Inside the Internship: Ethics, AI and impact

An MBA is just as much about gaining knowledge and skills as it is about self-discovery. At Kellogg, we understand that each student’s career aspirations are as unique as their individual journeys.

“Inside the Internship” brings you a closer look into how students are securing employment opportunities that will help them strategically navigate their career growth. From the school’s Career Management Center (CMC) to the powerful alumni network, we’ll explore how students are putting their classroom experience into practice and how they are leveraging career resources.

In this installment, meet Will Tan ’25 MBAi Program who interned at TikTok this summer. With prior experience at Meta and Unilever, the internship allowed him to continue exploring the intersection of AI innovation, product development and global business strategy. He shares how the CMC and the school’s resources are helping him carve out a career path in tech as a business leader. 

Can you tell us about your summer internship? What company did you intern with, and what was your role?

I had the opportunity to intern at TikTok this summer as a senior product manager focused on generative AI and monetization. My role was tasked with finding new ways to leverage AI to create value both for users and advertisers.

Beyond the business and technical aspects, what truly made this experience special was diving into the ethical and societal considerations of AI-generated content. I led a market and competitive analysis to help inform our product vision, ensuring that, as we push the boundaries of what AI can do, we remain mindful of its ethical implications. It was an incredible journey that deepened my appreciation for the power of AI and the importance of using it responsibly.  

What initially drew you to this specific internship opportunity, and how has your time at Kellogg influenced this decision?

I’ve always wanted to stay in the tech industry, but when choosing across tech companies, I knew exactly what I wanted: speed, impact and a new perspective. My previous experiences at Meta and Unilever taught me a lot about creating and growing market-leading products and brands. With that in my background, I wanted to experience something new to challenge myself and grow in new ways. 

One of the biggest factors that drew me to TikTok was the speed at which the company operates. Despite being a global tech giant, TikTok still maintains the agility of a startup. If I only had three months to make an impact, I wanted to be somewhere that could ship products quickly — and thankfully I wasn’t disappointed. I shipped two products (a user-facing and a business-facing product), plus, a mid-term product strategy that influenced the roadmap for the next quarter. 

I've also always been drawn to growing market-leading brands, but I realized that gaining experience with a strong challenger brand could offer a different muscle. TikTok, with its rapid growth and innovative approach, was the perfect place to sharpen that edge. 

Having worked with European and American companies, I wanted to expand my understanding by experiencing how an Asian tech company functions, especially one that’s scaling globally at such a rapid pace. The culture, the decision-making processes and the unique challenges of operating in a global environment all intrigued me. 

My time at Kellogg firmed up this decision. The school’s emphasis on leadership and global perspectives made me realize how valuable it is to have a diverse range of experiences to draw from as I continue to grow in my career. This opportunity was the perfect choice to bring that together. 

Were there any challenges you faced during the recruiting process or your internship? How did the school's Career Management Center (CMC) and other resources help you navigate these challenges? 

One of the biggest challenges I faced during the recruiting process was figuring out where to focus my efforts first. Should I network with people, search for jobs or dive into interview prep? It was overwhelming to balance these tasks, especially with the pressure of knowing how fast the recruiting timeline moves. 

The CMC played a crucial role in helping me navigate this. They provided not just resources but also guidance on prioritization. For example, they helped me understand what was possible based on my background and, more importantly, what was realistic based on historical trends. This clarity allowed me to make informed decisions on where to invest my time. 

When I received multiple offers, the CMC coaches helped me navigate the complex decision-making process. They provided insights on how to evaluate each offer and gave me valuable advice on negotiations. Their guidance included how to manage conversations with recruiters and negotiate extensions if I needed more time to decide. Having their expertise made a difference in ensuring I made the best choice for my career. 

Were there any workshops, coaching sessions, interactions or events that were especially helpful in your internship search? 

I used several resources at Kellogg to help my internship search. VMock was an invaluable tool early on. It provided AI-driven feedback to refine my resume and ensure it was polished and aligned with the roles I was aiming for. 

Career peers were another crucial resource. These fellow Kellogg students offered advice based on their own recruitment experiences, provided a second pair of eyes for resume check and gave feedback during behavioral interview preps. Having someone who had been through the process recently to offer guidance and support made a big difference. 

