Being interviewed for the Ram Page

A writer for the Ram Page, our school newspaper, asked me some questions on Facebook concerning my internship with IBM.

What she asked:

1. How did you find out about the internship? How did you apply, etc?
2. When does it begin? How long is it? What does it entail? – As an
availability/problem analyst what will you do, etc?
3. How will this affect your career choices? What do you hope to gain from
the experience?
4. Why are internships important, or why should students in your major and
other majors pursue internships in their field?

What I said:

1. In May, Troi Middleton, the secretary for the computer science
department, called me and asked if I would be interested in an internship with
IBM here at the Texas State Data Center during the Fall semester as a "computer
operator." I wasn't sure what it would entail, but she told me I didn't need any
prior experience. Even though I was a bit nervous due to the little information
I had concerning the job, I knew that an internship here could provide some
valuable experience for my future, so I told her yes.

The application process was lengthy, due to the fact that there is a lot of
confidential information at the data center. There was plenty of paperwork I had
to read through and sign, and I even had to go to the police department and have
my finger prints done.

2. My first day was September 8. Originally I was told that it would be for
the Fall semester, but if necessary, I can stay through the Spring as
well.

As a computer operator intern, I help monitor servers from different
agencies around the state of Texas. When something goes wrong, we call whoever
is responsible for the server at the time and make sure something is or will be
done to fix the problem.

Although sometimes things can get pretty intense, the internship is working
out great for me due to the fact that it is part-time, works well with my school
schedule, and is not too stressful, which is important for me so I do not lose
too much focus on my full load of classes this semester. To make it even better,
I get the valuable experience or working in the "real world" at the same time,
which will look great on my resume.

3 & 4. To me, an internship is a priceless experience to help me find
out what I am really interested in and what to expect after college. The
computer science field is extremely broad and working on my degree has allowed
me to look at various different options for my future. I actually interned at
USAA in San Antonio during the summer, and when compared to my internship
experience here with IBM at the Data Center, the two are complete polar
opposites. For example, my USAA internship required me to apply the basic
programming knowledge I obtained in my courses here at Angelo State, but my IBM
internship requires little of that programming knowledge.

I highly recommend participating in intern programs to students of all
majors. The different opportunities for students after graduation are endless
and I find it comforting to know where I plan on being after college. I have
been working hard for my degree, and in the future, I want to do something I
enjoy and makes good use of it. I believe internships are the best way for me to
accomplish that goal. I plan on graduating in Fall of 2009 and hope to intern at
a variety of different places between now and then.

This isn't the first time I have been interviewed for the Ram Page... last year, I was interviewed in person after the University Choir's Halloween Spooktacular. None of my comments were used though, probably because my social skills kinda blow and I wasn't very straight forward when I would answer the questions.

Anyways, look for me in the Ram Page next Friday.