SSP 2024 Intern Impact Awards winners Q&A
The Siemens Strategic Student Program (SSP) has grown to over 250 students, and with that growth comes exciting changes. This year, the University Relations team introduced the “Intern Impact Award,” where interns applied to present their final projects, showcasing their most impactful work with their peers and senior leaders. In this article, we highlight the two winners from both rounds, celebrating their achievements and the contributions of all SSP interns.
Round One Winner: Hannah Holzer, Search Acquisition Marketing Intern
Hannah Holzer is currently pursuing a major in marketing with a minor in business analytics at Washington University in St. Louis. She is a strong advocate for the intersection of creativity and strategy, consistently leveraging both to drive meaningful results. With experience as the Director of Marketing and Logistics for a startup and over 7 years successfully running her own clothing resale business, Hannah has honed her ability to blend innovative thinking with practical execution.
Since June 2024, Hannah has been working as a Search Acquisition Marketing Intern at Siemens Digital Industries Software, gaining valuable experience in SEM, SEO, and various facets of digital marketing. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she loves traveling and recently studied abroad in Sydney, Australia, hoping a future career may take her back one day. An avid reader, Hannah enjoys everything from autobiographies to fantasy and has already read 35 books this year.
Can you tell us a little about the project(s) you presented/worked on as a Search Acquisition Marketing Intern? What are your biggest accomplishments from your time interning with Siemens?
My biggest accomplishment during my internship was developing a keyword analyzer tool in Python, which automates the process of finding suitable internal links post-content creation. This tool allows users to paste body text and receive recommended internal links for inclusion, significantly streamlining the process and enhancing the user experience on our site.
I’m particularly proud of this project because I took full ownership of it and drove it forward independently. I identified a gap in our internal linking process and was determined to find a solution that could standardize and automate it. The experience was a rollercoaster—I felt excited when I first came up with the idea, frustrated when the coding didn’t go as planned, and immensely proud when I finally showcased the tool to my manager and team. Seeing it work even better than I had imagined was incredibly rewarding.
Can you share any memorable moments or highlights from your time as an intern?
Another major highlight of my internship was being part of such a supportive and collaborative team. Despite working remotely, I felt welcomed and valued as if I were a permanent member. My colleagues treated me with respect and included me in a variety of exciting projects, which greatly enhanced my learning experience. This environment not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully but also fostered my personal and professional growth. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have made a real impact and for the invaluable lessons I learned during my time with Siemens.
What advice would you give to students who are considering applying for the Strategic Student Program?
The Strategic Student Program is an excellent opportunity for those eager to explore new challenges and expand their knowledge. My advice to students considering this program is to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to dive into diverse experiences. Be prepared to take initiative and embrace both the opportunities and the obstacles you’ll encounter.
What is one key takeaway or lesson you learned from your internship that you think will be most valuable in your future career?
A major takeaway from my internship is the value of embracing challenges and the frustrations that come with them. I’ve learned that the biggest obstacle to achieving something great is believing that you can’t. My experience at Siemens reinforced the importance of continuous learning and perseverance. This lesson will be incredibly valuable in my career, as it has shown me how to stay motivated and resilient in the face of obstacles, ultimately leading to personal and professional growth.
What has been the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during this internship?
I’ve always seen myself as an innovative thinker, someone who thrives on creating and solving problems from different angles. Even as a child, I was making and selling Christmas ornaments out of popsicle sticks. For the past seven years, I’ve run my own clothing reselling business and engaged in various projects that have sharpened my entrepreneurial skills. Because of this, I initially thought it might be challenging to adapt to a corporate environment, fearing it wouldn’t allow me to use these skills.
However, what surprised me most during this internship was realizing how strategic marketing is and how many opportunities there are to leverage my entrepreneurial mindset, even in a company as large as Siemens. I discovered that my strength in innovation and problem-solving is not only valuable but also essential in this space.
