Intern Spotlight: Getting to Know Paulo Aguiar

We’re thrilled to welcome Paulo Aguiar to the ACP family this summer! Paulo joins our Accounting department as a Data Analyst Intern, where he’ll be working alongside Nick Rodio on the Data Team, helping turn raw numbers into the kind of insight that makes our decisions sharper and our business stronger. From the first conversation, his curiosity and energy made it clear he’s going to be a great fit around here.

We sat down with Paulo to learn what first drew him to data, what he’s hoping to take away from the summer, and a few things that have nothing to do with spreadsheets at all. Here’s the conversation.

Paulo Aguiar | Data Analyst Intern

What first got you interested in data?

“At the start of my sophomore year, I decided to go on an adventure and join Case Western’s Journal of Economics. Right after we paired up and settled on our research question, we had a data analysis training session. That was the first time I really saw how much power lives in these tools, the ones that let us go deeper into the messy, raw data that surrounds us. It clicked for me right there.”

What are you most hoping to learn or work on during your time at ACP?

“Beyond sharpening my technical analysis and critical thinking, I’m hoping to get deeply involved in the reporting and data pipelines that help ACP’s executives draw out valuable insights and make better business decisions. I also want to leave this summer more comfortable and confident in how I carry myself in the corporate world. The people at ACP are the best, and I hope to spend a lot of time with them, not just as coworkers, but as people too.”

Is there something about where you grew up you’d want your coworkers to know?

“Yes. I hope everyone gets the chance one day to visit my hometown and Angola’s capital, Luanda. Picture delicious fried fish right by the beaches, hot weather, the sweet sound of Portuguese, soccer games in the neighborhoods, and, if you time it right, Carnival.”

Outside of school and work, how do you like to spend your time?

“I’m a big soccer guy, so I like staying active on the pitch. Beyond that, I love spending time with my friends and brothers, playing piano and making music, and when I have the time, going on hikes and rock climbing too.”

What’s a favorite meal of yours?

“The Latin American and Angolan classic: white rice, black beans, chicken, and French fries or fried plantain. Either way, it is mouth-watering.”