Interning at the UVIC computer science department has been nothing short of amazing. It has been an extremely unique experience and I am very grateful of this opportunity. Every day is new, and I have learned more in under a month about electronics and state machines than I have learned all throughout school.
I’ll have to admit, that when I was first given my assigned task I was nervous. My job was to use a special stretchy band sensor to develop a system for a physiotherapist to use. I previously had little to no experience with electronics, and only a basic understanding in computer programming. After some help, I was gliding through. I learned many things, such as how to set up basic circuits with microcontrollers, how to program in a different language, how to solder, and I even learnt other skills such as effective problem solving.
This internship has presented me with many opportunities for me to explore many different fields of work, and the type of scenarios presented with each of them. For example, I now know how to do some basic 3D drafting and actually saw my designs come to life using a 3D printer. I now also can use a programmable circuit board to create different projects, and I learnt how to properly solder wires into the board and other components and do much more.
Whenever I came to a scenario that I was unfamiliar with I was always helped in a way that would help me learn, while also moving the project forward at a proper pace. I appreciate all the help that I have gotten here at UVIC, and I know that I will enjoy the last week of the internship, and I will continue to learn more exciting things everyday.
