For my STEP Signature Project I decided to do an internship with Infinity Labs, a consulting tech company out of Dayton. I started off the summer with some training and meeting the team. Collaborating with a team, I got to create a project that the company now uses today. Also, I got to experience some AI in one of the innovating “crews” I was in.
I would say my biggest view that changed while working this summer is the importance of the workplace environment you are working at. This summer I got to experience an amazing small company, with a close company culture, and goal driven people. Because of that, I got to work somewhere I might not get at a larger business. Overall, it helped me narrow down where I want to work when I graduate because of the welcoming experience a smaller business has.
During my internship I was assigned to a team, that was lead by a project manager. The first day I met him he was full of energy and excited that I was joining my team. I instantly knew that I was going to have a good summer. As summer went on my PM was always looking for ways to get me experience and help me learn as much as I could. He also was very helpful with getting me in touch with coworkers that were experts in whatever problem I was running into. He was a big part of why I decided to return as a co-op this autumn.
At my company, there were innovative groups called “crews”. Everyone that worked at the company was in a crew which was specifically designed to help employees learn and create things that they are interested in. The company is paying people to learn! As soon as I heard about this I was intrigued by the idea and got into AI that is very upcoming. I got to learn and create things I did not think I would get the chance to.
One of the best things was company lunch! Almost every week the company would order lunch for everyone. During this I got to talk to coworkers and really get to know them. I learned that one of them lived in Alaska and the other ATV’s every 2 weeks in the summer. It was a good time to take a break from work and relax in, another perk, the courtyard. Also, the office was very nice overall with many different amenities at the location.
The amazing environment helped me stay focused and learn a ton throughout it. I was able to try and learn many different things that I can not experience in school. Because of that, it really helped me figure out I want my focus to be in my major. A big part of that was real life scenarios; Actually being there and seeing the problem all the way through. By doing this I was able to see what I enjoyed doing and what I might avoid taking a class in. I am now more confident on my path for the future because of my STEP Signature Project.
