As I wrap up my internship in London, I have been reflecting on both my professional development and the kind of impact I hope to have through my career. Working with Carbon13, a venture capital firm focused on climate technology, has given me meaningful exposure to a sector that is rich with innovation. I had the opportunity to engage with founders working at the cutting edge of climate solutions, and I came away with a deep respect for the creativity and urgency that drives their work. This experience reinforced my belief that climate change is the defining issue of my generation and the area in which I feel most compelled to contribute.
One of the most valuable aspects of my internship was the chance to work on communications and marketing projects that reached a wide audience. I helped promote the launch of a portfolio companies’ first-of-a-kind reactor for clean ammonia production, a major milestone in decarbonizing chemical processes. I have been learning continuously, Carbon13’s portfolio companies are cutting emissions in sectors that are not often discussed but have a meaningful impact on climate change. From black soldier flies being used to create planet-safe skincare products to carbon-negative building materials and platforms to allow investment in green home renovations, I witnessed how entrepreneurs are tackling emissions from every possible angle.
The team at Carbon13 took a genuine interest in my growth. I was invited to attend a climate innovation conference hosted at Google, where I had the opportunity to meet the investors, founders, and researchers building breakthrough technologies. Beyond the event itself, the support I received from staff was consistent and thoughtful. They answered my questions, gave me space to explore my interests, and encouraged me to take ownership of my work.
Outside of work, living in London helped me reflect on the kind of life I want to lead. I came to appreciate the UK’s approach to work-life balance, where personal time and travel are treated as essential rather. With easy access to other parts of Europe, I made time to explore new cultures and landscapes, experiences that brought perspective and joy into my daily life. At the same time, I realized that a large city is not where I want to live. High housing costs and limited space are major issues for me. My weekly travel highlights were Bath and Kew Gardens.
Looking ahead, I hope to build a career that combines meaningful work on climate solutions with a lifestyle that supports learning and experience outside of the office. My time at Carbon13 showed me that purpose and balance can go hand in hand when pursued with clarity and intention.