Tailor-Made Internship Programme Empowers Students to Drive Digital Transformation
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai has partnered with SIG, a leading global provider of packaging solutions, to deliver a ten-week internship programme designed to equip students with practical skills in emerging technologies. The initiative forms part of SIG’s Digital Transformation Programme and gave RIT Dubai students hands-on experience with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), preparing them to contribute to the region’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Real-World Learning for Future Innovators
The customised internship offered eight senior students from computer science and engineering disciplines the opportunity to translate academic learning into real-world problem-solving. Throughout the programme, participants developed AI and ML solutions to address key business challenges, covering all stages of project delivery from solution design to implementation. The students presented their completed projects to SIG’s senior executives, showcasing both technical acumen and strategic thinking.
Learning by Doing
Among the standout performers was 22-year-old cybersecurity student, Simran Bhagchandani, who received the Outstanding Performance Award for her exceptional contributions. Reflecting on the experience, she said,
“AI and machine learning are shaping the future of technology, and I wanted to be part of that process as early as possible. This internship gave me the chance to apply my theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems and make a genuine impact.”
Simran and her peers worked on applied digital projects that combined innovation with practical outcomes.
She added, “I went from nervous to confident in a short space of time. Our mentors trusted us and made us feel like true collaborators. The experience was not just about watching or learning, it was about doing and contributing in a meaningful way.”
Building Industry-Academic Collaboration
The internship emphasised not only technical development but also soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and effective communication. Computing and Information Technologies major, Lana Kendakji, said,
“My internship at SIG was an amazing experience. I was given the same privileges and responsibilities as a full-time employee, which allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.”
Fellow intern, Jamile Obeid, added, “Being part of SIG’s Digital Transformation Programme was genuinely rewarding. I got to work on meaningful projects with a team that cared about creating real impact through smart, innovative solutions.”
Shaping Job-Ready Graduates
The internship concluded with final project presentations to SIG’s executive team, highlighting the students’ ability to develop practical, data-driven solutions. Simran summed up her experience, saying,
“This opportunity showed me the real-world impact my skills can create and reinforced my ambition to work at the intersection of AI and industry innovation with a company like SIG.”
Dr Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, commented, “This partnership with SIG demonstrates our commitment to providing hands-on experiences that ensure our students are ready for the workplace from day one. Tackling real industry challenges bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice, equipping students with the confidence and mindset needed to make an immediate impact.”
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Further Reading:
- Reshaping Global Education with Technology
- Global Tech Leaders Unite to Propel Future-Critical Sectors at GITEX GLOBAL 2025