A blog written by Kaylee Maeng.
My 2024 Summer Internship Experience at Bobidi.
The Vision:
During my on-site internship at Bobidi, I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in the collaborative and innovative environment of a dynamic startup. Bobidi, an AI-driven platform focused on enhancing customer engagement, brought together a talented team with a shared vision to revolutionize employee and customer interaction through personalized, data-driven quizzes.
What set this experience apart was the way the Bobidi team operated. To maximize collaboration and build close relationships, we rented Airbnbs in various neighborhoods of San Jose, often near the Zoom headquarters. All employees stayed together at these Airbnbs, which fostered a strong bond and streamlined our workflow. We also held Zoom meetings to connect with potential partnerships from South Korea, ensuring seamless communication across time zones.
My Roles and Contributions:
As part of the Bobidi team, my primary responsibility was crafting engaging and thoughtful quiz content for the Supertalents app. These quizzes were tailored to the specific needs of restaurants, aiming to improve their staff's knowledge retention and customer service. Here are some highlights of my contributions:
Quiz Development
I generated custom quizzes for renowned restaurants like Mastro's Steakhouse, LOTTE, and Buckhorn BBq & Girll. These quizzes ranged in difficulty, covering essential topics such as wine pairings, menu highlights, and customer service strategies.
Team Collaboration
I actively participated in every meeting across departments, gaining insight into the company’s operations beyond my role. I enhanced my skills in UI/UX design, providing feedback on colors, fonts, and layouts, and collaborated on designing company merchandise, including custom T-shirts in Figma. These shirts were proudly showcased at the 2024 California Restaurant Show, strengthening our branding efforts.
API Integration
Working closely with engineers, I helped ensure the seamless integration of these quizzes into the Supertalents app. I also collaborated on refining our use of Retool to monitor and update quiz performance metrics efficiently.
Presentation & Demos
In preparation for the show, the team conducted multiple live demos at the office and Airbnb we stayed at, using the same PCs that would be featured at the show. Team members took on different roles—some as potential "customers" interested in our platform, while others demonstrated our app’s features and benefits. These sessions provided valuable insights, helping us refine our presentation and address questions. This preparation ensured we were ready to deliver a polished showcase at the event.
The Result:
Our hard work and preparation at the 2024 California Restaurant Show yielded outstanding results. The team exceeded expectations, securing 15 new restaurant partnerships, surpassing our initial goal of 5. We showcased the SuperTalents app to over 50 restaurant managers and owners, generating valuable feedback and building strong relationships with both large and small restaurants, such as Kickin Kasian, Alcazar Tapas, Larsen’s Restaurant, and Juan Pollo.
One of the key highlights was the ability to demonstrate the app’s capabilities in real time. By leveraging our customized API, I instantly generated quiz questions from restaurant menu websites and collaborated with engineers to ensure seamless integration into the app. During the demos, managers and owners downloaded the app, entered their details, and generated quiz questions tailored to their restaurants—all within five minutes. This hands-on experience was a game-changer, showcasing the app’s efficiency and value.
My Personal Growth:
This internship was a truly transformative experience for me, offering unparalleled opportunities for both professional and personal development. One of the most rewarding aspects was learning how to present myself effectively and communicate with a diverse audience. I engaged directly with restaurant managers and owners from various establishments. These interactions taught me how to tailor my approach to connect with different personalities and business needs, significantly enhancing my interpersonal and networking skills.
I also developed confidence in pitching our platform in high-pressure, real-world scenarios. From initiating conversations with potential clients to delivering compelling demos, I learned how to adapt my messaging on the spot, ensuring I addressed the specific interests of each audience. By working closely with engineers, I not only expanded my technical understanding of AI and API integrations but also bridged the gap between technical development and client needs. This collaboration gave me a holistic view of how technology can drive personalized, customer-focused solutions.
Additionally, this internship deepened my appreciation for the importance of preparation and adaptability. Whether it was designing quizzes on the fly, creating a simulated event environment during practice demos, or refining app presentations based on feedback, I gained firsthand experience in how iterative processes and teamwork lead to meaningful results. Beyond technical and professional skills, I also built strong relationships with my colleagues by working in close quarters, fostering a collaborative environment that allowed creativity and camaraderie to thrive.
Ultimately, this experience gave me a comprehensive understanding of how a startup operates at the intersection of innovation, marketing, and client service. I take away not just technical and professional skills, but also a profound sense of confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to future opportunities.