How to choose an intern who will make an impact, part 1

Whether you are a recent graduate wanting to learn how organizations select interns, or a senior business leader who wants to see how an internship can benefit your own organization, this four-part series will be of interest to you. Stay tuned for the next three parts!

I’m Tony Nudd, Principal Agentic Automation Engineer for the Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. As a veteran “UiPather” for over six years, I’ve witnessed UiPath adapt and respond to a fast-changing IT and business landscape. I began as a Solutions Consultant before moving into leadership as Director of the Solutions Engineering division for APJ Commercial. Now, in my current role, I have the privilege of mentoring many interns who represent the workforce of the future, shaping how business and technology will be adopted.

In this four-part series, I want to go beyond the title of “intern” and highlight the whole person. Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to get to know our UiPath intern, Justin Liu, a talented Data Science student at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). From September to December 2024, Justin joined our team as a Data Scientist Intern, where he brought fresh perspectives and technical expertise to our projects. His dedication and achievements have not gone unnoticed—he was recently recognized as an AFR Top 100 Future Leader for 2025, a testament to his potential as a rising leader in the field. In this first article, I’ll share a bit about his background and experiences—beyond just what’s on his resume.

But to fully understand Justin’s journey, you must first understand what we do. We, at UiPath, are on is on a mission to transform the future of work through agentic automation, empowering businesses to automate complex processes and unlock new levels of efficiency, innovation, and human potential. By harnessing the power of AI and automation, UiPath Platform™ and products are helping organizations reimagine how work gets done.

Why did I select Justin to be an intern at UiPath

I selected Justin for an internship at UiPath because during the interview he articulated values of resilience, passion, and a relentless drive for growth. His love of sports to his academic pursuits in Data Science, Justin had consistently sought out opportunities to challenge himself and make a meaningful impact. He already had a track record of work experience with some Fortune 100 companies, combined with his leadership roles and passion for storytelling through data, made him the ideal candidate. I was excited to see what he could contribute to our mission of shaping the future of work through AI and business automation.

If you were to ask Justin what drives him, the answer would be simple: the challenge. It’s not about the thrill of victory, but about what comes with every loss—the chance to learn, grow, and push himself further. Justin’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep desire to make an impact.

I’ve lost over and over and over again, and that’s the reason why I always win.”

His journey began at just seven years old, on the soccer field, where his love for competition first sparked. But it was a defining moment in May 2012 that truly shaped the path ahead. As Manchester City faced Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in a must-win game, the title was slipping away, until, in the 93rd minute, Sergio Aguero’s iconic goal sealed the Premier League for City. For Justin, that moment wasn’t just about a win. It ignited a lifelong passion for soccer, the power of competition, and the sense of belonging to a team, values that would guide him through every challenge he faced.

From sports to data: a new passion emerges

High school marked a shift in Justin’s interests. What started as a fun way to engage with soccer has evolved into something much deeper. Through Fantasy Premier League (FPL), he discovered the power of data, the ability to predict, analyse, and understand performance in a way that went beyond the surface. Suddenly, the numbers weren’t just numbers. They told stories. This fascination with data wasn’t confined to sports alone. Justin explored other fields, embracing sports like boxing, basketball, swimming, and tennis, each providing new data points to analyse and a new challenge to overcome.

Turning data into impact

This passion for both competition and data led Justin to pursue a degree in Data Science and Decisions at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). But he didn’t stop there. Justin sought out real-world experience alongside his studies, diving into roles at major companies like Accenture, Uber, and now UiPath. These experiences helped him refine his skills in data analysis, but more importantly, they deepened his understanding of data’s true power, not just in providing insights, but in telling stories that drive change.

Public speaking became another avenue for Justin to share these stories. Whether presenting complex data or leading teams, he learned that the most powerful aspect of data was its ability to inspire action. Whether working with clients at GM Digital Printing or Arrow HSC Education or contributing to pro bono projects with organizations like UNSW Business One Consulting, Justin wasn’t just solving problems. He was empowering others to take ownership of their own stories and create meaningful change.

Recognized for leadership

During Justin’s internship, he was named a 2025 AFR Top 100 Future Leader, and a Finalist for the Quantium Data Science Award, Justin is just getting started. This accolade is a testament to his commitment to making a difference, whether through his expertise, leadership, or passion for helping others reach their potential.

A new chapter at UiPath

When I first met Justin, I could immediately tell he wasn’t just looking for an internship. For him, joining UiPath was the next natural step in a journey fuelled by a genuine passion for innovation, data, and transformation. It wasn’t just about fitting into a role, it was about aligning with a company that shares his values of being humble, bold, and fast. And here, at UiPath, we’re shaping the future of work through AI and automation, so Justin, with his drive and vision, was the perfect fit for this mission.

An internship is more than just a stepping stone—it’s an opportunity to align values, skills, and aspirations with real-world impact. If you are an interviewee, how will you articulate your core values? If you are an interviewer, will you be actively listening for the values your intern needs to possess? This is just the beginning of Justin’s story—his journey continues. Join Tony in part two on our blog, where he'll explore the academic and professional experiences that shaped Justin into the driven individual he is today. He’ll dive into the key insights and skills that made Justin the ideal candidate for a UiPath internship.

If you’re enjoying this article, you may also like other UiPath technical tales here.