Summer Internship with North Carolina Small Business & Technology Development Center
Kartik Sastry, Daytime MBA 2026
As a Technology Commercialization Consultant at the North Carolina Small Business & Technology Development Center, I had the opportunity to dive deep into strategic, hands-on consulting. Working with two innovation-driven companies, I led key deliverables such as opportunity assessment and go-to-market strategy. Guided by my SBTDC mentors and cohort discussions, I translated technical and market data into clear, strategic paths for commercialization.
In one engagement, I built a comprehensive commercialization roadmap, pinpointing high-potential domestic and international markets, crafting go-to-market strategies, and benchmarking against competitors. In the second, I evaluated technology’s commercial potential via unmet-need analysis, market sizing, and financial modeling inform strategic next steps. In each case, I made complex insights digestible and actionable for clients.
My business toolkit – strategic thinking, communications, and problem-solving – drove real impact. I also gained valuable exposure by engaging directly with C-level executives, presenting strategic recommendations and aligning commercialization pathways with their organizational vision.
This internship affirmed my passion for roles at the intersection of technology and strategy. I saw firsthand how early-stage ventures iterate, decide under uncertainty, and prioritize speed vs. rigor. Moving forward, I plan to apply these skills in roles where I can shape strategy, influence key decisions, and deliver meaningful impact for customers.
This internship was supported by the Summer Internship Fund, which enables first-year Duke MBA students to learn about the rewards and challenges of using business to drive positive impact without making a significant financial sacrifice. The program enables organizations that otherwise could not afford to hire MBA student interns to benefit from students’ expertise. Funds are raised through student fundraising and from donors who believe in the mission of the program. If you would like to contribute, you can donate online using your credit card.