I had the great opportunity to intern at the Waste-to-X Innovation Studio at Newlab, located in New York. I engaged in the hands-on application of innovative strategies to transform waste streams in Puerto Rico into sustainable, value-added products. This project was more than just an environmental initiative aimed at preserving our planet by mitigating the negative impacts of waste. It also had a great economic impact on the society, fostering local growth by creating new markets, generating jobs, and enhancing the attractiveness of tourism activities on the island.

My primary responsibilities during this period were the development and operationalization of pre-defined use cases for transforming selected waste streams into potential products. The tasks were complex and demanding, requiring me to delve into the specifics of each case, engage stakeholders in interviews, and carry out detailed financial modeling to evaluate the feasibility of implementing waste conversion technologies on the island. Another critical part of my role has been to assess potential startups focused on technologies that could execute these use cases.

My task of assessing potential startups'business models and financial stability taps into my understanding of market dynamics and financial acumen, skills honed in courses like Corporate Finance and Financial Accounting. Detailing use cases, conducting impact and feasibility assessments, and creating implementation plans aligned with lessons learned from Strategy Formulation, Entrepreneurial Strategy, and Foundations of Entrepreneurship. These responsibilities utilized and enhanced my strategic thinking and entrepreneurial mindset. Interviewing potential startups and presenting my findings required strong communication skills, which are essential components of CBS MBA program. These activities allowed me to apply my learning from Investing in Social Ventures, particularly in terms of evaluating compelling business cases. The proactive search for additional innovative startups and the interpretation of quantitative and qualitative analyses leaned heavily on my training in market research, strategic evaluation, and data interpretation. Overall, this internship role gave me the opportunity to apply the theories and strategies learned in my first year of MBA study in a practical, real-world setting. It provided valuable experiential learning, further augmenting my skills and understanding of business dynamics.

Coming from a consulting background, transitioning to an environment like the innovation studio presented a unique set of challenges. The dynamism inherent to startups and innovation centers was striking. It meant that one needed to be perpetually open to fresh, innovative ideas. This openness not only involved welcoming new concepts but also the capacity to evaluate them at a preliminary level and grasp them rapidly. Additionally, the intricate domain of waste transformation technology was uncharted territory for me. Familiarizing myself with its key concepts, understanding current technological trends, and identifying the players in this field demanded a significant amount of time and effort.

Moreover, given the environmental focus of our project, it was imperative to grasp the detailed regulatory requirements laid down by both state and federal authorities. Adapting to these frameworks, especially as an international individual, was challenging. However, reflecting on these challenges, I recognize the invaluable lessons and insights I've gained. I am confident that these newly acquired skills and knowledge will be instrumental in shaping my future endeavors.

Embarking on my journey at Newlab, my overarching goal was to further deepen my expertise in the sustainability sector. While I had experiences in other areas of sustainability and green businesses, immersing myself in waste transformation and viewing sustainability issues from a more innovative lens truly improved my perspective. This experience endowed me with a more expansive and holistic understanding of sustainability challenges. My aspirations extend towards establishing myself as an expert in the green tech domain. Engaging with a myriad of startups and interacting with remarkable innovators, incubators and operators globally has not only enriched my understanding but also expanded my professional network significantly. Moreover, my firsthand experience with the startup ecosystem and the innovation studio model provided me with invaluable insights.

A paramount lesson from my time at Newlab was the importance of adaptability. The green tech landscape is ever-evolving, and to remain relevant and effective, it's crucial to embrace change and continuously adapt to the rapidly shifting technological terrains. This dynamism inherent to the green tech sector underscores the imperative of continuous learning. Staying updated with the latest research, breakthroughs, and industry trends is not just an asset, but a necessity. Additionally, I came to value the power of stakeholder engagement. Fostering meaningful relationships with local communities, aligning with regulatory frameworks, and establishing synergies with industries became clear cornerstones for enacting impactful and sustainable solutions. These lessons, steeped in real-world applications and challenges, will undoubtedly shape and guide my professional trajectory in the future.