Avon Yan's Internship experience at Matrix Applications

Hello Matrix Blog Readers,
My name is Avon Yan, and I’m a marketing student at Baruch College with a deep passion for storytelling, brand identity, and making meaningful connections. I recently wrapped up my internship at Matrix Applications, and I can genuinely say it was one of the most formative and memorable experiences I’ve had in my professional journey so far.

What I enjoyed most about my internship

From day one, what stood out to me was the unique and welcoming culture at Matrix, such a small, tight-knit team where every contribution counts, and every voice is heard. My internship was full of “firsts”: my first time diving into HubSpot, supporting and attending industry networking events, building out marketing assets in Adobe InDesign, and even presenting professionally to colleagues and executives. One of the most meaningful experiences was visiting Sunrise Day Camp, a charitable camp for children with cancer. That day reminded me that business doesn’t have to be just about the bottom line, it can (and should) be about heart, community, and purpose. Matrix lives by that.

Learning about corporate culture here wasn’t just theory, I lived it every day. Whether it was a brainstorming meeting or casual desk-side conversation, I saw how strong relationships, open communication, and a collaborative mindset fuel real business outcomes. Being in such a close team also meant I could see my work have real impact, which was incredibly motivating.

What was my biggest takeaway

If I had to pinpoint one major takeaway from my time at Matrix, it would be this: your hard skills may get you through the door, but your ability to connect with others, to build relationships, show up with curiosity, and make yourself memorable, is what will set you apart.

Working alongside professionals, attending events, and simply observing how people interact taught me the true value of networking. It’s not about handing out the most business cards; it’s about how you carry yourself, the questions you ask, and the energy you bring into the room. Learning how to bring my full self into professional spaces, confidently and authentically, is something I’ll continue learning and carry with me always.

Who I worked with & mentorship

I had the privilege of being mentored by Colleen Judge, someone who saw my potential from the very beginning and poured so much thought and care into helping me grow. She tailored my experience around my interests, delegated projects that allowed me to thrive, and made professional introductions that exposed me to marketing professionals across industries, from corporate agency to retail marketing.

What sets Colleen apart isn’t just her professional brilliance (though she has plenty of that), it’s her authenticity. She’s someone who gives helpful feedback, celebrates small wins, and always makes time for others. I always felt heard, supported, and challenged in the best way. She helped me see that mentorship isn’t just about guiding tasks, it’s about nurturing potential.

My internship at Matrix wasn’t just a line on my resume. It was a transformative experience that taught me how to work smarter, communicate clearer, and lead with both competence and compassion. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.