Preet J., a senior Information Systems & Analytics major, is three months away from graduation and already applying what he has learned inside the headquarters of Subaru of America. An international student from India, Preet balances his studies alongside this year-long internship in the Connected Vehicle department, as well as two work study positions on campus. In this life-on-film-inspired feature, Preet walks us through one week of his internship using photos he captured at Subaru of America’s headquarters in Camden, NJ. From testing vehicle software to navigating meeting rooms named after American cities, this is a behind-the-scenes look at what an information systems internship really looks like.
Photo 1: Testing the Technology Inside the Car
The first image shows Preet sitting in the driver’s seat of a test vehicle inside Subaru’s technical garage space.
“This is one of the test vehicles that we use in our department,” he explains. “I’m an intern in Connected Vehicle, so before new software updates go out, we test everything. The maps, the audio, navigation, all of it.”
Preet works in Connected Vehicle, meaning he works with Head units and OTAs and Call center data after they are deployed, monitoring Voice of the Customer – getting that feedback to the appropriate teams.
“Before it gets to your screen, there are testers who do that. Luke and I are one of the QAs in this scenario.”
Just like smartphones receive updates, vehicles now rely heavily on software. Interns help with testing systems before release, ensuring they function properly.
He adds with a smile, “This vehicle is not for sale. This is only a test vehicle.”
Photo 2: The Team Beside Me
Another photo shows Preet seated between two fellow interns in an open office setting.
“These are a few of the lovely interns that sit right next to me. The first one you see, his name is Logan, then the second is Josh and then there’s me. We all serve different purposes but we’re in the same department. We have different bosses.”
One works on navigation software development. Another focuses on enterprise coding and fixing website or application bugs.
Although they attend different universities, the collaboration feels seamless, thanks to the career readiness skills he developed as a Rowan student.
“What I learned in school, I’m applying it firsthand at my internship. I’m really lucky to have that opportunity.”
Specifically, he credits team-based coursework for helping him build soft skills to thrive in a team environment within a professional setting.
“In business classes you are assigned a team and you work with them the whole semester. That’s how you learn how to work with teams. I’ve developed a lot of interpersonal skills, how to set boundaries and time management skills. My professors create space within their courses for students to develop soft skills that employers value, and I take full advantage of these opportunities.”
Photo 3: My Desk at Headquarters
In another image, we see Preet’s workstation inside Subaru of America headquarters.
This is his first experience working inside a corporate headquarters setting. During the summer, he worked full time Monday through Friday, with a hybrid structure.
Now during the academic semester, Preet works up to 20 hours per week (due to international student employment regulations). He adjusts his internship schedule around classes.
“I work Monday in the office, Wednesday full remote, and Friday half day. Altogether I work 20 hours or less.”
Preet reports that balancing internship hours, coursework and campus leadership has strengthened his time management skills and discipline.
Photo 4: The Route 66 Map
One of Preet’s favorite images shows a large wall display map of the United States, stylized to point out Route 66. One of the original highways in the country, Americans cemented Route 66’s iconic status during the 1950s when it became a symbol of American road trip culture.
Each meeting room on his floor is named after a U.S. city loosely associated with Route 66.
“These cities are across our floor. I’m on the fourth floor, that’s why the number four is in front. When you say Santa Fe, you find the room number and you go there.”
As an international student, the map has taken on extra meaning.
“I’m still learning American geography. It helped me understand both the geography of the country and the geography of my floor.”
It is a reminder to him that growth happens inside and outside the classroom.
Photo 5: The Skyline View
Another photo captures the Philadelphia skyline from the office windows.
“That is the view from my floor. We’re located in Camden and you can see Philadelphia right there.”
In the same image appears Subaru’s Love Promise statement, the company’s guiding philosophy focused on safety and community support.
“I can argue we are one of the safest cars on the planet. Not because I work there, but because I’ve learned my way through.”
Photo 6: The Front Entrance and Company Culture
The headquarters entrance features one of Subaru’s best selling vehicles displayed inside the lobby. There is a visitor area, as well as a retail merchandise shop managed by a marketing intern from Rowan.
Preet also highlighted the company’s commitment to community engagement.
“If you’re a full time employee, you are expected to fulfill a certain number of volunteer hours. Not just offer monetary support, but manpower support, physically volunteer for something.”
The internship has shown him what corporate responsibility looks like in practice, and how professionals align their personal and professional values.
Photo 7: The EV in Motion
One of his photos features Subaru’s electric vehicle, the Solterra.
Preet’s desk is next to the window overlooking the parking lot, where he frequently sees the Solterra driving. (The window on the other side of the building is the view of the Philadelphia skyline.)
“It’s fully automatic. It’s always patrolling around the parking lot. In a way, it’s testing itself.”
For a student studying information systems and analytics, seeing real world technology integrated into products reinforces classroom learning in tangible ways.
Campus Life Beyond the Internship
Outside of Subaru, Preet serves as a community assistant in Rowan Boulevard Apartments and works as an admissions ambassador giving campus tours, both on campus work study positions.
He is also part of the International Advisory Board, helping advocate for international students on campus.
Beyond academics and work, he stays active at the Student Recreation Center and participates in the Badminton Club.
Leadership roles, campus involvement and professional experience (and the friendships and connections formed along the way) have shaped his college journey and his readiness for life after graduation.
What Is an Information Systems & Analytics Major?
Information Systems & Analytics blends business strategy with technology and data. You learn how to analyze data, design systems, improve operations and support decision making in organizations.
The major typically includes coursework in:
- Data analytics
- Visualization
- Information systems management
- Business intelligence
- Programming fundamentals
- Team-based projects
Students graduate prepared to bridge the gap between technical teams and business leadership.
Career Paths With an Information Systems & Analytics Degree
Graduates pursue careers such as:
- Business analyst
- Systems analyst
- Data analyst
- Quality assurance analyst
- IT project coordinator
- Technology consultant
Employers across industries including automotive, healthcare, finance and technology rely on professionals who understand both systems and strategy.
For Preet, the path forward is clear.
“I would love to continue with Subaru, if possible. We’ll try our best to make something work out. I feel ready. I cannot wait to go out in the industry and apply all the amazing things that I’ve learned.”
With hands-on internship experience, campus leadership and real world application of classroom skills, he is already well on his way to launching the information systems career he’s prepared for.
Internship & Experiential Learning Stories
Learn how Rowan Profs go beyond the classroom to grow professionally, as well as personally, through internships and other experiential learning. Experiential learning includes hands-on learning opportunities provided through research, student clubs, campus leadership, student worker jobs, service-learning projects and volunteerism. In addition, Rowan’s Office of Career & Professional Development provides career support that’s more than just advice – it’s events, connections and real guidance to help students thrive after college.
About Rowan University
The fastest growing public research institution in the Northeast and among the country’s top 10 fastest-growing, Rowan University is home to a thriving multidisciplinary environment with a strong emphasis on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business.
Carnegie-classified as an R2 (high research activity) institution and operating at R1 (very high research activity), the University partners with industry, government and nonprofit organizations in New Jersey and beyond to drive innovation, while developing the future workforce. Students are essential contributors, presenting at national conferences, sharing credit in professional publications and earning recognition for their work. Selected entrepreneurs receive support through the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund.
Rowan’s partnerships with Virtua Health, Cooper University Health Care and all major health care systems in southern New Jersey distinguish the region as a hub for health care research and education. Rowan is also a key partner with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in two strategic innovation centers focused on medical terminology.