A Turning Point of My Career: How PROJXON’s Internship Changed My Life

When I first came across PROJXON’s 90-Day Momentum Internship Program, I was hungry for growth but unsure of the path ahead. I had just wrapped up a data consulting internship over the summer and was eager to dive deeper into the world of management consulting. But the job market felt relentless, and it wasn’t easy to find opportunities where I could genuinely grow.

Then, something extraordinary happened—a call from Phelan, PROJXON’s CEO. He didn’t just approve my application; he took the time to personally tell me he believed in me. In that moment, I felt seen. It’s hard to describe what that kind of recognition does for someone in a world where opportunities often feel out of reach. That call lit a fire in me. I knew I wanted to make the most of this experience, not just for me but for the trust that had been placed in me.

The Challenge of Starting Fast

Walking into PROJXON felt like stepping into a whirlwind. The onboarding process was fast-paced, with assignments rolling in and meetings stacking up. I won’t lie—at first, it was overwhelming. I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water.

But looking back, I realize that it was in these tough moments that I learned the most about myself. I developed a rhythm/cadence that helped me manage the chaos. I started setting clear priorities, over-communicating to stay aligned with my team, and learning to embrace the discomfort of fast-paced work. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and the value of pushing through uncertainty.

Finding Purpose in Market Research

One project in particular stood out to me: market research. What started as just another task quickly became a window into a world of possibilities. I explored natural language processing, SEO, and web crawlers—tools I had never thought I’d understand, let alone use.

This project didn’t just teach me technical skills; it sparked a sense of curiosity and wonder. I started reading books like The McKinsey Way and learning about frameworks like MECE. I discovered ARENA, a tool for mapping independent variables, and found myself diving deeper into the consulting process. Every insight felt like a stepping stone to the next, a domino effect of growth and learning.

To cap it off, I created a Canvas course to document and share my findings. It wasn’t just about the work; it was about the pride of building something meaningful and seeing how even small contributions could drive big changes.

The Mentors Who Shaped My Journey

I wouldn’t have made it through this program without the guidance of incredible mentors. Two teachers, Becky Reichard and Kristine Kamrura, had a significant impact on my growth. Becky

helped me refine my goals and break them down into actionable steps, while Kristine inspired me to view challenges as opportunities and think creatively.

Ro Lee was another major influence, helping me navigate the balance between school and work. Managing a 4.0 GPA while ensuring my deliverables were met was no small feat, and Ro’s guidance kept me grounded and focused on what mattered most. Christopher Verano also made a lasting impact during my internship by teaching me to seek intrinsic value and connect with the right resources at school. His perspective helped me see opportunities I might have otherwise overlooked.

Beyond these key figures, countless other people I encountered along the way were instrumental in shaping my journey. What stood out most was their willingness to share their time, ideas, and encouragement, even in the smallest interactions. Conversations with individuals like Bernie Jaruski, Stanley Li, Ryan Patel, Martin Ellingsworth, Sophia Westrich, and Bast Herrea may have seemed brief or minor at the time, but their insights and support lingered with me for months, motivating and inspiring me.

Each exchange felt like a collaborative effort, a reflection of their genuine investment in my success. Their support reminded me that growth is rarely a solo endeavor—it thrives on a network of individuals who believe in you and push you to achieve your best. For that, I’m deeply grateful.

The Grit of PROJXON

What I’ll always remember about PROJXON is the grit. This isn’t a place for coasting—it’s a place where you roll up your sleeves, bite down on the mouthpiece, and get to work. It’s not always glamorous, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.

I learned to embrace the “messy” side of work, to dig deep into projects, and to own my role completely. This hands-on experience taught me more than I ever could have imagined—not just about consulting but about myself.

Advice for the Next Intern

If you’re considering a program like this, here’s my advice: Dive in with everything you have. This program will challenge you, stretch you, and push you to grow. But it will also reward you in ways you can’t imagine. Use every resource, lean on your mentors, and take time to reflect on how far you’ve come.

Most importantly, be grateful. Gratitude is what keeps you grounded, even on the toughest days. It reminds you why you started and helps you find joy in the process.

A Final Reflection

Looking back, these 90 days have been about so much more than work. They’ve been about transformation. I’ve grown more resilient, more curious, and more confident in my ability to take on anything life throws at me.

This experience didn’t just prepare me for a career in consulting—it prepared me for life. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Best,
Aaron Galef