For this week’s Intern Spotlight, we sat down with Christa Mary Veluthedat, an MSc Artificial Intelligence student whose blend of creativity, curiosity and confidence made her stand out from the moment she joined the Black Interns Programme.
What followed was an inspiring conversation about growth, self-belief, and the power of opportunity.
Here’s what she shared with us.
“So Christa, who are you outside of the world of AI?”
She smiles before answering.
“I’m someone who loves movement, creativity and learning. Outside of work, I’m usually singing, dancing, staying active through sports or exploring UI/UX design. And of course, spending time with friends. Those things really keep me grounded.”
Behind the technical mindset is a young woman who values joy, balance, and connection just as much as innovation.
Discovering BPU: “It felt different, more human.”
Christa first stumbled upon the BPU programme through her university careers page. The role caught her attention, but the support sealed the deal.
“What stood out was how human the BPU platform felt. Before my interview, they held a preparation session that made me feel confident and prepared. During the internship, they checked in constantly. And even when it was all over, we had a reflection call. Chinyere and Lilian were amazing, they were there every step of the way.”
Facing Challenges: “The UK job market? It wasn’t easy.”
When we asked about hurdles, she nodded knowingly.
“As an international student, breaking into the UK job market was tough. I got rejections, and sometimes I struggled to explain my AI skills in a way that made sense. But I kept learning, kept applying, and kept pushing.”
Her story is one of quiet resilience — the kind that doesn’t shout, but perseveres.
Inside Thorntons Law: “From day one, I felt trusted.”
Her internship at Thorntons Law LLP was where everything clicked.
“It was an incredible experience. I worked on AI and automation projects, joined important meetings, and presented to stakeholders. What meant the most was feeling trusted from the very beginning.”
She pauses, then adds warmly:
“I have to mention Sarah Blair and Meraj Hassan. They encouraged me and my teammate, Tammy Tony Chuku, to think creatively, take risks, and bring bold ideas to life.”
The Lesson That Stayed With Her: “Make it human.”
When we asked about her biggest takeaway, she didn’t hesitate.
“Communicating technical ideas in a simple, human way. That changed everything for me. Presenting AI workflows to people without tech backgrounds helped me bridge a gap I didn’t even know existed.”
She also improved her leadership, teamwork and presentation skills, all while gaining hands-on experience with tools like Copilot, Power BI and Power Automate.
A Clearer Future: “Now I know where I want to be.”
By the end of the internship, Christa walked away with clarity.
“It strengthened my confidence and helped me see that I want to work at the intersection of AI, automation and business transformation especially in legal and professional services. I realised I can thrive in fast-paced environments and that AI can create meaningful change when it’s used thoughtfully.”
Her Advice to You: “Even if you’re unsure, apply.”
Christa’s message to aspiring interns is simple:
“Go for it. You might not feel ready, but the programme is so supportive. It builds your confidence and expands your network in ways you don’t expect. It really does open doors.”
Quote Spotlight
“This internship didn’t just build my skills, it strengthened my confidence, shaped my purpose, and showed me that I can create meaningful impact with AI.”
As our conversation ended, it was clear that Christa’s journey is more than an internship story, it’s a testament to what happens when persistence meets opportunity and support.
A powerful reminder that the right environment doesn’t just grow talent…
It shapes identity, purpose and belief.