Jakhongir Khaydarov '26 Risk Intern

Jakhongir Khaydarov '26 (Economics) was a Risk Intern at Panasonic Energy in Sparks, NV.

The company gave us two options and assigned us randomly with other roommates who were also interns. They provided us with a stipend for housing and organized a shuttle that would pick us up every morning and drop us off after work. Getting used to 8-5 lifestyle was hard since I usually go to bed late, also I hated the commute because of constant delays in traffic.

What was a typical day like?

My day typically starts at 8 AM when I arrive at the office. I begin by checking and responding to Microsoft Teams messages and emails to get caught up. If there’s a meeting scheduled—which there usually is at least once a day—I attend and contribute as needed. The rest of the day is focused on my ongoing projects, which often involve researching, working on Excel and PowerPoint, learning new concepts, and collaborating with colleagues. I also take time to connect with team members when I have questions or need feedback. Lunch is usually from 12 to 1 PM, and I wrap up my workday usually around 5 PM. On my breaks, I like to read The Wall Street Journal and research the markets to stay informed about the broader economic landscape and industry trends. Each day brings something a little different, but overall, it’s a great mix of structured tasks and opportunities to grow and learn.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

People. connecting, learning, and working on a project with them made this internship very fun; without them, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much.

If you worked on a big project, please describe it below:

I am not really allowed to talk about the details of the project itself. But there was one project in which I assisted my team and manager on a high-profile project for the grand opening of a new factory in Kansas, involving our CEO, the CEO of Tesla, and members of the current U.S. administration and the Senate.

What did you find most challenging?

The most challenging thing was getting used to waking up and going to bed early and adapting to a new lifestyle. The first couple of weeks were really difficult since my usual wake-up time is way later than what I am doing right now. Also, I had to learn about manufacturing and the battery industry a lot since Panasonic focuses on producing batteries for Tesla Electric Vehicles. It was hard to understand a lot of engineering terms at the beginning, but after some time, it got much easier.

What advice do you have for other students looking for a similar experience, or advice for future students to be successful?

Start early—the sooner you begin exploring your interests and building connections, the better. Talk to as many people as possible and always be kind; the world is small, and you never know how someone might play a role in your future.

Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn—it’s a great tool to discover people doing exciting things. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Even small actions can lead to big opportunities, and taking initiative always beats doing nothing.

Make the most of your resources at Eller: speak with your career coaches and professors, and build meaningful relationships with them. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience—tap into it.

Finally, get involved. Join clubs, pursue side projects, and create unique experiences that reflect who you are. Build your portfolio and find your edge—become someone who brings something different to the table.

How did Eller prepare you for this experience?

Eller played a pivotal role in preparing me for this internship, both in the application process and in equipping me with the necessary skill set to succeed. Throughout the application phase, I had the opportunity to work closely with my career coaches, who provided valuable advice and helped me craft a strong resume. One of the most impactful experiences was participating in the Spring Break Study Tour to Seattle. Visiting top companies across various industries and engaging with professionals gave me real-world insights that I now apply in my daily work and team collaborations. I also credit my professors and the many workshops organized by Eller for developing the knowledge and skills I rely on every day during my internship.