I had a Full-time job?!
A brief overview of my first co-op term in SWE
Beyond the click-bait sounding title, I’m officially done with my first co-op term!
Here’s the rundown!
The 9-5
Throughout the course of the term, I interned at BMO as a Software Developer. I was able to work on a tax-management application and bring it to production!
In all honesty, the first two weeks were difficult. I felt in over my head, not knowing what my project was, how to deliver, and how to work online. I also struggled to ask questions– afraid to show my incompetence. Over time, I learned to show my vulnerability to learn and settled into the workflow.
Through countless code reviews, shadowing team members, google/stack overflow deep dives, and Microsoft training modules, I drastically improved my programming capabilities related to project-based coding. Also, as my project neared its ending stages, I had the unique opportunity to observe the relationship between developers, QA, and users.
Truly, I found software development quite enjoyable, and the co-op, amazing for growing technical skills. But, there were elements of my job that made me reconsider what I would like for my future career.
Due to remote working, corporate regulations, and the nature of my team, I found myself often working alone, without many opportunities to have a say in my daily tasks. I have strong interpersonal and leadership skills which I would like to employ in my job regularly.
First, I struggled to piece together what that might look like from a developer standpoint, and spent much time with mentors at BMO, learning about product management, product ownership, and business enablement. Special shoutout to Rebecca Lui for answering all of my endless questions, and going out of her way to expose me to an entirely different side of BMO :)
After conversations with the director of my team, I realized that leadership and management are not codependent. Meaning, I can lead/pitch software improvements as a developer, but not necessarily as a manager. Still, I wasn’t sure how to lead a project at a multi-billion dollar corporation with many regulations. With some guidance, I learned to rescope what ‘leading’ looks like for an intern at BMO. I tried to perfect my skills related to sectors of the project my team members weren’t as comfortable with, and this gave me the opportunity to teach my team members at the end of the term. I also began to question internal operations within my team.
So what does this mean for the future? Well, I’d love to explore product management, but also software development at a smaller sized company, to have a bit more liberty to take charge. But, regardless of where I work next, I’m confident I will be able to harness my skills to bring something new to the table.
Career Growth
The great thing about co-op vs school is that I’m totally free after 5. Here are some of the things I did to grow my skills!
Launched a personal website! Fully coded, multipager. There are endless things I can improve, but this is a start. Check it out here.
I participated in my first ever official hackathon, StarHacks! A friend and I developed an application that acts as a price-matcher for products that typically have added PinkTax. We focused on the UI/UX elements, which was completely new for me. Great learning experience!
EWB: I led the tech stewardship sector of UW’s Engineers without Borders sector this past term. On a bi-weekly basis, I met with Mark Abbott, the Managing Director of the Tech Stewardship program (By Engineering Change Labs) and assisted in the development of the program. I also learned more about ethical usage of technology and systems thinking. Overall, 10/10!
I also just spent a lot of time learning about current events, global issues, and new technology. I met lots of cool people working on social good projects; a few things are in the works - stay tuned for updates!
Personal Growth
I don’t think I have ever been as at peace with myself as I am now. Coming home from university was a serene calm; I was able to take a step back and reflect on myself.
During this time, I picked up bharathanatyam again, after a 10-month hiatus. I began learning with Neeraja Ramani, a totally experienced, SUPER cool dancer. Classes sometimes feel almost like physiotherapy, because I’m understanding the way my body moves in an entirely new light. Not even kidding, I spent an entire class learning to walk.
I also began fiddling with different art forms (sketching, oil pastels, collaging, etc.) Because this was just for fun, I was able to leave behind any expectations for my work, and just do what I would like, which resulted in art much better than I ever could have desired. I’ll share a portfolio-esqe page on my website soon
Volunteering at the community garden helped me get outside and exercise my plant knowledge, focusing on native species and pollination. A lot of new people came out this year, so I was able to teach the basics, along with getting my hands dirty.
For all you readers out there - ya know how there are phases where you read once in a blue moon and others where you just INHALE literature? Let’s just say, my lung capacity extended beyond imagination. Though, I’ve begun developing better habits when it comes to reading, to stay consistent rather than sudden influxes. Also, I now understand those who swear by podcasts. If anyone has recommendations, let me know! I’m totally open to trying any genre :)
Social
Socializing this past term was honestly a unique challenge. I spent the past months in a suburban, residential community, where all of my friends from high school are at their universities in different towns, and those from waterloo are in different cities.
This lack of proximity meant that social outings required time and effort to plan. This added effort resulted in lots of fun, unique times connecting with friends old and new.
Here are some pictures:
Final Thoughts
Thank you to all my coworkers, mentors, and friends for making these past four months terrific for my growth! I’m heading back to school next week, and I’m ready to get into the academic space again. I’m curious to see how the summer term will be, as a majority of the first-year population will be on co-op. Looking forward to learning, building, and smiling :)
Let’s get into it!