Internship Spotlight: Jasmine Liao ’26, Duolingo
A longtime Duolingo user, Jasmine Liao used her product management skills to help improve interactive features of the language learning app.
Internship: Duolingo, Pittsburgh
Hometown: Hong Kong
Pronouns: she/her/hers
The SOM class you’re using on the job: Probability Modeling & Statistics
Go-to work lunch: Daily lunch in the office!
After-work routine: Watching the sunset at Schenley Park
Favorite thing about internship city: The bridges!
I spent the summer as a product management intern on the video call experience team at Duolingo, one of the most popular (and fun!) language learning apps. This summer, I’ve been working on Video Call with Lily, a feature that helps users practice their speaking and listening skills in realistic, low-stakes conversations. My focus has been on two key areas: breakdown recovery (how we support learners when they get stuck) and dynamic difficulty adjustment (how we tailor the experience in real time to keep learners challenged but not overwhelmed). It’s been incredibly rewarding to work at the intersection of AI, user experience, and learning science—all in service of helping people build confidence in speaking a new language.
Duolingo has been a dream company for me. I’ve been using the app for over 12 years, and I’ve always admired how it makes language learning feel approachable, engaging, and fun. With a background in marketing and design, I’ve been especially drawn to Duolingo’s commitment to product craft—from its intuitive, playful UX to the way every interaction feels thoughtfully designed. On the marketing side, Duolingo continues to impress with its engaging, viral brand presence. What truly drew me in, though, is the culture. The company has the creative energy of a startup, combined with the scale and support of an established tech company. Even as an intern, I felt like I could bring ideas to the table, experiment, and contribute meaningfully.
This internship drew on core lessons from classes I took in my first year at SOM. For example, after deepening my understanding of A/B testing and experimental design in the course Statistics, I arrived at Duolingo with the tools to thrive at a data-driven company. From day one, I was able to comprehend experimentation rigor, ask sharper questions, and contribute meaningfully to product discussions.
Another highlight of my experience was getting to work alongside Luis Mas Castillo ’19, an SOM alum who now works full-time at Duolingo. Luis has been an incredible mentor and a constant source of advice and encouragement. His support reminded me of just how strong the SOM network truly is and how powerful those connections can be, both professionally and personally.
Social media is a huge part of Duolingo’s brand, and I even got to participate by appearing in a TikTok dressed as a character called “Buff Maid Duo.” It was refreshing to see creativity and play in a high-impact work environment. Moments like these show that work can be both meaningful and genuinely fun.
One of the most unexpected benefits of this internship has been exploring Pittsburgh itself. I’ve been blown away by how beautiful and fun the city is. I tried flameworking at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, drank pickle juice at Picklesburgh (yes, a whole festival dedicated to pickles!), browsed local art markets, and went on some great hikes. It made the experience feel full, both inside and outside the office.
Reflecting on this summer, the experience surpassed all expectations. I had the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to a product I’ve admired for years, and to see firsthand what it’s like to work as a product manager. This internship also confirmed that I want to work on mission-driven, consumer-facing products that use AI in thoughtful and creative ways. Duolingo’s blend of impact and delightful user experience made it the perfect place to bring those ambitions to life.
I leave this internship with greater conviction in my post-MBA path—and with deep gratitude for the opportunity to help build technology that empowers people to learn and grow.
