Web Programming Intern, 05-06

Employed full-time in the Malone College Information Technology Department

As I entered into my fourth year of college as a Computer Science major, I wanted a chance to test my capabilities in a real world setting, beyond the theories and lab exercises we had practiced in class.  As I set out to find an internship, I wasn’t entirely certain what I wanted to focus on.  Fortunately, I found a place at In The Round that allowed me to explore many sides of the computer world and beyond.

Josh gave me the opportunity to explore many different areas in the year I was there.  I got to do web programming, web design, server administration, network wiring, systems installations, research on new technologies, and a few other things as my interests dictated.  Through all this, I was encouraged to pursue new ideas and to expand my knowledge base for the betterment of myself and In The Round.

My primary focus was on web programming.  During my time at In The Round, I was able to work independently on large projects for Malone College, Canton First Friends Church, Ohio Music Teachers Association, and several others. These were not just mundane jobs dumped on the intern, but rather in-depth projects which tested my thinking and allowed my programming skills to improve significantly, bringing together everything I had learned in school and applying it to the real world.  Through all of this, I always knew that if I did happen to run into a problem I could not solve on my own, help was immediately available to assist me with solving the problem.  This seemed to be an ideal combination of independence and instruction as I was developing my skills.

As I look back on my time at In The Round, I only have one regret – I only got to work with the team for a year.  I learned so much and had so many great experiences with the team that I wish I had started with ITR earlier in my college career.

The skills I learned at In The Round, when combined with my formal education, allowed me to secure a full-time job in the ever-expanding computer world before I had even graduated from school.

Andrew Hodgson