Last month marked National Intern Day (7/31), a day when companies celebrate the contributions of their interns (and co-op students) and the fresh perspective, insights and energy they bring to our teams.
At Deetken Insight, we are proud that we have been hosting co-op students since 2018. Our co-ops are more than just temporary team members; they’re meaningful contributors to our client account teams, business development efforts and to the overall culture and innovative mindset of the company.
This summer, we are fortunate enough to welcome three interns – two in our Vancouver office and our first ever intern in our Victoria office.
We spoke with two of our newly arrived interns, Max Zolbrod and Alexandra “Lexi” Knight, to learn more about their backgrounds, their studies and what they hope to gain from an internship at Deetken.
Q: Tell us about your studies. (Where do you go to school? What degree are you pursuing? And what subjects interest you most?)
Max: I am going into my final year of studies at University College London (UCL) in England, where I am pursuing a BSc in Management Science. This major is offered by UCL’s School of Management, which sits under the Faculty of Engineering. I take a blend of quantitative and qualitative courses, including Advanced Maths, Data Analytics and Programming, Finance, Economics, Strategy, and Design. The two subjects that interest me the most (so far) are “Product, Operations, and Technology Management” (Process Optimization and Supply Chain Management), and “Data Analytics II” (Machine Learning and Forecasting).
Lexi: I recently graduated from the University of Toronto in April 2025 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Human Biology and minoring in Immunology and Statistics. I also completed a Certificate in Business Fundamentals. My academic and professional interests are broad, but they share a common thread: using data and analytical insights to drive meaningful change.
After spending three summers working at a cancer clinic, I became particularly passionate about improving patient workflows in healthcare, recognizing how productivity and efficiency directly impact patient experiences and outcomes. I also have a strong interest in environmental issues. For instance, in a statistics course project, I examined how demographic factors – specifically, age and educational attainment – influence individuals’ likelihood to engage in climate-friendly actions. Across disciplines, I am motivated by opportunities to apply analytical thinking to complex problems and contribute to initiatives that improve systems and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Q: What are your career aspirations? (What do you want to be when you “grow up”?)
Max: Roles that sit at the intersection of data, strategy, and operations are of particular interest to me. Long-term, I hope to build a career where I can help organizations make better, evidence-based decisions—whether that’s through consulting, product strategy, or operational optimization. I enjoy problem-solving, working with data, and thinking critically about how systems can be improved. So I see myself pursuing a path that blends analytical rigour with strategic thinking.
Lexi: While I am still exploring the exact path I want to take, I know my long-term goal is to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. I am particularly drawn to solving systemic challenges such as improving patient flow, reducing wait times in emergency departments and specialty clinics, and increasing overall productivity and efficiency. More recently, I have developed an interest in the policy and administrative dimensions of healthcare, and I am considering pursuing a master’s degree, whether in Business Administration (MBA), Health Administration (MHA), or Health Policy (MPH) to further develop the strategic and analytical skills needed for this work. Whether on the administrative or policy side, I aspire to use data-driven insights and collaborative problem-solving to create sustainable improvements in healthcare systems.
Q: How did you learn about Deetken?
Max: I learned about Deetken through a mentor. What drew me to apply was Deetken’s reputation for combining rigorous analytical work with a strong commitment to social impact. An internship at Deetken stood out as an opportunity to apply the skills I have been developing throughout my education in a real-world setting, while also contributing to projects that make a difference.
Lexi: I first heard about Deetken through my dad, who works as a senior consultant, and through a former sports teammate who now works at the firm. Both spoke highly of Deetken’s collaborative culture, analytical rigour, and commitment to solving complex challenges with meaningful impact. Their experiences piqued my interest, and after learning more about the firm’s work with both public and private sector clients, I was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to projects that require creative problem-solving, data-driven insights, and a hands-on approach. The chance to work in a dynamic environment where I can apply my analytical skills while learning from experienced professionals was a key factor in my decision to apply.
Q: What are you hoping to gain from your experience at Deetken?
Max: During my work experience at Deetken, I am hoping to deepen my technical skills—particularly in data modelling, analysis, and translating insights into actionable recommendations. I’m also keen to improve my communication and presentation skills, and to better understand how to structure and manage project work effectively. I’m excited to learn from Deetken’s team and gain hands-on experience while working on projects that create lasting value.
Lexi: Through my experience at Deetken, I hope to deepen my skills in applying analytical thinking to real-world, complex problems while learning how strategic recommendations are developed and implemented in practice. I am eager to gain exposure to the consulting process from start to finish, understanding client needs, synthesizing data into actionable insights, and seeing how those insights drive meaningful change. I also look forward to working alongside a diverse team of experienced consultants, learning from their approaches, and building the problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills that will serve me in my future career in healthcare and beyond.
Thank you, Max and Lexi, and to all our summer co-op students – past and present. Your time with us matters and we can’t wait to see where your journeys take you.
Happy (belated) National Intern Day!
