Meet Hira Bari

That conversation, along with the ocean theme of the competition, really sparked my interest in the industry. I jumped at the chance to apply for a summer internship with SEATAC.

What are you studying? What do you plan to do when you graduate?   

I’m studying Business Administration and majoring in accounting at NSCC. My main goal right now is to get hands-on experience and work with professionals in real business settings. I’ve always been curious about the ‘why’ behind the numbers, so after I graduate, I’m planning to go for my degree and CPA certification. It’s a perfect fit for my interest in finance and my dream of working in the field.

What drew you to do your internship in the ocean sector? 

I chose to do an internship in the ocean sector because I wanted to get involved in something that combines innovation with making a positive impact on the environment. At first, I had different career paths in mind, but learning how the ocean sector drives both the economy and sustainability caught my attention. The chance to support real-world issues like marine conservation seemed challenging and rewarding. I was excited about applying my skills to an industry that’s making a difference. This internship has been a great way to explore the field and confirm that I want to keep working in areas that match my values and goals.

What or who has made your SEATAC internship memorable?    

Working with such a dedicated team and seeing how important teamwork is, both inside and outside the organization, has been really special. One of the highlights was leading my first workshop on project management. It was awesome to see the whole SEATAC team come together, fully engaged in brainstorming to make processes more efficient to streamline projects. I’ve also loved the everyday interactions in the office, kicking off each morning with enthusiastic hellos and chats about what we’re working on. Our weekly meetings, which always start with a fun tip or story, have created such a positive and supportive vibe that made each day enjoyable and motivating.

What skills or knowledge have you gained from your internship that will benefit your future career?   

This experience really helped me sharpen my skills in project management, process optimization and using business tools like CRM systems. Leading workshops and creating process models gave me a deeper understanding of how business operations work, and I can’t wait to apply that to my studies at NSCC. Having this hands-on experience will make it easier to tackle my coursework, bridging the gap between theory and practice, and will help me feel more prepared for future challenges in my career.

What project or area of your work has captivated you the most?   

Developing the project management workshop was definitely a standout experience. It helped me get a better understanding of effective project management, and it felt great to contribute in a meaningful way. I worked closely with my supervisor and the team to design a project management template in Microsoft Planner, which became a key tool for organizing tasks and improving our workflows. The collaborative spirit among team members made it easy to talk through challenges, share ideas and align our strategies. It confirmed my passion for creating systems that empower teams and get real results.

What advice would you give to students considering an internship with SEATAC? 

Jump in with curiosity and passion, and be ready to learn from both the wins and the challenges. The team is super supportive, and you’ll learn a lot about the industry and yourself. Make sure to ask questions, get involved and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Take advantage of any networking opportunities to build connections. This experience will help shape your future in ways you might not expect.