28.09.2023. | 3 mins read
Stepping into the world of project management – CodeIT intern story
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a project management intern at a fast-paced tech company? It’s a wild ride, let us tell you.
It’s not all smooth sailing but the life lessons and career insights are priceless.
Today, we’re thrilled to share an enlightening interview with one of our rising stars at CodeIT – Sofija.
She’s candid, she’s inspiring, and she’s going to give you a treasure trove of advice that you won’t find in any textbook. Trust us, you want to read on.
Why did you decide to intern at CodeIT, and how has the experience been so far?
I was drawn to CodeIT primarily because it seemed like a place where I could grow professionally.
The diverse range of industries they work with caught my attention, and I was intrigued by the emphasis they put on creating projects that aim to make a positive impact on their clients.
My experience here has been both enlightening and enriching.
In the first week, I was already shadowing senior developers and attending team meetings to get a grasp of ongoing projects.
By the end of my first month, I had been allocated tasks in actual client-facing projects, which was an incredible learning opportunity.
The company culture is another highlight – it’s very supportive and collaborative. Everyone here is willing to help, whether it’s a coding issue explanation or guidance on how to communicate effectively with clients.
I’ve faced a few challenges in grasping new technologies and meeting project deadlines, but what’s been amazing is the support I’ve received from my mentors and team members.
They’ve turned these challenges into significant learning experiences for me.
Could you describe a typical day in your life as a Project Management Intern at CodeIT?
Sure, my day kicks off with a review of any urgent emails and updates on our project management platform.
We then have a team stand-up meeting where we discuss the tasks for the day and address any potential roadblocks.
Throughout the day, I am responsible for coordinating with multiple departments like development, design, and quality assurance to make sure we are aligned in meeting project milestones.
This also involves direct client interactions to update them on the project status and receive feedback.
My day usually ends with wrapping up tasks and setting the agenda for the next day.
What was the most challenging task you've had to deal with, and how did you handle it?
The most challenging task was managing a project that had experienced several setbacks, putting us behind schedule.
I had to reorganize the team’s priorities swiftly while communicating transparently with the client. We executed a ‘catch-up’ plan that involved overtime and additional resources.
Fortunately, we not only met the deadline but also delivered a product that exceeded client expectations.
What's a memorable experience that you would like to share?
A moment that stood out was when I was asked to present our project update to the management team and the client.
The positive feedback I received was a huge confidence booster. What made it more rewarding was that some of the implementation strategies I proposed were accepted and are now part of the project roadmap.
Have you had any mentorship experiences that stood out during your time at CodeIT?
Absolutely, my mentor Nikola has been a constant source of support and inspiration. He regularly set aside time to review my performance, providing both constructive criticism and encouragement.
This personalized mentorship has been invaluable, equipping me with the tools needed to succeed not just as an intern, but as a future project manager.
Any advice for aspiring project managers considering an internship?
My advice would be to never underestimate the power of networking and mentorship.
Keep learning and be proactive about seeking opportunities within the organization to contribute.
Don’t just execute tasks—strive to understand the larger business context behind them. This will make you a more effective and insightful project manager in the long run.
Conclusion
From dealing with high-stakes projects to learning invaluable career lessons from mentors, Sofija has painted a vivid picture of what life is really like on the inside.
If you’ve ever entertained thoughts of a career in project management, her experiences are a must-read.
And if you’re keen on joining a company where every challenge is an opportunity to grow, you know where to look!