Navigating New Cultural Waters
By: Julian Ward, Wharton ’26
Photo outside Julian’s office.
GRIP: Business Development in Singapore
Working at Pand.ai, a seed-stage AI startup based in the heart of Singapore, offered me many invaluable lessons that I will undoubtedly carry with me throughout my professional and personal life. As my first real job, this experience was more than just a stepping stone for my career; it was a leap into a world of real responsibility.
One of the immediate challenges I encountered was integrating myself into the disciplined daily routine of waking up at 7:45 am and catching the train to work. While seemingly a simple change, this consistent routine served as an essential foundation for developing a strong work ethic. With every sunrise, I was reminded of the importance of punctuality, commitment, and self-discipline – values that were further reinforced in the professional environment at Pand.ai.
The atmosphere of a startup is unlike any other. It’s fast-paced, dynamic, and demands a high degree of ownership. At Pand.ai, despite being an intern, I was granted a surprising level of responsibility. This autonomy pushed me to not only complete tasks but also to innovate and drive results. With the creation and development of AI chatbots like Chat2Close and GINA-GPT, I was directly contributing to the company’s growth and diversification. These projects were not just assignments; they were testaments to the trust placed in me.
One of the most fulfilling aspects was the open channel of communication I shared with the company’s CEO. In larger corporations, one might rarely get a chance to interact with the top echelons. But at Pand.ai, I had the unique opportunity to learn from the visionaries behind the company.
Ultimately, Singapore has its mix of modernity and tradition that poses its unique set of challenges. The direct and serious professional environment was initially a stark contrast to what I was used to. Yet, this experience taught me the importance of cultural adaptability in the global workspace. By focusing on reliability, direct communication, and taking initiative, I found myself not just fitting in but thriving in this environment. Building a strong rapport with my superiors and colleagues became easier when I understood and respected the cultural nuances.
The few months I spent at Pand.ai have been transformative. As a rising sophomore, the chance to work abroad, shoulder responsibilities, and be a part of groundbreaking projects was not just an internship but a life lesson in resilience, adaptability, and growth. The world is much larger than our immediate surroundings, and opportunities like these remind us of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. I am deeply grateful for this experience and am excited to see where my journey takes me next.
The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.