How has this internship experience influenced your career goals and aspirations?
This internship has revealed the dynamic and diverse nature of a marketing career, which has greatly increased my confidence in pursuing roles that combine creativity with strategic thinking. It has also reinforced my interest in the intersection of data analytics and marketing. I’m excited to see where this combination will lead me and how I can further explore these areas in my future career.
Round Two Winner: Aditya Kabu, DevSecOps Intern
Aditya Kabu is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology (GT), where he excels at tackling complex challenges. He is passionate about product management, software development, and bridging the gap between technical solutions and user needs. His experiences have honed his problem-solving skills and fostered a deep interest in the intersection of technology and user experience, a focus he explores in his role as Vice President of Product at GT.
Since May 2023, he has been working as a DevSecOps Intern at Siemens Digital Industries Software, gaining hands-on experience in software development and security practices. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Aditya is dedicated to leading an active, healthy lifestyle through cycling, CrossFit, and running. He also has a keen interest in equity research, constantly exploring market trends and financial analysis.
Can you tell us a little about the project(s) you presented/worked on as a DevSecOps intern?
During my time as a DevSecOps intern, I had the opportunity to work on projects that directly enhanced the security and efficiency of our systems. One of my primary projects was building a Security and Access Management SDK (SAM SDK), which helped integrate identity management services with Linux systems, making it easier for clients to securely manage user access. I also worked on enhancing APIs to expand functionality for administrators, ensuring they had the tools needed to manage tasks more efficiently. Additionally, I focused on identifying and fixing vulnerabilities to improve overall security while updating critical documentation for future use.
What are your biggest accomplishments from your time interning with Siemens?
One of my greatest accomplishments was leading the full-cycle development of the SAM SDK, from its design to its delivery. This involved end-to-end testing and refining the product based on client feedback, which allowed me to grow both technically and professionally. Collaborating with global teams in India, Germany, and Singapore was also a highlight, as it broadened my understanding of different approaches and working cultures.
Can you share any memorable moments or highlights from your time as an intern?
A particularly memorable moment was demoing key features during two sprint reviews. Presenting my work to senior leaders and receiving their positive feedback was incredibly rewarding. I also appreciated the open access to senior leaders for guidance and the fun, engaging intern events that made this experience all the more enjoyable.
What advice would you give to students who are considering applying for the Strategic Student Program?
If you’re thinking about applying for the Strategic Student Program, be prepared to take on actual, impactful work that delivers value to both the client and your team. This isn’t just a learning experience—you’ll be making real contributions from day one. You’ll also have easy access to senior leaders and colleagues who are always open to offering advice and guidance, helping you grow both technically and professionally.
One of the best aspects of the program is the opportunity to collaborate with multiple teams, as well as explore and contribute to work being done by other teams. This cross-functional exposure allows you to broaden your skill set and see the bigger picture. And, of course, the program includes fun and eventful activities for interns, making the summer not only a professional milestone but also an unforgettable experience.
What is one key takeaway or lesson you learned from your internship that you think will be most valuable in your future career?
The most valuable lesson I learned is the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s taking on complex projects or seeking responsibilities that push you to grow, this is where you learn the most. Another key takeaway is the value of collaboration—working with cross-functional teams globally taught me to see the bigger picture, which will help me develop better solutions in the future.
What has been the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during this internship?
The most surprising thing I discovered about myself was my determination and perseverance to get the work done. I realized I wasn’t afraid to ask tough questions or take on more responsibility than expected, which made me much more confident in my abilities.
How has this internship experience influenced your career goals and aspirations?
This internship sparked a passion for working closely with clients and understanding their requirements in order to deliver the perfect product. The combination of networking with senior leaders and developing my technical skillset has influenced me to pursue leadership roles where I can connect deeply with both the technical and client-facing sides of a project. Ultimately, I want to be in a position where I can influence product development to create solutions that have a real impact on users’ needs.
