Meet Anukriti (Anu) Sachan, a passionate Computer Science student at Northumbria University. As part of her degree, Anu had the opportunity to complete an internship at Paragraf, a company at the forefront of graphene technology.
During her placement year, she worked on the development of image processing software. Through this experience, Anu not only gained invaluable technical skills but also discovered her own strengths and interests. Here’s a glimpse into her journey.
Why Paragraf?
Anu’s decision to join Paragraf was driven by her fascination with cutting-edge technology. “I researched about the company and found that they had developed a new and unique way to produce pure graphene,” she explained. The groundbreaking work Paragraf was doing excited her, and she wanted to be part of something revolutionary. This excitement only grew as she delved deeper into her role.
A Challenging, Yet Rewarding Experience
Stepping into the unknown, Anu expected a strict 9-to-5 job with monotony. But Paragraf far exceeded her expectations. “I got to work on various projects and interact with people from different backgrounds. It wasn’t a mundane job at all,” she reflected. What stood out the most to her was the company’s dynamic environment, which kept her engaged and excited by new challenges. She described the culture as collaborative, with everyone passionate about their work, which made her internship enriching from the very beginning.
Learning and Growth
Anu entered her internship with some knowledge of machine learning but was unsure about her future in software development. However, her time at Paragraf helped her solidify her path. “I wasn’t entirely sure about software development before, but now I’ve improved a lot and have a clearer idea of my strengths and weaknesses,” she said.
One of her major responsibilities was developing image processing software, which was a new area for her. Despite the challenge, she thrived, thanks to the support of her colleagues and supervisor. Weekly meetings provided Anu with invaluable feedback and guidance, allowing her to overcome obstacles and refine her skills. She credits these sessions for helping her become proficient in image processing, a skill she now considers a strong asset.
Building Connections and Cherished Memories
Beyond the technical aspects of the job, Anu emphasizes the importance of connecting with her colleagues. “The best advice I can give future interns is to live closer to work and be on site every day to meet the wonderful people here,” she advised. The collaborative spirit and the friendships she formed left a lasting impression on her.
One of her favourite memories was attending the Christmas party, where she got to bond with her colleagues outside of work. Another standout moment was the Paragraf family festival, where she met the families of her coworkers and shared her experiences with friends. These experiences, she says, made her feel like part of the Paragraf family.
Advice for Future Interns
For those considering a placement at Paragraf, Anu has a few pieces of advice. “Document everything,” she says. Keeping a weekly logbook helped her track her progress, learn from mistakes, and reflect on her growth. She believes that being diligent about documenting your journey offers a clearer perspective on how much you’ve improved over time.
Looking Ahead
When asked if she would consider working at Paragraf again, Anu responded without hesitation. “I would definitely consider working here again. The support I’ve had from everyone has been amazing, and the environment is challenging in the best way possible.” Her experience has not only prepared her for the next steps in her career but has also made her eager to be part of such an innovative company in the future.
For Anu, the placement year has been a transformative period, professionally and personally. Paragraf provided her with the perfect platform to hone her skills, push her boundaries, and set her on the path to a successful career in software development and beyond. Her journey at Paragraf is a testament to how impactful a well-rounded internship experience can be. It’s not just about the technical skills learned but also about the connections made, the challenges faced, and the growth that occurs along the way.
