Ruicheng (Tim) Sun- New York University, the Postal Network Optimization Performance Intern (Link to LinkedIn)

What project(s) have you worked on?

My project for this summer involves optimizing the mail manifest process by centralizing all closing-related data into a single portal. The benefits of this optimization include saving processing time, reducing email traffic, providing efficient data output for improved and timely results, and saving net workhours.

How would you describe your experience so far?

My internship in the Postal Network Optimization Performance team has been one of the best periods of my life. From the orientation day, I knew that this is where I belonged. With my manager’s guidance and support I was empowered to take ownership of my projects and establish great working relationship with colleagues from different departments and partners. I’ve always been an aviation enthusiast, so this internship opportunity at United Cargo has become a dream come true!

Have you used your flight benefits to go anywhere? If so, where?

I’ve taken full advantage of my travel benefits, visiting Orlando, Washington D.C., Honolulu, Lihue, and Denver. Since starting, I've completed 17 flights, covering 32,557 miles. I'm thoroughly impressed with United's intern travel benefits, which not only allow us to travel the world but also demonstrate the company’s care for its employees.

Keyur Panchal- Indiana University, Government and Defense Intern (link to LinkedIn)

What project(s) have you worked on?

I’m currently working on several projects, most notably creating a Power BI dashboard for our government military program that visually displays our revenue, shipments per lanes, and other key metrics. The dashboard enables us to monitor the performance of our freight forwarders effectively. Additionally, I am assisting with administrative tasks to fulfill shipments and am actively working to recover outstanding invoices from our customers.

What has been the most rewarding part of your internship?

The most rewarding part of this internship has been the appreciation from my team—especially the management—for the work I've put into the government dashboard. It feels incredibly satisfying to be recognized for my hard work. It's a great feeling to be appreciated for what you do, and I've definitely felt that here at United Cargo.

In what ways do you feel you have contributed to the company during your internship?

I feel like I've made a significant impact by recovering outstanding invoices. This task is where I believe I'm contributing the most because it's directly helping the company save money and earn revenue.

Matthew Smith- Loyola University Chicago, Cargo Logistics Intern (link to LinkedIn)

What project(s) have you worked on?

I have been working on two main projects this summer. The first is trying to enhance the shuttle process between our two cargo facilities in Newark. I have been using data collection and data mining to streamline and optimize this essential transfer. A second project I’ve been wrapping up is determining whether to implement a QuickPak Storage Fee. I’ve been analyzing historical QuickPak Data and discussing with operational leaders to discuss the implementation’s feasibility.

What has been the most rewarding part of your internship?

The most rewarding part of my internship has been working on projects that truly impact the company. These aren't just academic assignments; they are real-life projects that have a direct impact on the company. Getting to present my work to leadership and receiving genuine feedback is very gratifying. The positive feedback that I receive motivates me to work even harder and have a bigger impact.

What is something you have learned that you will use in the future for school or your career?

I've always been a self-starter for as long as I can remember, but this internship has displayed the importance of being a self-starter. Being able to tackle tasks independently, learn from mistakes, and solve problems on my own has been crucial. This skill is invaluable not only in my career but in all aspects of life.

Ryan Jerozal- Lake Forest College, Marketing and E-commerce Intern (link to LinkedIn)

Why did you choose to intern at United?

I chose United for my internship because of my family, particularly my older brother. Since we were kids, he always talked about becoming a pilot and traveling the world. We grew up frequently flying because of his passion for planes. As he worked towards his goal and shared stories of his journey, my curiosity grew. When I came across this internship opportunity, I saw it as a chance to learn more about his industry and its inner workings.

What project(s) have you worked on?

I have worked on a vast number of projects ranging from web design to content creation. I have created a Military/Government and cargo sustainability website page for UnitedCargo.com. I have also helped redesign and organize several pages on our intranet site to make it more user-friendly and accessible. Additionally, I have developed a social media campaign using LinkedIn to leverage and grow our Canada market and have created and maintained marketing materials used to promote and notify customers of our products.

What has been the most rewarding part of your internship?

The most rewarding part of my internship has been doing work that matters and making an impact for both my team and the company. Seeing the marketing materials, I created being posted online or used on social media and witnessing their effect on customer engagement and growth makes me feel like I'm truly contributing to the company's success.

Shareek Shaffie- University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Sales Strategy Intern (link to LinkedIn)

What project(s) have you worked on?

I am working on a project called Weekly Lane Level insights which flags flights with significant shifts in revenue change. We then compile a report for the sales leadership team providing proactive updates on the main drivers affecting revenue. This report also includes actionable items for my team to grow and attract more customers.

What has been the most rewarding part of your internship?

What has been the most rewarding part of your internship? The most rewarding part of my internship has been applying the subjects and tools I've learned in school to my work here. It's been eye-opening to see how much I can do with my academic knowledge. It's incredibly fulfilling to realize that what I'm learning in school is directly applicable to the projects I'm working on, allowing me to make an impact with my team.

Have you used your travel benefits to go anywhere? If so, where?

I have been able to use my travel benefits a few times throughout the summer. I traveled to Dallas to see a cricket match. I have also traveled over the border to Toronto a few times to visit family that I have up there.

Our United Cargo interns have advice for all future interns.

Ruicheng (Tim) Sun

Be open to opportunities. This internship is a vast learning experience. You will find out there are many things you don’t know, so don’t be afraid to ask questions—the learning never stops!

Keyur Panchal

Network with your fellow interns. It's crucial to meet other interns because they're in the same boat as you—new to the company and eager to learn. Building these connections can lead to lifelong friendships and help you explore new aspects of the company that you might not have known about.

Matthew Smith

Be patient. The first days and weeks you will feel so overwhelmed, but you'll learn and grow every day. Every day that passes you will feel more confident in yourself and your abilities. In the blink of an eye, you will be ready to take on new tasks. Something that I have learned that I think would be important to those who follow is if you care about your work and put in the effort, you will succeed. Commitment and hard work are key to being successful and making an impact.

Ryan Jerozal

Push yourself to do things you may not be accustomed to. This summer, I learned that the more you challenge yourself with new tasks, the more you'll gain from the internship and the more successful you'll be. Whenever a new opportunity arose, I seized it to prove to my team and myself that I could handle it. My advice is to push yourself, meet new people, and learn new skills.

Shareek Shaffie

I have two pieces of advice: First, talk to and get to know as many people as you can. Learn about the industry and their career paths. Even a 5-to-10-minute conversation can provide valuable insights into the company and the industry. Second, listen actively to everyone you talk to. Don’t just hear them; truly listen. Something they say might help you down the line.

We wish all our interns the best of luck as they return to their universities this fall!