What is your role, and what does it entail?
I work as a Customer Advisory Technical Systems Engineer Intern at SAS in the Brisbane office. As part of my role at SAS, in the first couple of months of my internship, I was responsible for conducting various training courses which helped developed my knowledge about SAS software, programming, data analytics, and presentations. In addition, I also connect with other interns and SAS experts and learn from their experiences. I utilized the knowledge I gained from my training to work on various projects using SAS software and open-source software where I support my team members on various opportunities. One of the projects I am working on is assisting law enforcement agencies and investigators speed up the investigation process using analytics.
How did you come into this role? Talk to us about your education and career journey/highlights to this point.
I studied for a Bachelor of Business Analytics and Bachelor of Commerce (Management) at Deakin University from January 2018 to November 2022. As part of my bachelor’s degree requirements, I had to complete a work-integrated learning unit. With my passion for analytics, I couldn’t think of a better place other than SAS, the leader in analytics, to conduct an internship. I applied for a short internship at SAS. I was delighted to find out that my application got approved and spend a month working at SAS with the Technical Support Team. It was an amazing learning journey, and I couldn’t get enough of SAS. After the short internship, I graduated from Deakin University and applied for a 6-month internship program. Again, I was thrilled to find out that my application got approved for the Career Start Internship Program where I would be working as a technical systems engineer intern at SAS.
Why did your organization stand out to you?
SAS stood out to me because they improve everyday life by transforming data into intelligence through countless ways, whether it is preventing fraud, improving your shopping experience, or treating diseases. As a graduate with a passion for analytics, I wanted to be a part of a company that drives change in people’s lives through analytics and with SAS I could accomplish that goal.
In addition, I was drawn to the strong focus SAS has on innovation, education and diversity and inclusion: Each team member’s ideas and contributions are valued at SAS which adds much more meaning to our work. I also have a passion for continuous learning and improvement and with SAS I can continuously improve my knowledge as SAS empowers their employees through education SAS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring everybody is treated with respect.
What do you love most about working at your organization?
I love connecting with the people at SAS. SAS has some of the brightest minds on this planet and being able to reach out to my local team or SAS experts all over the globe to gain insights and new perspectives is an amazing opportunity. My team in the Brisbane office have been very supportive, welcoming, and friendly. I also enjoy the flexibility and autonomy SAS offers. SAS provides me with the opportunity to work from home up to two days per week which is great. SAS supports me in undertaking projects that I am passionate about, which allows me to build my skillset by doing work that I love.
What type of skills and personal attributes is your organization looking to employ? What is going to make someone stand out from the crowd?
SAS employs people from all walks of life, from marine biologists to mathematicians, however, having a solid foundational skillset in data analytics and programming will help get your foot into the door. The core values at SAS are Curiosity, Passionate, Accountable, and Authentic. SAS values candidates with similar values. In addition, my two cents are that your mindset and attitude are what sets you apart from the crowd. A growth mindset and the eagerness to think with curiosity and solve problems will assist you in standing out from the crowd.