Interns today, innovators tomorrow: How early career talent is shaping what’s next at Kyndryl

 

National Intern Day is a time to celebrate the energy, curiosity and contributions of early career talent — and the potential that lies ahead.

Kyndryl interns work on real-world projects and directly contribute to our industry-leading customer service. Guided by mentors and exposed to new perspectives and technologies, each intern gets opportunities to build skills and explore what’s possible. And sometimes, it can be the first step in a meaningful career.

Just ask Senior Associate of data analysis Dana Zamat, who interned with Kyndryl in the U.S. in 2023. What started as a hands-on learning experience for her turned into a full-time role at Kyndryl — a path illuminated by Zamat’s curiosity and growth mindset and shaped by support from mentors and colleagues.

Here, Zamat and current interns Arthur Andrade in Brazil, Judy Abdalla in Canada and Vivian Aguirre in the U.S. reflect on their journeys so far, and share how to make the most of an internship experience.

 

 

What attracted you to Kyndryl’s internship program?

Zamat: I was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, relevant projects. Participating in these projects has been highly rewarding, and I find the company culture, which we call The Kyndryl Way, to be supportive and collaborative. Kyndryl has allowed me to grow personally and professionally, and I truly appreciate being part of a team that values cooperation and impactful contributions.

Andrade: Kyndryl offers a unique opportunity for interns. As a large company working with major customers, it provides valuable networking opportunities internally and externally. At the same time, its status as a young company means it’s aligned with modern market practices and built on a foundation of innovation. 

Abdalla: I was drawn to Kyndryl because of its unique position as a newly independent company following its spinoff. This creates incredible growth opportunities as an intern, to be immersed in an environment that’s constantly transforming and experimenting. That kind of dynamic is contagious, and I knew it would push me to grow alongside the company and be part of its evolution from day one.

 

 

What skills have you developed during your internship?

Andrade: I’ve developed data analytics skills in business intelligence and data visualization (Microsoft Power BI), data manipulation and requirements gathering, along with essential soft skills in leadership, communication and problem-solving.

Abdalla: My internship in Alliances taught me to effectively speak the language of cloud and infrastructure and build strong relationships across Kyndryl’s internal teams, hyperscalers and ecosystem partners. These skills have given me the ability to bridge teams through shared understanding and drive alignment toward common goals.

Aguirre: Preparing and delivering presentations helped me communicate clearly and confidently in front of seasoned professionals. It showed me that I can contribute meaningfully to the mainframe modernization conversation, even without years of experience.

 


From left: Senior Associate of data analysis Dana Zamat and interns Judy Abdalla, Vivian Aguirre and Arthur Andrade

 

 

How did your mentor and team support your growth?

Andrade: Kyndryl’s people-centered culture made this experience stand out. I’ve worked with incredible teammates who made me feel welcome and supported.

Abdalla: I was never boxed in. My mentors encouraged me to take on new challenges, and my team included me in meetings because they genuinely cared about my growth. Previously, I viewed tech as primarily product-focused. Now, I understand how much relationships and strategy drive it. Seeing how alliances shape outcomes behind the scenes gave me a complete view of the industry.

Aguirre: Everyone I reached out to — my project team, mentors, fellow interns — was kind, responsive and generous with their time. As someone new to the mainframe, I valued their patience in helping me understand complex concepts. I gained technical skills and a better sense of what it means to grow professionally.

 

 

Which aspect of your internship has given you the most confidence?

Andrade: I’m most proud that my data analysis work with the CIO Enterprise Applications team has helped our leaders make better data-driven decisions. At Kyndryl, we’re constantly reminded that our work matters to the company and our customers.

Abdalla: The moments when I took the initiative to identify and fill gaps within my team, whether organizing partner/customer data or contributing to event planning initiatives, gave me the most confidence. Knowing my work helped move things forward felt motivating and rewarding.

Aguirre: In a space as complex as mainframe modernization, I was able to explore topics deeply and regularly present my findings to a team of distinguished experts. To my surprise, some of my insights taught them something new about the industry, despite being in the early stages of my mainframe journey.

 

 

What advice would you give current interns hoping to follow a similar path?

Zamat: My internship helped me see every challenge as a learning opportunity. The emphasis on continuous growth, paired with the support of mentors and peers, gave me the confidence to navigate ambiguity with curiosity and resilience. My advice is to reach out and schedule coffee chats with anyone you’re curious to learn from. As an intern, you’re uniquely positioned to explore the full breadth of Kyndryl and connect with people across the organization.

Abdalla: Be proactive and take ownership of your learning. It’s up to you to seek opportunities, ask questions and go beyond what’s expected. The more initiative you show, the more rewarding your experience will be.

 

Temas