Date: 11 December 2018
Summer of Tech is an internship programme connecting NZ companies with students who are aiming for a career in tech. Employers have access to the next generation of New Zealand’s top talent, while students are able to apply and prepare for a variety of internships which match their interests.
This is Assurity’s second year of having a Summer of Tech intern. We became involved because it’s a great way to help grow the skills and experience of the next generation of innovators. The internships are 400 hours paid over the summer. The fact they are paid aligns with our ‘We Care’ value.
We asked this year’s intern Pritesh Patel what it’s all about.
Pritesh, we’re so pleased to have you on the team! To get things started, tell us what makes you happy?
As clichéd as it sounds, it is definitely spending quality time with friends and family. Whether this involves going out and doing things or simply hanging out at home. Over the past few years, I’ve really come to appreciate the time I get to spend with those closest to me.
What interested you in Summer of Tech?
Right from the earlier years of my degree, I took a keen interest in Summer of Tech. I took part in the boot camps and information evenings. I only heard good things about the internship programme and, having seen many friends come out of it with lots of new skills and unique experiences, I knew I had to take part this year!
What are you working on for your Assurity internship?
I’m excited to be working on an R&D project for Assurity. It’s a platform that operates in a DevOps manner. This has already involved me learning new tools such as Concourse CI/CD, Docker and, more generally, Amazon Web Services. I’m working closely with the programme lead who has been great at guiding my learning.
What do you love most about Assurity?
Definitely the people. From my very first day at Assurity, everyone has been exceptionally welcoming and friendly. I have been fortunate enough to become a part of an awesome DevOps team who are highly experienced and knowledgeable and have made me feel part of the team from day one. I am extremely excited to meet even more amazing people and learn and take on new challenges as I embark on my exciting journey with Assurity.
What were you studying and why?
I completed a conjoint degree of Bachelor of Science majoring in Computer Science and Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Finance. I really value what I learnt studying Accounting and Finance. I realised very quickly that Computer Science was what I was passionate about and what I wanted to pursue following graduation. As I took on more Computer Science courses, I really enjoyed the problem-solving challenges that come with software programming and related practices and was something I wanted to do long-term.
Please tell us a little about yourself outside of work?
I recently finished my final year of study at Victoria University. Outside of study and work, I serve as the Youth Chairperson for the Lower Hutt Indian Sub Committee, a role which I have done for nearly four years. As part of this role, I plan cultural events and coordinate with the wider Indian youth community. I am also an avid cricket fan.
What are your career ambitions?
As a student about to graduate, I was quite unsure of exactly which career path within IT I wanted to pursue. What I did know was my passion for IT so a career in the field was a no-brainer. Having just begun as a DevOps Intern at Assurity, I have already been exposed to a wide range of new tools, concepts and ways of working – all which I am really enjoying learning. With this in mind, a career in DevOps is something I am giving serious consideration. Seeing the plethora of knowledge and skills of my mentor Chris Pollard (Principal Consultant), I am very motivated and have a growing passion to learn and master the wide range of tools and skill sets which are involved within DevOps.
Why do you love technology?
I have been fascinated by technology ever since I got my first computer at the age of 10. My passion for technology only grew as I have experienced it evolve rapidly over the past decade, whether that was with computers, mobile phones or more recently, virtual reality. I love that technology not only enables us to improve, but also find new ways to live our lives. I love working and tinkering with the latest technology and enjoy the continuous learning it requires to stay up-to-date.
What is something not many people know about you?
I can fluently speak three languages – English, Gujarati and Hindi.
What’s your favourite place you’ve ever visited and why?
My favourite place that I’ve visited is my hometown Navsari, Gujarat in India where I was born. I left when I was eight-years-old so returning to seeing the different places where I spent my time as a child was surreal. I enjoy going back to see how things have changed regularly now.
What’s your go-to song on Spotify?
Sunflower – Post Malone, Swae Lee.
Find out more about Summer of Tech.
