My team

I worked in the Digital Architecture and Analysis team, within the ICT department. Our team works to connect the dots between different software systems, making sure that everyone has access to the information they need to do their job, as efficiently as possible. I don’t come from a tech education background, so was a little apprehensive to step into this role, but found that a lot of my project management, business analysis, and problem-solving skills were very transferrable.  

A day in my life

I got into the office by 8.30am each morning, and usually started my day by checking my calendar and planning when my meetings were. Each day looked different: intern check-ins, informative seminars, or project workshops. I fit my other responsibilities around these meetings, and always managed to make time for a quick coffee with another intern and a walk down to Wellington’s waterfront for lunch on a sunny day.

My work

My team were very supportive, and included me in a large long-term project that I contributed to throughout my internship. I came into this internship feeling a little unsure about my lack of experience, but I got to play to my strengths and lead in areas I felt confident with, and received a lot of support to learn more in areas I didn’t know much about. There was a lot of flexibility for me to work remotely and choose my own hours, but I definitely preferred the social  aspect of being in the office!

My experience

Some of my highlights were site visits: I went to the Hutt Workshops to see the locomotive maintenance, and the Wallaceville Train Control station. These experiences helped me understand other sides of the business that I didn’t work in. 

Our intern cohort was wonderful, and we were given lots of learning opportunities and chances to network with graduates. I really appreciated getting to hear about wider parts of the company, and seeing different possibilities for career pathways. This has helped inform my choices for my own future career.

My biggest piece of advice when taking a summer internship is to not have too many expectations: seize opportunities to learn new things outside of your comfort zone! You have more control over your experience than you think, so communicating your interests in different projects or teams can give you amazing opportunities. Everyone is so welcoming and willing to help you have the best time possible.