2024 SIIF Fellow Stories: Alfredo Rebagliati Dibos’ Internship at ESG SaaS Start-Up TealTech
By Alfredo Rebagliati Dibos; Edited by Aliya Carr
This summer, I had the unique opportunity to step into the dynamic world of startups through my internship at TealTech, a company on the brink of launching an ESG SaaS solution. I always wanted to experience the startup environment, and achieved that goal thanks to the Summer Internship Investment Fund (SIIF).
At TealTech, I took on the role of an MBA intern with challenging and rewarding responsibilities. My primary tasks included conducting in-depth market, customer and competitive research. This research assisted in developing TealTech’s go-to-market and pricing strategy, ensuring that the product would effectively meet the needs of its target audience while positioning itself competitively in the ESG SaaS landscape. This task gave me a hands-on understanding of how startups strategize their market entry, which is markedly different from larger corporation approaches.
Another significant aspect of my internship was collaborating on the structure and research for two key features of TealTech’s product: the AI-powered ESG policy builder and the customized assessment features. These components are crucial for the platform, especially during the pilot phase with a professional services firm. Through this internship, I delved deep into the technical aspects of ESG frameworks and how they can be integrated into a digital solution that is both user-friendly and impactful. It was an incredible learning experience where I expanded my ESG knowledge and honed my product development and project management skills.
One of the most enriching aspects of my internship was the direct collaboration with TealTech’s founders. Startups often require a high level of agility and adaptability, and working closely with the founders gave me insights into the decision-making processes that drive the company forward. I helped to deliver high-quality client work and conduct benchmark analysis, which sharpened my analytical skills and gave me a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of startup operations. The fast-paced environment at TealTech was a stark contrast to the more structured workflows of large corporations. I thrived on the challenge of wearing multiple hats and making meaningful contributions to the team.
SIIF enabled both personal and professional growth through experiencing life in a new city. I spent a month and a half in Seattle, thanks to the flexibility of remote work. This was a personal highlight of the summer, as I could meet incredible people and immerse myself in the local culture. Weekends were spent exploring the city and its surroundings, providing a perfect balance to the demands of my internship.
My internship at TealTech was a pivotal experience that fulfilled my long-standing goal of working in a startup and deepened my understanding of ESG. The skills and knowledge I gained this summer will undoubtedly be invaluable as I pursue a career that bridges my interests in sustainability and technology, and I am grateful to SIIF for making this opportunity possible.
