With a background as the Dartmouth College football team director of game management, Aneesh Sharma is an intern with the University of Georgia football program in Athens. He engages with the recruiting department to coordinate the Georgia Official Visits (OV) program, which brings top football athletes from all over the United States to the campus to experience its athletics program. Aneesh Sharma’s efforts support a team with one of college athletics’ highest recruiting budgets.
As a quantitative social studies student at Dartmouth College, Mr. Sharma focused on gaining skills in multivariable calculus and statistics computer science. He was the director of game management with the Dartmouth Football Team and provided the head coach with guidance on critical fourth-down decisions.
Mr. Sharma’s recommendations reflected a deep feel for game dynamics and extensive research into league film archives. He maintained sideline communication with the head coach across the game. Mr. Sharma is an avid hiker who has taken a six-week backpacking expedition across the Northwest and completed the grueling DOC 50 54-mile continuous Appalachian Trail hike.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day starts with attending classes, followed by heading over to the football facilities to work for the Dartmouth football team. I make my days productive by balancing short-term tasks with long-term goals. I use brief moments in the day—like walking between classes or grabbing coffee—to think strategically about projects or jot down quick ideas. This mix of execution and reflection helps me keep forward momentum.
How do you bring ideas to life?
For me, ideas begin on paper—or more often, on the Notes app. Writing helps me clarify my thinking, break down abstract thoughts, and structure a rough plan of action. Once I’ve mapped out the steps, I move into building, collaborating, or researching, depending on the type of project.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited by the growing trend of young people entering emerging fields not just for stability, but out of genuine passion. From journalism to sports, I see peers aligning work with values and curiosity. It feels like a generational shift toward more meaningful innovation.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I use the Notes app religiously. I make separate lists for daily tasks, ongoing projects, and long-term goals. It helps me avoid tunnel vision, stay grounded, and feel a sense of progress—even on hectic days.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t get too caught up in perfecting small details. Focus more on long-term goals and trust that some short-term uncertainties will work themselves out. Momentum is more important than mastery early on.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Interstellar is the greatest movie of all time. Its ambition, emotional depth, and visuals are unmatched—and I’ll defend that to anyone who disagrees.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Keep a running log of everyone you’ve networked with. Even a simple list with names, dates, and topics can be a lifesaver when looking for advice, jobs, or collaborations down the line.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a walk—or just pace for a few minutes. Moving around helps reset my brain, and I usually come back feeling clearer and more focused.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I’ve developed a habit of taking detailed notes anytime I learn a new skill, insight, or lesson—whether during an internship, research, or conversation. Reviewing these notes has helped me internalize lessons faster and apply them with more confidence later on.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I have experienced many rejections for internships in my career. However, each “no” carries a unique lesson and brings me closer to a “yes.”
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
The Notes app on my phone and laptop keeps me sane. I use it to organize everything—from to-do lists and reading notes to internship goals. It helps me think clearly and stay focused, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. It’s one of the smartest books I’ve read—an anti-war satire that’s both profound and hilarious. It changed the way I think about systems, authority, and absurdity.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Social Network. It’s one of the most gripping portrayals of ambition, vision, and fallout. The direction, score, and pacing are near perfect—and it captures how quickly a great idea can turn into something bigger than its creator.
Key learnings
- Balancing daily tasks with long-term thinking leads to sustained productivity.
- Writing and organizing ideas early is key to successful execution.
- Taking detailed notes during work experiences accelerates personal and professional growth.
- Small habits, like logging network connections, can yield long-term career advantages.
- Creativity and insight often come from stepping away and resetting perspective.