Building Significant Connections
What began as a fun side project from my manager, Luanne—interviewing team members to get to know the department—has blossomed into meaningful connections with inspiring mentors. These relationships have helped me grow professionally and taught me the value of reaching out. I’ve learned that people are more than willing to help, offer advice, or just take a moment to chat. Looking back, I can already see how much I’ve grown since I started.
One of the biggest factors that made these connections possible has been our sprint meetings and the department’s incredible culture. Sprint meetings bring the entire department together to reflect on accomplishments, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate successes. The culture here feels like one big family. Everyone is welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in each other’s success.
Here are some of the biggest things I’ve seen so far as the Business Systems Analyst Intern.
First Week Insights
One of the most memorable moments from my first week was when Luanne invited me to sit in on team meetings. In one of those meetings, we were reviewing a new web app for our virtual factories. As the team presented the final version, one of the managers shared some concerns; it didn’t quite fit what they needed.
Even though I was a brand-new intern, I decided to speak up and suggest a change that might help. I wasn’t sure if it was my place, but I went for it. What really stood out to me was how Luanne didn’t just nod and move on. She listened, asked a follow-up question, and ended up using my idea. That moment showed me something important about Indium Corporation: people listen, no matter who you are. Your ideas matter. It gave me the confidence to keep sharing, knowing that what I say can make a difference.
A Culture of Approachability
Something unique happened during my second week that gave me a clearer picture of the company’s culture. The interns were gathered in the break area for lunch on a typical summer afternoon, chatting and playing casual rounds of ping-pong.
One of the upper managers walked in. At first, I assumed he was just passing through, but he came over, introduced himself, and started a conversation. He asked what projects we were working on and how we were settling in. After a few minutes, he picked up a paddle and challenged me to a game.
It wasn’t a formal interaction; it was just a relaxed, quick match. He won, but the game itself wasn’t the point. The fact that a leader was present, approachable, and willing to interact informally with interns stood out. It broke down the usual barrier you might expect between leadership and entry-level employees. Moments like that made it clear that Indium Corporation encourages interaction across all seniority levels and fosters an open, collaborative environment.
Learning and Growth
Coming into this internship, I genuinely believed I had Microsoft Excel all figured out. I had used it for school projects, organized data, and built a few charts. I thought I was a master. But within the first week, I realized my Excel skills were closer to the beginner level compared to the expertise around me.
Thankfully, instead of feeling overwhelmed, I found myself surrounded by people who were willing to help. One person in particular, Tom, went above and beyond. Even though teaching me wasn’t his top priority, he took the time to walk me through what I was trying to accomplish. Whether it was database questions, Power Pivot tables, or Power Query, he showed me how to use Excel effectively and confidently. With his help, I can honestly say I’ve made huge strides. It’s a great reminder that no matter how much you think you know, there’s always room to grow—and more importantly, there are always people willing to help you get there.
Reflections and Takeaways
As I reflect on my time at Indium Corporation, it’s incredible to see how much I have grown, both personally and professionally. What started as a simple idea from Luanne has become so much more. Through conversations, collaboration, and countless moments of learning, I’ve built relationships that have shaped how I work and think.
My biggest takeaway is the importance of reaching out. Whether it was joining team meetings on day one, playing ping-pong with a manager, or getting Excel help from Tom, I’ve seen time and again how willing people are to support you if you just ask. The culture at Indium Corporation encourages that connection. It’s a place where people don’t just talk about teamwork and mentorship—they live it every day.
I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything right away. It comes from trying, failing, asking questions, and being surrounded by people who want to help you succeed. I’ve gained valuable technical skills, but more than that, I’ve learned how to collaborate, communicate, and grow within a team. That is something I’ll carry with me far beyond this internship.
There’s still a lot to learn, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. If the first few weeks are any indication, I know I’m in the right place with the right people to keep growing every step of the way.
