She Didn’t Just Support-She Led During Her Internship

09 Feb She Didn’t Just Support-She Led During Her Internship

Last summer, Queena Chen, a student at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania studying Marketing and Entrepreneurship, joined Singapore-based tech company TetriXX as a Product Marketing Intern. She led key initiatives, contributed to real-world projects, and discovered how much she could grow in a fast-paced environment.

“In just eight weeks, I’ve gained hands-on experience in full-stack product marketing. I was able to absorb information and contribute at a pace I never expected as a result of intelligent AI tools, fast feedback loops, and the deep generosity of a team willing to let me dive in headfirst,” she shared in a blog on the company’s website.

Queena with the iconic Marina Bay Sands

Hitting the ground running

Traveling over 9,000 miles from the U.S., Queena arrived in Singapore eager to get started. Her enthusiasm paid off right away, within days, she was in meetings with TetriXX’s founding team, helping prepare for the Paris launch of Freya, the company’s AI tool for automating freight invoices.

“I immediately jumped into launch mode. It was my first glimpse into what an AI-first company looks like in motion, utilizing various automation to increase efficiency and clarity,” she wrote.

As TetriXX focuses on using technology to revolutionize the supply chain and logistics industries, Queena did a deep dive into both fields. Building strong product context was essential, especially as a Product Marketing Intern. She went from zero supply chain experience to understanding complex topics like Unicode integrations and empty container optimization.

More than “just” an intern

One of the most impressive things about Queena’s internship was how much responsibility she took on. It allowed her to learn quickly and in the best way: by doing.

Her first major project was taking ownership of key work streams for the launch of Freya in Paris. She prepared keynote decks, developed event materials, and managed countless details that helped ensure the launch ran seamlessly.

“I wasn’t in Paris myself, but the joy came later in waves. I watched clips of our co-founders speaking under spotlights, saw the crowd marvel at the live demo of Ask Freya, and saw attendees conversing with one another. It was surreal to see the narrative we had worked so hard to shape come to life,” she said, marking a major milestone in her internship.

Another milestone: Celebrating her 19th birthday in Singapore!

Next, Queena led a full redesign of the TetriXX website. She collaborated closely with the design team, wrote copies from scratch, and reorganized the site to clearly communicate the company’s expertise in supply chain solutions.

“It was a crash course in digital storytelling and in the invisible labor that makes a website feel intuitive, not overwhelming,” Queena recalled. “Our website finally went live, and I remember the satisfaction of refreshing the homepage to witness my work being published for all.”

Her final project was launching the company’s first external newsletter. She managed content, design, and execution from start to finish. The newsletter highlighted key milestones, including the Paris launch, as well as updates for clients and partners. It now serves as a framework for ongoing communication and client engagement, showcasing the tangible impact of Queena’s work.

Keeping an open mind led to new learnings

One of Queena’s biggest takeaways from her internship was learning to embrace AI. At first, she worried that using AI in creative marketing might compromise authenticity. But in today’s world, where AI is becoming increasingly integrated across industries, she realized that AI and humans can complement each other.

“AI was incredibly efficient for generating frameworks and surface-level insights. Human creativity bridged the gap with strategic context and emotional intelligence,” she reflected.

By combining AI with her own judgment, Queena was able to work faster while maintaining quality. The experience reinforced the importance of staying open-minded, adaptable, and willing to embrace new tools in a rapidly evolving workplace.

Exploring Singapore with other students in the international internship program

A solid support system

Queena also thrived because of the people around her, starting with her teammates at TetriXX.

“Throughout the internship, I found myself drawn by the collaborative energy of our team and the informal moments that made each day feel meaningful. We’d gather everyday for lunch at nearby hawker centres to share weekend plans and questions. These became a grounding and memorable part of my experience,” she shared in her blog.

Riding the Luge with her new friends

Outside of work, she also built strong friendships with fellow students in the international internship program. Together, they explored Singapore’s food scene, cultural sites, and local spots. They didn’t stop there, making the most of their time in Asia, the students also traveled to neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand. An unforgettable internship abroad indeed!

Wrapping up a high-impact internship abroad

Queena’s undoubtedly rich experience shows that internships, especially international ones, offer more than just a resume booster. Students gain hands-on experience in their fields, develop adaptability, and build the confidence to contribute meaningfully from day one.

For Queena, every project, collaboration, and challenge provided opportunities to grow professionally and personally. From diving into the complexities of supply chain and logistics to leading website and newsletter projects, and even navigating life in a new city! her internship taught her a lot about embracing responsibility, curiosity, and creativity.

If you’re a student ready to gain real-world industry experience, expand your global perspective, and take on meaningful projects abroad, Absolute Internship can help you find your own transformative opportunity. Apply now and start your journey today!