From Failure to Launch

S3E10: From Curiosity to Real-World Impact: Building AI Solutions as an Intern

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, Leo Huynh, Code2College Software Engineering Intern at Cirrus Logic, shares how his curiosity for computer science—and passion for building personal game projects—evolved into real-world impact. Joined by his manager, Will O’Donnell, Senior Staff Validation Engineer at Cirrus Logic, they reflect on Leo’s journey from exploring tech to developing an AI-driven cost prediction model now used across teams. Leo dives into his experience working on data cleaning, analysis, and machine learning, and how he quickly adapted to a professional environment with the support of a strong team. Will shares how Leo’s performance challenged his expectations and highlighted the high level of preparation Code2College students bring compared to traditional pathways. Together, they explore the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and code readability, along with practical advice on networking, note-taking, and building structure in your day-to-day life. This episode is a reminder that no single test or project defines you—growth comes from learning how to rise to the challenge.

S3E9: From Project Unknowns to Engineering Mastery: Lessons from Interns and Mentors

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, Jooheon Lee, Electrical Engineering student at Rice University and H-E-B intern, shares his experience taking a project from concept to deployment. Joined by his mentor, Engineering Manager Michael Regert, they dive into the challenges, learning moments, and teamwork that turn uncertainty into mastery. Jooheon reflects on how guidance from mentors, collaboration with peers, and hands-on experience helped him build confidence, strengthen technical skills, and navigate real-world engineering projects. Michael offers insight into how mentorship and a supportive team culture empower interns to tackle ambitious projects and grow as future engineers. Together, they explore how curiosity, preparation, and collaboration make internships not just a learning experience, but a launchpad for a successful career in STEM.

S3E8: From Nervous Beginnings to Data Engineering: Building Confidence in Data and Code

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, Ashrita Mahadevu shares how her journey with Code2College helped transform an early passion for STEM into real-world experience as a Data Engineering Intern at H-E-B. Joined by her mentor Blake Byerly, the conversation explores how internships can shape confidence, technical skills, and career direction. Ashrita talks about overcoming nerves, meeting expectations, and learning how strong communication and preparation can unlock opportunities. Through her work on location services and data design, she built core computer science skills while discovering the importance of team collaboration and workplace culture. Blake shares his perspective mentoring Code2College students and why supportive environments help young technologists grow. Together, they highlight how curiosity, mentorship, and culture turn internships into launchpads for future careers.

S3E7: From Intern to Innovator: Cloud Infrastructure, AI, and the Power of Asking Questions

In this episode of From Failure to Launch, Bereket Laki shares how his first internship at Texas Mutual became an opportunity to build real-world solutions, including developing an AI chatbot trained on internal company knowledge. Joined by his supervisor, Jason Chan, the conversation dives into what makes interns thrive: ownership, curiosity, and the confidence to ask good questions. Jason explains why investing in early talent pays off, while Bereket reflects on the communication, collaboration, and feedback skills that proved just as critical as the code itself. It’s a story about growth, trust, and turning technical learning into meaningful impact.

S3E6: From Curiosity to Ownership: Turning Data Projects into Real Impact

In Season 3, Episode 6 of From Failure to Launch, host Keira Johnson sits down with Alexandra Hoffpauir, Data Warehouse and Marketing Technology Manager at YETI, and Code2College intern Dagem Abraham. Together, they unpack what it truly means to own a project, not just complete assigned tasks. Dagem shares how sourcing data, collaborating across multiple teams, and ultimately building his own project pushed him to develop strong prioritization skills while balancing curiosity and exploration with real business needs. Alexandra offers insight into YETI’s collaborative culture, what it looks like to fully integrate interns into the team, and why trusting early-career talent leads to meaningful results. The episode highlights how hands-on experience, mentorship, and ownership can transform an internship into a launchpad for long-term success.