Post #10
Date: 6/23, 7/16, 8/21
Activities: Panel Discussion with SAS Executives
Technical Information: N/A
Reflection: SAS benefits have no limits. SAS treats their interns so well and give them additional programs to make them feel accepted and get them up to speed on the newest inner workings of the company. That was the idea behind the fireside chats. Newly introduced to the intern program at SAS, the fireside chats were designed to send executives from different divisions of SAS to come talk to us interns, give us life lessons, the company's current progress, vision, future, etc. I was able to hear a lot of great life and success stories, as well as advice on how to further one's career and make the best of a given situation. Another neat perk was that wonderful food was provided for lunch, with Alex and I often taking two or three boxes to last us multiple days (they had so much everytime that they encouraged people to take multiple)! I was really appreciative of how the executives gave up time in their busy schedule to come talk to us lowly interns during our lunch hour, it was humbling and flattering.
Needless to say, I learned a lot of interesting things during these presentations/"mini talk-shows". I learned that in order to be successful, you have to find your niche, where you fit in in the big picture of society as a whole. Always look for opportunities, never be afraid to step up and speak up/advocate for yourself, because you never know what you'll be missing out on. Be flexible. Your interests may change as you grow older, don't be afraid to switch to what fascinates you. One of the VP's (Oliver) majored in Forestry for his undergrad before he mastered in Statistics, taught Statistics in college, and then went to SAS. Another gave his formula for success as follows: Success = Soft Skills + Technical Skills + A Whole Lotta Hard Work. If you handle the small things you will be given more and larger opportunities; titles are earned not bought. Never stop asking questions, challenging old foundations, going above and beyond, accepting failure, and stepping out of your comfort zone. As a wannabe programmer it also struck me the importance of documentation and having a fire passion for the code that I write. I could tell that the executives actually enjoyed speaking with us an answering our questions and concerns and I was glad that I was able to attend such an amazing of an event.
Now in full hindsight, I realize how blessed I am to have been able to have interned at SAS for eight weeks during my Junior year summer. SAS as a company are exceptional at treating its employees and families with respect and courtesy and benefits. My manager and fellow coworkers were extremely easy to get along with and would never hesitate to help us when Alex and I needed it and would give us tips even when we didn't explicitly ask for them. They genuinely cared for us like a family, because that's exactly what SAS is, a giant, loving family. I was able to learn more about the real world than ever before. I'm glad I let myself let go and be flexible so I could be able to adapt to whatever came up during the internship and so I was able to experience the internship in full blast. The orientation people gave us a slip with this written on it: "'You will get out of this experience exactly what you put into it.' What are you going to put into it this summer?" I wrote: "A whole lot of work, joy, enthusiasm, and fun. Never stop learning something new everyday and asking questions." I'm happy to say that I have met this goal in full. My last day was bittersweet (who wants to go back to school?) and filled with lots of hugs and smiles. I absolutely cannot wait for an opportunity to go back as an intern in the future... who knows, I might even end up working at SAS full time!
| Our own name plates! |
Our whiteboard on the final day
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