Tanisha is a Michigan State University Chemical Engineering student with a strong interest in the environmental impact of chemical processes and the design of more sustainable systems. Through this Online Solar Energy internship, hosted out of Tanzania, she applied classroom knowledge to meaningful sustainability efforts on a global scale, deepened her technical understanding of solar technologies, and contributed to advancing energy equity and driving global change.
Hi Tanisha! What was it like to join a remote internship?
My online internship experience during the first week aligned with what I imagined. I came into this remote internship experience excited to learn, and that excitement only grew as the weeks went by! Although the Solar Energy internship was conducted remotely, it was not a downside. My supervisor did an excellent job in breaking down concepts and guiding me through tasks. This helped me to stay engaged and to continue learning.
The most memorable moment was my first technical walkthrough, when my supervisor showed me one of the project sites. Seeing how the engineering team approached problem-solving gave me a lot of insight and motivation to contribute. It was really exciting to see the things I was learning and working on actually being used in the real world. That moment made everything feel more tangible and meaningful - it connected all the technical work to real impact, which was both inspiring and rewarding. It reminded me why I chose this field in the first place.
Tell us about your internship role - what exactly did it involve?
I was a remote engineering design intern supporting renewable energy and infrastructure projects across Tanzania. This involved researching and reviewing technical documentation, assisting in design evaluations, and analyzing project needs based on resource constraints. I collaborated regularly with my manager, who helped me bridge any gaps in hands-on experience through detailed walkthroughs and technical explanations.
My tasks supported the host organization by streamlining the design process and lightening the analytical workload. I also contributed by developing scalable, efficient solutions that can be adapted for future projects, particularly those focused on community development and sustainable systems.
One of my most significant learning points was understanding the many factors that go into creating a solar energy system. Before this internship, I didn’t fully realize how many components (like panels, inverters, batteries, and control systems), work together to keep everything functioning smoothly. Learning how these pieces fit together and how to evaluate them based on real-world conditions was incredibly valuable.
Overall, the internship role sharpened my ability to think critically within global constraints, communicate technical ideas clearly, and adapt to cross-cultural, remote teamwork. Professionally, I gained a deeper understanding of how solar energy systems are designed and how each component plays a role. Personally, I became more confident in asking questions, communicating remotely, and staying engaged. This experience helped me grow both technically and as a future engineer.
What aspects of the remote internship experience surprised you?
One stereotype that was quietly debunked for me was the assumption that remote internships might feel isolating or less engaging, especially when working across countries. I originally assumed that being online might limit how much I could connect with my work or contribute meaningfully, especially in an engineering design role. However, I was surprised by how well my supervisor communicated tasks and explained complex concepts, which made the experience both collaborative and educational.
This challenged my original expectation that physical presence is necessary for impactful work and showed me that with the right support and mindset, remote tasks can be just as rewarding and productive as in person experiences. In reality, the support and openness from the host organization’s team made the experience feel personal and connected, even from afar. That strong human connection was one of the best parts of the internship.
I also saw multiculturalism being supported within my remote internship placement. As an American of Indian ethnicity, it was incredible to connect with Tanzanian culture, even while working remotely. Everyone I met online was so open and welcoming (especially my supervisor). It was clear that cultural differences are respected and even celebrated.
That level of hospitality really stood out and made this experience feel even more meaningful. Being open minded and observant helped me adjust smoothly, but I also recognize how important it is to appreciate and adapt to the small nuances in communication and teamwork.
Did you encounter any challenges? If so, how did you overcome them?
As the internship was conducted remotely, one small challenge was not being physically present to fully immerse myself in the Tanzanian environment and pick up on cultural nuances that might come more naturally in an in-person setting. To bridge that gap, I asked questions and engaged in deeper conversations with my supervisor about local practices, customs, and how culture shapes the host organization. My supervisor was very open and supportive, so I felt confident to approach them with curiosity and a willingness to learn, and this helped enhance my understanding and overall experience.
The biggest communication challenge was navigating the lack of non-verbal cues in a fully remote environment. Sometimes, it was difficult to gauge tone or urgency through text, which can lead to overthinking or second-guessing my own responses. To overcome this, I used more visuals and always summarized tasks at the end of messages to confirm alignment. I also found that quick video calls help build trust and reduce miscommunication. Regular check-ins with my supervisor helped prevent issues before they arise.
Overall, how did this remote internship experience benefit you?
As a senior studying chemical engineering, this internship has helped me bridge classroom concepts with real-world engineering applications, especially in a global context. The remote internship has strengthened my problem solving skills and taught me how to adapt technical thinking to fit different resource environments and design needs.
I’ve also developed stronger communication and collaboration skills, particularly in a remote and cross-cultural setting. These are critical for any future role I pursue, whether in process engineering, sustainability, or consulting.
The experience has given me a clearer understanding of how engineering can drive impact beyond borders, which aligns closely with my long term goal of working on globally relevant solutions.
This internship has definitely made me feel more empowered to be successful in my field. Seeing real-world applications of the concepts I’ve studied in class has boosted my confidence and given me a clearer sense of direction. Being trusted with meaningful tasks, even in a remote setting, has shown me that I’m capable of contributing value.
What insights into this experience would be valuable for future interns?
Earlier in my internship, I asked my supervisor if there was anything I could be doing differently or improving. He told me that I was doing pretty well with my tasks and encouraged me not to hesitate to ask questions whenever I needed help. The feedback was reassuring and delivered in a supportive, conversational way. It reminded me that asking for help is part of learning and growth, and that it is okay to reach out if you’re ever unsure about something - this is important for future interns to know and be reassured of.
It’s also important to adapt to interning in an online setting. At first, I wondered how connected I’d feel being remote, but I learned that consistent communication and curiosity go a long way in building meaningful relationships and staying engaged. My advice is to trust the process and not let the physical distance limit how much you can immerse yourself in the experience. Being proactive in asking questions and sharing ideas helped me to better understand my role and contribute meaningfully - even from afar.
Where do you see yourself heading from here?
After this program, I want to continue building on what I’ve learned by gaining more hands-on experience in sustainable energy and infrastructure projects. I plan to seek out opportunities, whether through research or full-time roles, that let me deepen my technical skills while staying rooted in impact-driven work. Personally, I want to keep challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone, ask more questions, and grow as a communicator and collaborator.
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