Wednesday, July 31, 2024
At the heart of the Init Summer School 2024 program are our dedicated mentors, whose expertise and guidance are instrumental in shaping the experiences of our interns. Let's get to know the professionals who are leading our interns through this exciting journey, sharing their insights and knowledge to help cultivate the next generation of tech leaders.
Our mentors bring a wealth of experience and a passion for technology that is evident in their professional journeys and current roles. Let's dive deeper into their stories and insights to understand the driving forces behind their careers and the invaluable guidance they offer our interns.
What inspired you to pursue a career in tech?
AK: My tech career was sparked by an old PC in my basement. I took it apart out of curiosity and was fascinated by how it worked. The challenge of putting it back together and getting it running again ignited my passion for solving complex tech puzzles.
TG: Being able to continuously learn and adapt to new advancements keeps me passionate about my work. The collaborative aspect of tech, where diverse teams come together to build something greater than the sum of its parts, has always been a significant source of inspiration for me.
VS: The evolution of technology and the potential to solve real-world problems through innovative solutions inspired me to pursue a career in this field.
What is your role in the Init Summer School program?
AK: In the Init Summer School program, I am a mentor. I help guide our interns, providing them with practical knowledge and advice. I believe in the "learning by doing" philosophy, so my mentees can expect to be thrown into the deep end. Of course, I'll be there with a lifebuoy if they need it.
TG: I provide technical guidance and support to the participants, helping them understand and navigate the various projects and challenges they encounter. I also play a role in project planning and oversight, ensuring that the projects assigned to the interns are both challenging and educational.
VS: As a mentor in the Init Summer School program, my role involves guiding interns, providing technical and professional advice, and facilitating their integration into the company's culture and practices.
What key experiences or projects have shaped your expertise?
AK: One of the defining experiences that shaped my expertise was a project in the gas and oil field with the team in Init Norway. We developed a condition and performance system for a crucial part of the company's infrastructure. This project was unique as we had a diverse team spread across different offices and disciplines. This project not only honed my technical skills but also underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving success.
TG: During my early career, I had the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different industries. These experiences allowed me to gain a solid foundation in software development and understand the unique challenges and requirements of various domains.
Most of the projects I worked on involved designing and implementing complex multi-tenant solutions. These projects honed my skills in system architecture, performance optimization, and scalability. It also taught me the importance of robust testing and documentation.
VS: Several key projects have shaped my expertise, including working on products with very tight deadlines, developing scalable cloud-based applications, and designing and developing solutions that require precise and real-time responses.
In your view, why is mentorship important in the tech industry?
AK: Mentorship is crucial for the tech industry because technology evolves rapidly. Having a mentor helps you to keep up with the pace and navigate the challenges. Plus, it is always handy to have someone who can figure out why your code has chosen to throw a fit when you least expect it.
TG: Mentorship accelerates learning, aids career advancement, and contributes to the growth and innovation of the tech industry.
VS: Mentorship is essential in the tech industry as it bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. It allows the showing of diverse engineering perspectives, enabling the next generation of engineers to face complex problems with simple, effective solutions.
What can interns expect to gain from their mentorship experience with you?
AK: Interns who work with me can expect to gain real-world experience, technical knowledge, and a few good jokes. I believe that learning should be fun, so while I'll push them to excel, I'll also ensure they enjoy the process.
TG: Interns can expect to gain a comprehensive and enriching experience through mentorship with me, including enhanced technical skills and problem-solving abilities, building confidence and independence, and improving soft skills such as communication and teamwork.
They will be encouraged to think creatively and innovate, developing solutions to real-world challenges. Additionally, the experience will foster personal growth, resilience, and a growth mindset, preparing them for a successful career in tech.
VS: Interns can expect to gain practical experience, improved technical skills, and a deeper understanding of agile methodologies. They will also develop problem-solving abilities, receive career guidance, and build a professional network.
What are some common challenges interns face, and how do you help them overcome these?
AK: Interns often grapple with complex concepts or troubleshooting code. I support them by fostering a problem-solving mindset, reminding them that error messages are simply the system's way of asking for guidance. And when in doubt, a good old restart can work wonders!
TG: Interns often face challenges like adjusting to real-world workflows, dealing with technical issues, managing their time, and communicating effectively.
To help them overcome these, I provide clear guidance on tasks and expectations, offer hands-on support for technical problems, assist with prioritizing work, and create a supportive environment for open communication.
By giving constructive feedback and encouraging their growth, I help them build confidence and independence throughout their internship.
VS: Common challenges include managing time effectively, organizing tasks independently, and focusing on understanding the task rather than just working on it. To help interns overcome these, we focus on fostering a supportive environment, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging a growth mindset. We also emphasize the importance of effective communication and teamwork.
Our mentors at Init Summer School 2024 play a pivotal role in the development and success of our interns. Through their extensive experience, dedication, and passion for technology, they provide invaluable guidance and support, helping interns navigate the complexities of the tech industry. As our interns embark on this transformative journey, they are not only gaining technical skills but also building relationships with mentors who are deeply invested in their growth and success. We are excited to witness the impact of their mentorship and the remarkable achievements that will unfold throughout this program.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from our talented interns and mentors!
