HeyMath! Scholar: Shauntel Poulson
If I had to summarize my internship experience at HeyMath! in one word it would be invigorating. I have never felt more energized and alive than during my month working here in Chennai. HeyMath! was the perfect match for me both personally and professionally.
I am currently pursuing a dual MBA/MA Education degree at Stanford University and am specifically interested in leveraging technology to transform the education sector. When I saw the HeyMath! posting, I immediately applied and was excited about the opportunity to gain practical experience in e-learning. I was also interested in working with a rapidly growing company that has a global reach. Although I had never travelled to India, I was looking forward to a new adventure.
Every day was a new adventure from negotiating with the autorickshaw drivers to eating thalis with my hands. Although India is different from the U.S. in many ways, I grew to appreciate these differences and amidst the chaos felt an inner peace. I attribute this feeling of comfort to the helpful and respectful Chennai people who made me feel at home.
The work culture is also warm and supportive. HeyMath! is a collaborative and collegial company where office politics and bureaucracy are strictly prohibited. My co-workers helped me with everything from navigating software to tying my saree. Everyone is passionate and works hard to see their ideas come to fruition.
During my internship, I created a dynamic and content rich teacher networking site to enable teachers to be at the cutting edge of mathematics teaching for the 21st century learner. Using my consumer products background, I gathered insights and designed the user experience to meet a teacher's needs. I enjoyed working alongside Nirmala, one of the co-founders, to continually brainstorm new features for the site. There was a never a dull moment and I always felt engaged. Outside of work I explored other parts of South India including Bangalore, Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram.
The month has flown by and I am sad to be leaving. Now is an exciting time for HeyMath! as the company expands into new markets and geographies. There is no doubt in my mind that HeyMath! will continually be at the forefront of the e-learning industry and will transform education globally.
