What is your specific role as an intern at the IDEA Center?
I am an Android Developer.
What is your main takeaway from your time working with the IDEA Center?
My greatest takeaway has been the exposure to a variety of problems that need solving. While I was hired to develop the Android app, I developed a python API and contributed to some of the Javascript. I was able to work with and learn from a variety of different technologies, which has strengthened my abilities as a software engineer. In addition, the team I worked on consisted of some very intelligent and experienced individuals who helped foster my growth throughout the project.
What influence did your IDEA Center work have on your full-time career discernment (and what will you be doing)?
This project helped me discover that I really like mobile development. In the past, I have always found it daunting to get into and difficult to get good at, but being forced to learn more and figure out solutions with the IDEA Center has made me a much better mobile developer. This summer, I will be interning at another tech company working on Android development and I plan to continue that in my full-time career after college..
What advice would you give students at ND looking to get involved with the IDEA Center?
I would recommend that they just try it. If it's not for them, then that's fine and they look elsewhere. I think they should find a project that they are passionate about or think they would be passionate about, and if it works for them, great. If not, it's not a big deal. Regardless, they will still have a good experience and gain a lot of knowledge from it.
Most memorable moment from IDEA Center work?
The most memorable moment for me was when the team met to install the product for our first Beta trials. It was exciting for me as it was the first time a product I have ever developed was being delivered to the customer. It was great to see the entire team's hard work come together.
What is the current startup you are supporting?
NDX
What do you do for the startup? Any takeaways?
At NDX, I worked on the Android app that allows the users on the ground to interact with the system. I also developed an api for the team that helps us query aircraft information. My biggest takeaway from this project and this team is the freedom I had to make suggestions and develop solutions. Anytime I identified a problem and I shared that with the team, it became my responsibility to develop a solution. It was that responsibility and trust that allowed me to learn a lot and grow as a software engineer.