National Intern Day 2023 Spotlight: Serena Dong
Ah, summertime! The days get hotter, the wanderlust kicks in, and the smell of grilled goodness fills the air. But here at Xos, we have an extra special reason to love this season: our summer intern program. For National Intern Day, we want to shine a spotlight on one of our amazing interns who joined us this year to dive head-first into the EV industry and to be a part of the Xos mission to decarbonize commercial transportation. Get ready to hear all about Serena Dong's firsthand experiences as an intern at Xos.
SERENA DONG
Beijing, China
UPenn Wharton - MBA
Carnegie Mellon University
Major: Decision Science
MBA Intern
What inspired you to pursue an internship at Xos, in the EV industry?
What inspired me to pursue an internship at Xos and in the EV industry is the unique combination of factors that Xos offers. As a public company with proven product-market fit, Xos has established itself as a prominent player in the commercial EV industry. What also captivated me is that Xos maintains its startup spirit with a culture of ownership and collaboration. Joining a mission-driven team that is passionate about building EVs and driving sustainable transportation aligns perfectly with my own values and aspirations, making Xos an ideal choice for me to contribute to this transformative industry.
What/where are you currently studying, and how does that fit into your long-term career goals, and how will it help you achieve those goals?
I am currently a MBA/ Master in Law dual degree candidate at the University of Pennsylvania. Post graduation, I am looking to pursue a career in consulting or corporate strategy in the mobility and renewable energy sectors. The Wharton MBA coursework has been instrumental in bridging the gap in my knowledge in finance and strategy, as my previous experience primarily focused on data science and product management. I am also able to connect with classmates who are passionate about sustainability and transportation, which helps me gain valuable insights and perspectives into the industry.
Are there any skills or knowledge areas that you're hoping to gain during your time as an intern with us?
I am looking forward to gaining exposure to the engineering-to-manufacturing process, including how design drawings are translated into production-ready plans. I am also interested in gaining insights into managing production forecasts, analyzing production processes, and optimizing resource allocation to ensure efficient manufacturing operations. Additionally, I hope to develop skills in cost management by analyzing the product lifecycle and implementing strategies to maximize profitability while maintaining quality.
Any fun summer plans outside of your internship while you’re here with us in Los Angeles?
Outside of my internship, I have been indulging in my passion for sailing by spending a lot of time on the water in the Santa Monica Bay. Exploring the beautiful coastline and enjoying the SoCal sunshine has been incredibly fulfilling.
