Emma Bellai, a student at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, has successfully completed an internship with Verizon after taking an introductory course in Artificial Intelligence. She joined the Global Network and Technology team as an AI intern. The expanding opportunities in the AI sector have aligned well with her academic pursuits.
“One class is all it takes to make the difference and that’s what happened to me,” Bellai stated, highlighting the influence of her coursework on her career path.
During the 10-week internship, Bellai delved into the intricacies of prompt engineering and personas for AI chatbots. Her academic experience in AI research proved invaluable. Prompt engineering involves crafting instructions for AI chatbots, dictating their responses and task execution, while personas dictate the chatbot’s communication style. She explained, “The chatbot would talk differently to a CEO than it would to a software engineer,” underscoring the personalization aspect of AI responses.
Her internship routine included researching AI advancements, creating presentations, and interacting with her team and mentor. Engaging with various employees, including senior leadership and the CEO, was encouraged. “They wanted to hear from young voices and AI applications from my perspective,” Bellai remarked. This opportunity was significant, as Bellai had multiple interactions with the CEO.
Bellai’s connection with Verizon’s professional network, including Syracuse University alumni, was beneficial. She shared her experiences in a live stream within the company. Her efforts culminated in a full-time job offer, marking a return to Verizon post-graduation.
“If you have a really great professor that makes you genuinely care about the topic you’re learning about, it can make such a big difference down the line,” Bellai noted, acknowledging the role of quality education. She credited ECS with boosting her confidence for the internship, contributing to her success.
