in Boston. This blog features a profile of Applied Business Analytics Master's student, Lo Ying (Mecole) Wu.

From Taiwan to Boston: Using Data to Support Local Communities

"As a graduate student in Applied Business Analytics at Boston University, I was excited to gain hands-on experience through the Global Career Center internship program. Coming from a sustainability consulting background in Taiwan, I have always been interested in how organizations can create positive social impact. My internship at the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) gave me the opportunity to explore how data can be used to support local businesses and strengthen communities.

Lo Ying and fellow GCC intern Nadia with supervisors at SBN.

During my internship as a Data Analysis Intern, I worked on a variety of projects, including survey design, event survey analysis, and social media engagement analysis. One of the projects I enjoyed most was analyzing survey data collected from SBN events. By examining participant responses, I was able to identify potential purchasing interests across different product categories and provide insights that could help the organization better understand consumer preferences and support local producers.

• 

• 

• 

From left to right: Sustainable Business of the Year Award; Boston Local Food Trade Show; Providence Local Food Trade Show.

I also analyzed engagement data from Instagram and Facebook to help evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts. These experiences allowed me to apply analytical skills in a real-world setting while learning how nonprofit organizations use data to guide decision-making and maximize community impact.

One of the most valuable aspects of this internship was experiencing a different workplace culture. Before coming to the United States, I expected organizational structures to be more hierarchical. Instead, I found an incredibly open and collaborative environment. As an intern, I felt comfortable sharing ideas directly with leadership, and my suggestions were genuinely welcomed. I was impressed by how much trust was placed in every team member, regardless of title or position.

Another highlight of my experience was working with such a diverse and international team. My colleagues came from a variety of backgrounds, including Taiwan, Indonesia, Peru, Greece, and the United States. We often shared stories about our cultures, traditions, holidays, and favorite foods. One of my favorite memories was learning how to sing "Happy Birthday" in different languages. These moments helped create a welcoming environment and reminded me of the value of cultural exchange in the workplace.

• 

• 

From left to right: Wonderful teammates at SBN; Tasting handmade chili sauce from a female entrepreneur.

Outside of work, I enjoyed exploring Boston and experiencing life in a new city. Some of my favorite places were Boston Common, Newbury Street, and Fenway Park. I also loved trying local food, especially clam chowder, which quickly became one of my favorite Boston dishes. One unforgettable experience was seeing snow for the first time. Growing up in Taiwan, snow was something I had only seen in photos and movies, so watching Boston transform into a winter landscape was truly special.

This internship reinforced my belief that data can be used not only to improve organizational performance but also to create meaningful social impact. Looking ahead, I hope to continue combining my interests in sustainability, analytics, and strategic decision-making to help organizations create both economic and social value. Thank you to the entire SBN team for making me feel so welcome. In particular, I would like to thank my supervisor, Kerry Kokkinogenis, Local Food Program Director, for her guidance and support throughout the internship, and Melanie Pellis for connecting me with this opportunity.

I am also grateful to Boston University and the Global Career Center (GCC) for making this experience possible. This internship has been an unforgettable part of my academic and professional journey, and I am excited to apply what I have learned in future opportunities."