My Summer as a Systems Developer Intern at Andesa

As a college student majoring in Computer Science with a Math minor, I was eager to find an internship where I could gain practical experience. Initially, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was looking for, and the search was tough without many industry connections. So, when I found out Andesa was looking for a Systems Developer Intern, I saw a great opportunity to strengthen key areas of my Computer Science capabilities and applied immediately. I’m happy I did.

I started the internship with many questions. What technologies would I be using? How much would I be learning on the job? Was I ready to apply my knowledge in a professional context? Would I get along with my coworkers and appreciate Andesa’s culture? It quickly became clear that I would be learning a lot, and my colleagues would provide the support I needed to succeed and grow.

One of the first things that struck me about Andesa was their commitment to community. I had the opportunity to speak with many company leaders early on, and all were happy to take the time for these meetings. You don’t get that at every company, and it became clear from these conversations that Andesa takes its values very seriously, which I greatly appreciated.

Something else that stood out to me was how my coworkers went out of their way to help me succeed and make my experience valuable. Reaching out to new people can be intimidating, but Andesa’s employee-owners made it easy. Everyone I talked to was willing to help and answer questions. From the start, my supervisor, Travis Brigalia, and my primary point of contact, Nicholas Brader, consistently supported me.

Travis and Nick gave me work that suited my abilities and allowed me to expand my skills. I had theoretical knowledge about databases but limited experience querying them. So, when I found out that I would be working primarily with SQL, I was initially overwhelmed. But with Travis’s guidance, I quickly learned how Andesa’s database works and how complex SQL queries are built.

I was also intentionally given opportunities for various development tasks: researching code behavior, implementing new features in web and database code, creating new data reports, and translating code from an older programming language to a newer one. These tasks reinforced my technical abilities, played into my strengths, and challenged me to expand my capabilities.

Throughout the summer, I gained many other valuable skills under the guidance of the supportive Andesa team. I saw how software development works in a business, how changes are made, and the workflow they go through. I witnessed business decision-making and learned that there are always trade-offs to consider. I expanded my technical knowledge, particularly in SQL and databases, and applied my skills in a real-world context. I learned to balance respecting authority and making myself heard.

I will always remember my internship at Andesa as an experience that put my abilities to work in the real world and allowed me to grow as a person. I want to thank everyone who worked with me, especially Travis and Nick, who supported and invested time in me throughout the summer. This internship has been so valuable, and I look forward to applying the many things it taught me as I continue my journey.