Elva Chen: Growing Through Connection in My Dell Internship
Elva Chen | Undergraduate Intern | United States
Originally Published: August 7, 2025
Hello, everyone! My name is Elva Chen, and I’m from Dallas, Texas. Growing up, I split my time between Dallas and New York (fun fact: I attended seven different elementary schools!). I’m currently pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems at the McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin. Before starting college, I had never been to Austin, but I can confidently say it’s now my favorite city. There’s always something exciting happening, and I’ve discovered a newfound love for the outdoors.
I used to prefer indoor activities like watching shows, online and mobile gaming, baking, and crafting. However, Austin has so much to offer, even without a car! I’ve started going on weekly walks along the Boardwalk, paddleboarding, and exploring local parks.
I am currently a Service Sales Intern, working under the best bosses in the world—shoutout to Mackenzie Brown and Christi Barbosa! I have the privilege of working alongside 33 other interns and 6 Lead Interns. Each week, our schedule varies, but there are several recurring events that keep things exciting and engaging. These include:
- Weekly Pitches
- Pulse Checks
- Fun Fridays (or sometimes Wednesdays!)
- Executive Speakers
- Guest Speaker Series
- Introductions to Different Services, such as:
- ProDeploy
- Residency
- Managed Services
- AI Factory
- Mentor Time
- Final Project
Let’s dive into some of the key events!
Starting with our Weekly Pitches: each week, we’re assigned a new service to pitch to "fake customers," and we’re given designated times to prepare. In groups of 4-5 interns, we simulate a real customer call, asking questions to understand their challenges and tailoring our pitch to meet their needs. It was definitely nerve-wracking during the first couple of weeks, but I’ve been lucky to work with amazing teammates who made the process so much more enjoyable! Shoutout to my first pitch group—Tyler Dean, Tanya Dhawan, and Luke Ladd. We even won first place in our Intern Cohort’s very first pitch competition!
Another key aspect of this internship has been my mentors. Every intern is assigned two mentors starting in Week 2. The first is our Sales Mentor, someone currently in the Service Sales Representative role, who helps answer questions about their full-time position. A huge thank you to Kallysta Griego and Lachlan Mathewson, my incredible Sales Mentors, for being such a strong support system throughout my journey! The second is our Leadership Mentor, a more senior professional who provides guidance and insight beyond the Sales role. Shoutout to Melissa Ressler—I’ve loved every opportunity to spend time with her despite her busy schedule.
All in all, the people have truly been the best part of this internship. The connections I’ve made, the conversations I’ve had, and the advice I’ve received will undoubtedly shape my future, both professionally and personally.
Why did you decide to join Dell?
The answer is simple: the people. Fun fact—the people aspect is actually what brought me to Dell in the first place! I met our fearless leader, Veronique (or V), through thrifting. There’s a recurring event called the Sunday Guad Market, which takes place every Sunday from 12 to 6. V was my go-to jewelry vendor, and over time, we got closer as I saw her every weekend.
She introduced me to this internship, and from there, I was able to apply, interview, and secure the opportunity. It was refreshing to connect with someone outside of the typical ‘recruiter’ setting, and I was thrilled to discover that everyone at Dell, much like V, is approachable, invested in your personal growth, and radiates positive energy.
What advice would you offer to potential applicants considering joining Dell as an intern?
Be yourself! Bring your energy, your smile, and your unique personality. I’ve had countless one-on-one conversations with full-time employees in the Service Sales department and beyond, and one thing they all have in common is how incredibly personable they are.
That said, taking initiative is just as important. Don’t be afraid to send an email and ask for a coffee chat—it can open doors! A genuine smile can go a long way, and Dell is a place where progress and innovation thrive on individuality.
How do you see your Dell internship shaping your future career?
This internship has been an incredible introduction to Dell. Before joining, I primarily thought of Dell as a hardware company specializing in laptops, keyboards, and PCs. Now, I’ve come to understand the wide range of services Dell offers, from Residency and ProDeployment to educating customers on AI applications. The knowledge I’ve gained during this experience has been invaluable.
What I admire most about Dell is how it empowers its people to learn, achieve, and grow in their roles. Through this internship, I’ve become more confident in public speaking, reaching out to new people, and expanding my professional network. Dell hasn’t just shaped my future within the company—it has also had a profound impact on my personal growth and development.
To learn more about life at Dell, visit Our Stories.
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