I began my internship by learning how to use the ticketing system – a repetitive experience consisting of watching videos, performing exercises and completing quizzes. It was tedious, but it’s also an experience I am grateful for; a strong foundation needs to be established before building on it.
2 days and 6 pages of notes later, I completed the ticketing system training and got to shadow the intern mentor/supervisor. Everything was new, exciting and fun. I was like a sponge soaking up as much information as I could and documenting everything I may need to know.
I learned about the backup, monitoring, remote connection and other various software that we use. But most importantly, I learned about our proactive approach – monthly checklists for our managed services clients. Without the checklists, we wouldn’t know things were broken until…well, until after they broke, or until we need them because other things are broken – like hardware or backups.
My 3rd day was an onsite visit with the intern mentor. I was so excited to go. I was not expecting to get the opportunity so soon after starting my internship, but I was going to make the most of it. I was ready. I even bought a new pair of shoes with comfortable soles because I expected to be on my feet all day.
When we arrived, I stepped back to observe, but was eager to assist where I could. I noted how professional, but approachable and friendly the intern mentor was with the staff at the site. The more frequently the intern mentor was approached, the more my respect grew, especially when he promised to get a task done or looked at that day and followed through with it.
While onsite, I was tasked with a computer set up, to be done on my own – this was after assisting the intern mentor set up two others. I was successful, for the most part, due to my documentation earlier.
Throughout the day, the intern mentor asked me questions to test my knowledge – his patience and praise cemented two “best-practices rules to live by” for me:
- We are a team – the Pund-IT team – and we are always willing to help each other.
- Do your research before asking for assistance – it helps them know what you understand of the situation and it will help you remember what needs to be done, especially if you documented it properly.
As the days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months, I felt like I had earned a true place on the team. My interaction with each member increased the level of respect I held for them as individuals and as a whole. The camaraderie within the Pund-IT team is enviable and well nurtured, but my time as an intern was coming to a close.
With a month remaining in my internship, I dared not dream of getting hired on because I would be crushed by the disappointment of no longer working with my Pund-IT teammates. They supported and encouraged me, laughed at (and were quietly grateful) of my overly cautious nature. And when I made mistakes, they would remind me that the world is bigger than that.
When I was hired, I was informed that the decision was based, partially, on the input and opinions of the Pund-IT team members. Every day, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside my comrades.
-Mai Vang
Looking to be apart of the team? Come down to our careers page and drop us your info at our Careers Page
For tips on transitioning from intern to full-time employee, check out Forbes’ Guide on Making the Transition.
