As a Data Management Intern at Rays of Sunshine for two months now, there has been ongoing learning and growth. I have gained and improved many soft and hard skills that are crucial for any professional environment. Effective communication has been key when working with different departments within Rays of Sunshine and ensuring I am managing data correctly. It has also been important to communicate how I feel about the projects and roles I have been taking over while interning to make sure I am gaining the absolute most during my time here. Additionally, I have improved my skills in teamwork. Back home at Pitt, I am constantly in group projects so developing my teamwork skills will be helpful in my future academic and professional setting. Lastly, adaptability has been important, as working with UK locals in a new setting with different CRM software requires me to learn and adjust to their needs.
On the technical side, I have deepened my understanding of database management, including how to efficiently analyze and manage data. My proficiency in Excel has grown, particularly in managing big data and creating CSV files to upload to websites to mass-add data., I have improved in efficiently adding data to a database. Entering data in a CRM platform almost every day I work, I have learned tricks to complete them fast but accurately. Additionally, as I am currently working on three different projects, my project management hard skills have improved. Needing to plan, execute, and analyze the outcome of the project has not only helped me gain experience in this field but also helped me grow my communication skills.
Navigating cross-cultural interactions has also helped me learn a lot about my role at Rays of Sunshine and also about me. Since I work with a very diverse team and multiple departments, it has given me a broader perspective on how cultural backgrounds influence communication styles and workplace expectations. Working in a new culture is not always easy, so I have had to make sure to communicate with my supervisor to help me understand where I had to be with my work or how to do it. All of this has allowed me to develop cultural sensitivity in a professional setting, which I believe is very important.
Beyond my time in the office at my internship, I have also had the chance to explore the beautiful places in Europe. From the mountains to the beaches, I have had time to experience their own unique cultures and lifestyles, appreciating what they had to offer.
