Internship Description
Hyesoo (Hailey) Shin ’26 interned with AdvanceH2O, a water treatment startup focused on developing data-driven monitoring systems for underserved communities. The organization aims to promote access to clean water and environmental sustainability through scalable, cost-efficient solutions. Shin contributed to strategy refinement by supporting go-to-market research and stakeholder engagement planning. Informed by field insights from global markets, she helped evaluate financial models to ensure both impact and long-term viability. AdvanceH2O is a Tamer Fund for Social Ventures portfolio member.
At AdvanceH2O, a start‑up that develops innovative water‑treatment systems, I worked on projects that directly support its mission to deliver sustainable solutions for municipalities, government agencies, and industrial operators. My primary responsibilities included conducting a competitive landscape assessment, building financial models, and engaging in customer discovery to uncover market needs. I also developed an investor presentation and pitch deck that synthesized complex market data and operational insights into a compelling narrative. By articulating AdvanceH2O’s value proposition and growth strategy, I helped the company attract potential funders and refine its go‑to‑market approach. Additionally, I analyzed customer pain points, particularly among non‑technical users, and translated these insights into recommendations for marketing and product development.
The fellowship allowed me to apply analytical and research skills from my Columbia MBA in business and sustainability. Courses in corporate finance, accounting, and capital markets equipped me to evaluate client ROI and design scalable pricing strategies for wastewater treatment. I used frameworks from operations and strategy classes to prioritize customer segments and assess competitive dynamics. Regular feedback sessions with senior analysts improved my interpersonal and teamwork skills and underscored the importance of combining quantitative analysis with practical engagement.
Navigating AdvanceH2O’s diverse customer base was challenging. Identifying decision‑makers across municipalities, regulators, and industrial partners required strategic relationship‑building. Evolving regulatory requirements demanded continuous research, and I recognized the need to strengthen my own communication skills in customer and investor meetings.
This experience has been professionally enriching. It taught me how to integrate financial rigor with stakeholder engagement to deliver impactful solutions in an emerging technology sector. I gained a holistic view of business development in a resource‑constrained start‑up and am motivated to continue building a career at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and social impact.