Meet the NYC Startup Internship Alumni: Debashrestha Nandi

When you're building data pipelines and spiders that power a live marketplace and watching your code process thousands of fashion listings in real-time, you realize you're not just learning anymore, you're actually creating something that matters. That's my reality this summer as a Data Engineering Intern, working remotely but staying deeply connected to NYC's thriving startup ecosystem. My alarm goes off at 9am, and after settling into my home workspace, the first thing I do is check my Google Calendar and flip through my handwritten diary (yes, I still keep one) to see what deadlines, important meetings, or sessions are on today's agenda. It's become a ritual that keeps me grounded and organized in this fast-paced startup environment.

I'm a rising sophomore studying computer science at The City College of New York, working as a Data Engineering Intern at Thrift Label. Thrift Label is an online platform focused on buying and selling secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories, especially designer or premium brands. Their goal is to make high-quality fashion more accessible and sustainable by extending the life of each item. Originally from Bangladesh, I've always been fascinated by how technology can transform traditional industries, and fashion resale is the perfect example of that intersection.

My work centers around data pipelines and building web scrapers. Honestly, it's a lot of coding, but I love it. I'm working at a production level, which means the code I write directly impacts the platform's functionality. My typical day involves researching data sources, building spiders to extract information, and then cleaning and refining that data to get exactly what we need. Handling real-time product data feeds has taught me the importance of scalable architecture and optimized code performance.

What makes this experience incredible is the mentorship I receive. Though we work remotely, I meet with my supervisor two to three times a week, and these sessions are super prolific. We go through code and output together, and if there's any problem, he acknowledges it and guides me through solutions. He's a superb, friendly, and motivating individual who makes even the most challenging debugging sessions feel like learning opportunities. Having this hands-on coding experience at this stage is invaluable. I'm learning how the real world actually works, not just theoretical concepts from textbooks.

One of the most amazing feelings is pushing working code to GitHub. When you're starting your career, seeing your contributions live in a production environment gives you an incredible confidence boost. Working at a startup means you're doing everything firsthand, it's challenging but also rewarding because you learn so many new things every single day.

Beyond my internship responsibilities, I actively participate in additional programs like Basta Sessions, AI upskilling workshops, and lunch-and-learns. These sessions are incredibly interactive and have helped me build meaningful connections. I've spoken with so many interns, supervisors, and personnel, creating interactions that extend far beyond just professional networking.

Through this program, I've acquired enhanced coding skills, especially in Python, along with data research capabilities and the ability to write more efficient code. The soft skills I've developed are equally important: communication in larger settings, public speaking, building connections, time management, and professional collaboration. These skills are shaping me into a more well-rounded professional.

Looking ahead, I see myself as a software engineer, data engineer, or software developer, exploring various paths within the tech industry. I love NYC, having grown up here, which is a huge advantage for pursuing a career in this incredible city. The lifestyle, opportunities, and energy here are unmatched, and I definitely want to pursue my career in NYC if I get the right opportunity.

This internship is valuable in countless ways. Since I'm working from a technical perspective and want to pursue my career in the same field, it's giving me crucial exposure and a significant confidence boost for my future endeavors. This program is stupendous. I feel super blessed to have gotten this opportunity. I've met amazing interns and personnel, built fruitful connections, and I'm working in an absolutely hands-on way that will provide a tremendous advantage in my career journey.

For any NYC student considering applying for this program in the future, my advice is simple: embrace the challenge, be curious, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The learning curve is steep, but the rewards are extraordinary.