At Pyramid Systems, we’re committed to developing the next generation of IT leaders by providing hands-on experience in real-world innovation. Our internship program isn’t about busywork — it’s about empowering emerging talent to solve meaningful challenges, explore new ideas, and contribute directly to the mission of advancing public service through technology.
This summer, we were proud to welcome Rebecca (ChiuFang) Chen, a graduate student from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to our Product Management team as an AI Product Management Intern. Rebecca is pursuing a master’s degree in System Design and Management, and her time at Pyramid exemplified the kind of impact interns can make when given the tools, mentorship, and autonomy to lead.
Exploring AI Innovation with Purpose
Rebecca was drawn to Pyramid for its mission-driven approach to technology:
“I was excited about the opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge innovation and public service,” she shared. “During my internship, I got to explore real-world AI applications in federal workflows, collaborate with a cross-functional team, and pitch product ideas directly to senior leadership. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to projects that prioritize both user value and social impact.”
Throughout her internship, Rebecca tackled a variety of strategic initiatives — from internal ideation to prototyping AI tools for federal clients. Some of her highlights included:
- Leading a brainstorming session to identify low-risk, high-impact AI opportunities aligned with Pyramid’s mission
- Contributing to the SharePoint Assistant prototype, a conversational AI tool designed to improve access to agency documentation
- Developing a prototype evaluation framework to help prioritize AI ideas based on business value, feasibility, and stakeholder alignment
These projects deepened her skills in early-stage product discovery, stakeholder engagement, and AI-enabled solution design, all critical competencies for future technology leaders.
Product Management Lessons in the Federal Space
One of the biggest takeaways from Rebecca’s experience was learning how trust shapes product adoption in the federal sector:
“Building great AI products isn’t always about solving the biggest pain point first. Sometimes, it’s about earning the right to solve it.”
This insight reinforced her belief that responsible AI adoption depends not just on technical capability, but on stakeholder trust, alignment, and integration into existing workflows, a principle we value deeply at Pyramid.
A Culture of Growth
When asked about her favorite part of the experience, Rebecca didn’t hesitate:
“Definitely the people and the culture. The team is incredibly supportive and genuinely cares about my personal growth.”
In fact, during her internship, she was encouraged to pursue and successfully complete the AWS AI Practitioner certification. (Great job Rebecca!)
Advice to Future Interns
Rebecca’s advice for future Pyramid interns?
“Take initiative and explore. Try out ideas you’ve only read about before. This is your best chance to turn curiosity into real, hands-on experience.”
At Pyramid, interns like Rebecca aren’t just observing from the sidelines. They are learning, building, and shaping the future of federal technology. We’re proud to be a place where rising leaders can grow, challenge themselves, and contribute to solutions that matter. Interested in launching your tech career where innovation meets mission? Stay tuned for future internship opportunities at Pyramid Systems.