Name: Sushmitha Macheri
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: The Hilltop Institute
Position Title: Graduate Student Intern
Major(s)/Minor(s): Information Systems
Current Class Level: Graduate Student
Work Term: Summer 2019
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
I was hired to assist the Hilltop Institute with tasks that involved databases. My mornings involved analyzing our security logs to look out for any suspicious activity in our network. I was also assigned to automate this process so that in the future we can look at the visualizations and not a csv file. I also worked with other programmers and assisted them with any SQL related tasks. Additionally, I was assigned to analyze SAS programs and create documents and Data Flow Diagrams that would help non-programmers and our client to understand how the data has been segregated and stored in our databases. My internship was extended and I am now working as a Graduate Research Assistant for the same organization.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I applied for the position online. In my first interview, I was asked about almost every detail from my resume. Then, I had an interview with the Executive Director and the Chief of Staff. After this, I had a test for a programming language, SQL. I prepared for this by using HackerRank, a website that lets you practice for coding interviews, and my lecture notes. I was extended an offer after I cleared these rounds.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
For most of my internship, I was the only one working on the project; this responsibility gave me the opportunity to grow as a programmer and expand my skills, while also giving me the freedom to use my creativity. Later on, I transitioned to a team and had to collaborate with others. During these experiences, I learned a lot about how to efficiently perform an assigned task and work with a group to create a cohesive project!
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I had a lot of responsibility since most of the time I was the sole contributor, with of course guidance from my supervisor who was always pushing me to achieve more. Because of this, I was able to improve with every deliverable and secure my new assistantship!
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