“A significant personal achievement has been overcoming my initial hesitation to ask questions.”
Once again, our annual internship programme has come to an end and we are thrilled to have amassed a record number of applications this time. From a whopping 543 applicants, 22 became our interns, and of those 22, 18 are now staying with us full time.
As per tradition, we pulled two of them for a quick chat about their experience and future outlooks in Cybernetica – meet Lala (Junior Business Analyst, Digital Identity Technologies) and Margareth (Junior Analyst, Tax and Customs Systems).
How did you hear about Cybernetica and why did you decide to apply?
Lala: I heard about Cybernetica during one of the the Career Fairs held at TalTelch, where I was studying my Master's degree. I decided to apply for the internship position because it perfectly aligned with my background and passion for e-government and digital services. When I came across the job advertisement, which highlighted their work in digital identity and related areas, I was immediately captivated.
Margareth: I first learned about Cybernetica through educational events organised by the TalTech Student Council of the School of IT. While actively seeking for internship opportunities, Cybernetica caught my eye because it offered an analyst intern role which aligned with my career interests. What truly cemented my decision to apply to Cybernetica was my experience at the Key to the Future career fair. There I had an engaging conversation with the Cybernetica representative about the internship programme and the company in general. This conversation left me with a positive impression, confirming Cybernetica as my top choice for an internship opportunity.
What were you expecting to do and learn during the internship? Did the internship meet your expectations?
Lala: Joining Cybernetica presented an exciting opportunity for me to further develop my expertise in a field that I am deeply passionate about while contributing to cutting-edge solutions in Estonia's renowned digital landscape. During the internship, I had high expectations of gaining hands-on experience in digitalisation. But, more than that, I was eager to be working together with the experts of the field. I was fortunate to work with an exceptional team. What stood out the most was how they embraced me as a valued member from day one, never making me feel like "just an intern." From the outset, they treated me as a respected colleague, while also involving me in various meetings and discussions. I must say that the internship exceeded my expectations.
Margareth: I primarily expected to put my knowledge learned from the classroom to the test in a real work environment and gain a thorough understanding of the analyst role in the IT field. To my delight, the internship experience not only met but exceeded my expectations. I had the chance to work on real projects and was a team member from day one. Additionally, I had the opportunity to explore software testing, broadening my IT skill set significantly.
Please describe a couple of achievements you’re proud of.
Lala: I learned not only about broader policy and regulatory landscape surrounding digital identity, but also gained insight into some technical aspects - area that was yet to be explored by me. I'm proud of my contribution to a business project, it was a gratifying experience to know that my distinctive approach added value and may help the team achieve goals more efficiently.
I'm grateful that the work I contributed during the internship not only enriched my learning experience but also demonstrated my value as a member of the team. This experience led to a rewarding outcome, affirming that my contributions were recognised and appreciated. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that the skills and dedication I brought to the internship have paved the way for a meaningful and long-term career within the organisation.
Margareth: While I may not have specific accomplishments to highlight, I am proud that the work I have done has proven to be valuable. This has allowed me to continue working at Cybernetica as a junior analyst which I also take pride in. A significant personal achievement has been overcoming my initial hesitation to ask questions. This growth has improved communication within my team and allowed me to better grasp complex tasks.
What do you enjoy about your team the most?
Lala: I enjoy the collaborative spirit within my team the most. The department supports each other's ideas, provides constructive feedback, and celebrates each other's successes, creating a positive and motivating work environment. This synergy not only enhances the collective productivity but also makes the work itself more enjoyable and fulfilling. This experience would not have been as rewarding and exciting if not for the right people.
Margareth: What I have enjoyed the most about my team is that everyone has been super helpful. Being the new person is never easy but my team members made sure that every one of my questions got answered. I am especially grateful for my supervisor, who from the beginning has made sure that I got the most out of my internship, making it an enriching experience.
We are excited to see the growth of our newest team members. Additionally, we encourage all IT students to keep an eye on our internship page and apply next year as well.
Did you know that Estonian IT students named us the most attractive employer this year? We are happy to see our efforts noticed and we are looking forward to brilliant interns of upcoming years!