Our Internship Framework: A Living Experiment in the Future of Work

Our Internship Framework: A Living Experiment in the Future of Work

At Light Eagle, we believe the future of work is evolving rapidly—and we want to evolve with it.

We designed this internship program not just to teach, but to test a new model of collaboration. A model where younger and younger people, empowered by technology, can deliver real value—as long as they are supported by systems that respect how they learn, work, and move in the world.

We recognize that work is no longer a place—it's a flow, shaped by curiosity, autonomy, and connection. That’s why we built this internship as a living experiment: How can an adaptive, outcome-oriented system enable high school and university students to create meaningful work within just a few weeks?

 


How It Worked

We began by interviewing each intern individually, aligning their personal interests with what we were actively building at the office. Then, we co-created a structure that was clear, flexible, and focused:

  • 4 weeks

  • 3 days a week

  • Remote-first, with optional in-person Mondays

  • Stand-up meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, focused on:  "What did I do yesterday?  What will I work on today?  What do I need support on?"

These agile rituals helped create momentum, structure, and shared learning across all interns—regardless of their backgrounds or locations. Every intern contributed a working product or report, and we asked each of them to write a letter of intention at the beginning and a reflection at the end.

 

Introducing Our Interns

Over the course of this summer, we had the privilege of working with four exceptional interns—each with different backgrounds, strengths, and curiosities. What united them was a shared willingness to explore the unknown, contribute meaningfully, and grow within a system designed for trust and experimentation.

Here’s a look at who they are, what they worked on, and what they’re taking with them into the future.

Mehmet Cem

A recent high school graduate heading to Stanford University to study Computer Science, Mehmet Cem joined Light Eagle to turn his academic knowledge of AI into practical, real-world tools.

Focus / Expectation
He aimed to develop a Portfolio Monitoring Agent that collects and summarizes relevant tweets from X.com for startup and investor insights, while experimenting with sentiment scoring and no-code/low-code integrations.

Output / Deliverable

  • Created a working Mailchimp–Attio integration for automated CRM and email list syncing.

  • Prototyped tweet analysis workflows and researched feasibility constraints around the X API.

  • Participated in Dharma and NatureRe meetings to explore AI startup ecosystems.

Key Takeaways

  • Learned to prioritize feasibility:

    “A great idea isn’t enough. If it’s not feasible, it stops being useful.”

  • Understood the value of combining manual coding with sustainable automation:

    “Manual coding has its place—but only when integrated clearly into a broader, sustainable workflow.”

  • Discovered the joy of making real contributions:

    “Watching something I built actually make someone’s job easier—it gave me real joy.”


Eren

Political Science and International Relations student at Boğaziçi University, Eren brought a systemic lens to questions of capital, sustainability, and global impact.

Focus / Expectation
He wanted to understand how financial portfolios can be evaluated through the lens of the UN SDGs, and how tools like AI and impact frameworks can support more inclusive and responsible investing.

Output / Deliverable

  • Authored a comprehensive Impact Report for Light Eagle.

  • Conducted SDG alignment analysis across the investment portfolio.

  • Proposed an ESG metrics dashboard and explored AI-enhanced workflows.

Key Takeaways

  • Expanded his perspective on tech-enabled impact:

    “This internship taught me how technology and purpose can intersect to make meaningful change to the planet that we all share.”

  • Strengthened his research and systems thinking skills:

    “I now better understand how capital can be used as a tool for equity, not just efficiency.”

  • Integrated personal and professional growth:

    “This wasn’t just an internship—it helped shape how I want to contribute to the future.”


Heval

Computer Engineering student at Celal Bayar University, Heval joined Light Eagle with a passion for building and a curiosity for collaborative tech development.

Focus / Expectation
He focused on AI agents, MCP systems, prompt engineering, and automation tools like n8n, while exploring what it means to contribute meaningfully within a distributed, impact-oriented team.

Output / Deliverable

  • Developed several AI agents for workflow tasks like scheduling and reporting.

  • Created a voice-command automation enabling Weya AI to schedule Zoom meetings.

  • Integrated various platforms like Slack, n8n, and APIs into working demos.

Key Takeaways

  • Learned the importance of accessible, modular tool design:

    “The goal isn’t just to build something that works—it’s to build something others can understand and extend.”

  • Felt part of the team despite working remotely:

    “Even though we never met in person, I felt like I had known my teammates for a long time.”

  • Grew in confidence as a builder and collaborator:

    “This wasn’t just about learning—it was about contributing.”


Arel

high school student from Robert College, Arel impressed the team with his focus, discipline, and ability to turn abstract automation goals into concrete, working systems.

Focus / Expectation
He aimed to build a real-time regulatory monitoring workflow using Zapier, while learning about AI tools, no-code design, and how professional teams operate day-to-day.

Output / Deliverable

  • Created an automation that monitors Barcelona regulation updates and sends email notifications—now in use internally.

  • Strengthened skills in Zapier, no-code logic, and collaborative documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • Learned how to create useful tools without being an expert:

    “Even if you’re not an expert, you can still build solutions by learning from AI assistants and staying curious.”

  • Grew in self-discipline and professionalism:

    “The internship gave me insight into workplace ethics, collaboration, and how to show up professionally.”

  • Looks forward to returning:

    “This experience has deepened my interest in AI and automation. I hope to continue contributing to Light Eagle in September.”


What We’re Learning Together

This internship wasn’t just about building tools—it was about building trust in the next generation. It showed us that when you create the right conditions—clear structure, real responsibility, and mutual respect—even short-term collaborations can lead to long-term growth.

As we open the next chapter this September, we’re excited to welcome new minds into this evolving framework. If you're a student who’s curious, self-directed, and ready to experiment with how work can feel when it’s rooted in purpose, we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s keep learning, building, and reimagining the future of work—one thoughtful experiment at a time.

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