Parani Saravanapavan
University of Virginia Class of 2027
Project: Study of Project Management and Salesforce Behaviors
Project Overview
The goal of my project was to evaluate the Foundation’s Research and Education (R&E) Team project management process and advise on increasing efficiency. I wanted to understand not just the steps on paper, but how people actually worked through projects day to day. This meant learning about how Salesforce fits into the process and how information flows between different team members.
Results
One of the biggest outcomes of my project was finding a way to capture more detailed information in Salesforce about how projects turned out, which makes it easier to track progress and outcomes over time. I also worked on creating a plan for smoother project handoffs between managers, so nothing gets lost when responsibilities shift. These changes may seem small, but they can make a real difference in keeping projects on track. I felt proud knowing my work could help improve efficiency in a lasting way.
What new skills or knowledge did you gain during your internship?
I gained knowledge on the multitude of applications for focused ultrasound, and I also learned more on being an effective interviewer.
What was the most important learning point of your internship experience?
I learned the importance of the work being done here and how everyone’s effort is going to the greater good of the field.
Has your internship affected your career plans?
The internship definitely opened my eyes to the possibility of pursuing a career related to focused ultrasound, and I now have interest in conducting research in the future. The exposure to all the research topics at R&E meetings piqued my interest.