Entering Schneider Downs as an Internal Computer Support Intern, I was not sure what to expect. COVID-19 put a pause on nearly everyone’s plans.
In my case, it had delayed previous internships, making this my first. From the beginning, I was greeted with open arms by my department. I quickly realized that my internship at Schneider Downs was much different than other interns, the main difference being I knew nothing about Tax or really anything legal. But I also realized that our department here is a vital one, especially in remote times.
COVID-19 came with a lot of adjusting. Schneider Downs has done a terrific job at accommodating the challenges that arose with the remote setting and the transition as we go back in the office. Being in the ICS department, I also get to see and participate in these transitions and learn how to implement them seamlessly. This is a skill that I did not expect to be so important in a working environment- adaptation.
Although the portion of the internship that I have experienced has mostly been virtual, I still feel very well connected to the individuals I work with daily. Schneider Downs has done a great job of implementing Office Products as their main form of communication, specifically Microsoft Teams, which has allowed me to still make personal connections from my Apartment in Cincinnati. As we prepare for colleagues to return to the office, I was also able to experience in-office visits more than other current interns.
My main daily responsibility is to assist with our IT Help Desk and am treated like a traditional help desk employee. But I also appreciate the accommodations that my management has provided during my internship. They truly look at my internship as a learning experience and continue to strive to keep me feel challenged and involved. I was able to work with each role within the ICS department and experience what their day-to-day role looked like. My experience has been a far cry from “coffee fetching” or “busy tasks” that one would traditionally associate with interns. Schneider Downs is also a very family-oriented company, which is something that I had never experienced before. Everyone truly cares about their work and their colleagues, which is a great environment to work in and has provided me with the best internship experience I could ask for.
