Name: Simbiat Odeshina
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Code Red Technologies
Position Title: Cable Technician
Major(s)/Minor(s): Information Systems
Work Term: Summer 2017
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
The organization I worked for during summer 2017 is named Code Red Technologies. It is an information technology company that specializes in tech support and has recently ventured into cabling. During my internship, I shadowed the Vice-President of Operations and was given other jobs to do based on daily demands. This gave me insight to the behind the scenes workings of an information technology company at multiple levels of production. Some of the assignments given to me included: making weekly schedules in Microsoft Excel, policy research, creating filing systems for contractors, reorganizing existing files systems, and sorting papers which included receipts I later scanned into the company's “cloud.” I also watched many job interviews in which I gained insight into being a better interviewee and whom interviewers want to hire.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I obtained this position through the Department of Employment Services’ (DOES) Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP). I have known of SYEP for many years through friends who have worked in the program during the summer. This was my first time attending this program. I got advice for my resume from the Career Center to help obtain this job.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
I have enjoyed the organization’s culture. Code Red Technologies' culture is much different from a more formal cubicle job. This job makes you interact a lot with other employees, which is a good thing. This has made me become more outspoken to better communicate with others inside and outside the workplace. This company is like one big family to me!
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe I have made an impact through helping the Vice-President of Operations with work that may take longer to be completed. She was able to delegate specific jobs to me throughout the summer. She has an extensive “to do” list and is always busy doing something important for the well-being of the company. I benefited from the experience and was able to provide her with more time to directly manage employees and interview new hires.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
I would advise them to do their best at this job. It is okay to make mistakes as long as your supervisor or boss knows that you tried your best. Also ask questions if you are unsure about anything, so you will not make a mistake in the first place. An internship is the perfect place to preemptively learn what is required for specific jobs and to use the resources of staff/supervisors to build skills needed to be better employees in the future.
Like the Career Center on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
#UMBCintern
Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!