The CMC career coaches also helped me strategize for landing the roles and companies I was targeting. They provided insights on how the market was evolving and helped me understand what was possible based on my background and what was realistic based on historical trends. This level of personalized guidance helped me stay grounded while aiming high. 

In terms of technical preparation, I relied heavily on resources like Exponent and Rocketblocks for PM interview prep. These platforms were essential in helping me prepare for the more technical aspects of the interviews. 

The Kellogg job board gave me more visibility into companies that have strong ties with the school, which helped streamline my search. Additionally, being a careers director at KTech (our school's tech club), helped me gain valuable insights into recruitment opportunities and strategies, and I benefited from PM group preps that were organized through the club. 

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the emotional support of my friends at Kellogg. They were there through every step of the process, providing encouragement and keeping me motivated during the highs and lows of recruitment. 

Is there a moment during your internship where you felt better prepared because of your MBA experience? 

Absolutely. The foundational AI knowledge I gained in the Applied AI for Business class with Alex Castrounis (an MBAi core class) proved to be incredibly valuable. This class gave me a solid understanding of how AI technologies work from machine learning algorithms to the ethical considerations around their use. It equipped me with the technical language and concepts I needed to effectively collaborate with engineers and data scientists, ensuring we could deliver AI-driven solutions that aligned with our business goals. 

The Fundamental and Advanced Negotiations classes were instrumental in both preparing for and navigating my internship. Before the internship, these classes helped me negotiate the terms of my role, including responsibilities and expectations. During the internship, the skills I developed allowed me to successfully advocate for resources, align cross-functional teams and navigate complex conversations with both internal stakeholders and external partners. The principles of effective communication, finding mutually beneficial solutions and building strong relationships were used daily. 

Additionally, being part of a diverse student body at Kellogg has been helpful. In my internship, I worked with colleagues from different cultural and professional backgrounds and having already navigated diverse environments at Kellogg helped me collaborate more effectively. The ability to understand and appreciate different perspectives while finding common ground was essential in a global company. 

How do you envision integrating this internship experience into your career growth? 

My career has always centered on leveraging cutting-edge technology to create value for both users and businesses. As AI continues to transform industries and shape product strategies, this internship has provided me with invaluable experience in leading AI-driven projects. I’ve had the opportunity to work on real-world applications of generative AI, honing my ability to translate complex technological advancements into products that deliver measurable impact. 

The lessons I’ve learned in balancing innovation with ethical considerations will guide me as I take on more responsibility in shaping products that are both impactful and responsible. Ensuring that AI is used responsibly and that user data is protected is a priority for me. 

This internship has reinforced my passion for building products at the forefront of technology while staying deeply user-centric. I’m grateful for having strengthened my technical expertise, strategic thinking and leadership skills to drive innovation and create meaningful impact in the tech industry. My focus will be on developing products that push the boundaries of what’s possible while ensuring they meet the needs of users in a responsible and impactful way. 

What advice would you give to prospective students who are considering Kellogg and are curious about how it can impact their career trajectory? 

Kellogg is more than just a business school — it’s a transformative experience that shapes not only our careers but also our approach to leadership and collaboration. One piece of advice I’d offer to prospective students is to embrace the opportunities that go beyond the classroom. The school’s emphasis on teamwork, leadership and global perspectives will push you to think differently and approach problems from diverse angles.  

The network you’ll build at Kellogg is also invaluable. You’re not just learning alongside some of the brightest minds — you’re building lifelong relationships with peers, faculty and industry leaders who will support you throughout your career. The sense of community here is strong, and the school’s ties with top companies across industries mean you’ll have access to opportunities that can accelerate your career trajectory in ways you might not have imagined.

At Kellogg, you’re surrounded by a community that supports your growth — take full advantage of that.

Recruitment might feel overwhelming, but remember, you’re not alone. Kellogg has a supportive community of peers, coaches and resources ready to help you every step of the way. Lean on your network, stay curious and know that the right opportunity is out there waiting for you. 

Read next: Inside the Internship: Combining finance and social good