Andres Fernandez Diep | Economics & Political Science '26

Why did you apply for the Commercialization Engine Internship? I applied for the Commercialization Engine Internship because it offered a unique opportunity to gain insights into diverse industries that I hadn't explored before. I sought to deepen my understanding of what field I’m most passionate about and find my place in them. Through hands-on experience and engaging with professionals, I aimed to grasp the workings of the startup world and learn what it takes to build a successful company.

What team are you working on? I am on the Derisking Team.

What project are you working on? 20-006

Describe your overall internship experience: My overall experience in the internship has been eye-opening and transformative. As an insight analyst, I had the privilege of delving into various fields I was previously uninterested in. Engaging with professionals and witnessing the startup world firsthand provided lessons I will treasure in both my personal and professional life. This internship has been an enriching journey that has shaped my perspective and prepared me for future endeavors.

What has been your biggest takeaway from the internship? Throughout my experience as an insight analyst, I have realized that even though the name may suggest otherwise, the value of startups doesn’t lie on the ideas themselves but rather in the people behind them. Before this summer, I used to believe that successful entrepreneurs were blessed with groundbreaking ideas overnight, without realizing that their success is built upon a foundation of countless failed ideas and resilient founders who learned from all of them. To succeed in the startup world, one must separate personal value from idea success, embracing failure as a stepping stone to future achievements. Ultimately, I found that people invest in people, not just ideas.

Fun fact about you: I am a terrible driver.