Computing student undertakes internship in Italy

Alessandro Conia has been making the most of his summer before embarking on the final year of his Computing degree at GCU by taking up a technical internship in his home country, Italy. By completing an internship, Alessandro is gaining real-world experience in a company he would one day like to work for.

Alessandro said: “I’m currently working in person and remotely with a company in Italy that’s very closely related to what I’m doing in my course.” As a computing student, Alessandro’s position at his internship focuses on “aspects of IT, full-stack programming and networking, including management and troubleshooting, as well as working under a real boss.

“I’m liking the sense of teamwork that’s present every time I’m part of a group, even when I just got introduced to it, I feel like my skills I’ve learned are finally put to use.”

“It will help me as it’s closely related to the technological field I’m interested in, as well as building confidence in a work space, which I needed as reassurance and motivation through my last year.”

By gaining industry experience, Alessandro is learning first-hand what working life is like in the computing industry while adding valuable skills and experience which will enhance his CV.

When Alessandro was in his third year, he began thinking about internships as a way to build on his current knowledge and prepare him for his final year of university and life after GCU. He had also received internship opportunities offered by his course via email and from the staff on his programme and also took part in drop-in opportunities where external employers came to campus to discuss internship opportunities with students.

He eventually was accepted onto his internship “by constantly looking for an applying to summer internships in Glasgow and in Europe. When I found an opportunity in Italy, I admit the process of the application was fairly easier being an undergraduate at GCU.” Alessandro also noted that he stood out as a candidate as his position as a GCU student is “pretty prestigious abroad!”

Once Alessandro completes his internship, he will return to Glasgow to complete his final year of his degree at GCU. His internship will help him learn and develop skills that will help him in his final year and beyond. He said: “It’s almost certain that this will help me in the future as it’s a place that I would genuinely consider even after university to work for, and it’s taught me to work smarter for certain things which could help me through my final modules.”

He also added: “I would encourage other undergraduates, especially third years to apply for internships! Get yourself some experience, leverage your position as a GCU student, use the most of what you have and gain everything that you can.”

To find out about internship and job opportunities, check out the Career Hub.

By Derry Wyllie.