I’m interning with Verlume as a Systems Analyst, primarily working with data. My main project I’m working on during my internship is developing a strategy for managing system data, as well as designing a system to do so, and writing all of the necessary documentation.
My first few weeks have been mostly about settling in to the company and role. Everyone I’ve met has been very friendly, it’s been a really welcoming atmosphere, and through my line manager (who’s been brilliant) I’ve had all the support I need for getting started.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet many fellow employees, and much of my work is somewhat collaborative in nature, with my line manager and others – Documents go through a review -> feedback -> edit loop, which has allowed lots of valuable discussion. When I started, I had a few goals in mind for the internship. I wanted to take my first step into the professional world and start my career in the IT industry. A more personal goal was to gain confidence – I often struggle with confidence, but this internship seems like a fantastic opportunity to build that up.
The first few weeks have been a challenge, starting my first professional role, and meeting many new people (always a scary experience), but I feel like I’ve already grown as a person for it.
My line manager joked that I’m working too fast! That, and the complimentary feedback have been very helpful for combating impostor syndrome and made me feel good about my competency. A good thing about getting most of the originally scoped work done at this stage is that my line manager and others are finding more work for me.
Working at a young and growing company like Verlume also means that I can see the importance of my work – The data strategy I am designing will significantly optimise many processes, and allow working with data in ways that weren’t possible before.
The internship continues to be a very rewarding experience, and I’ve learned so much about Systems and Software Engineering and how things are done professionally – i.e., lots of documentation and planning. I’ll be looking to learn all I can, and take whatever opportunities come my way as the internship goes on.
