In August 2022, I embarked on a new chapter as a Master’s student in Canada with a singular goal in mind: to secure an internship that would enable me to fully immerse myself in the Canadian economy and culture. After hundreds of applications, I had the chance to work with D2L as a software developer co-op, in one of the largest Learning Management Systems (LMS) in the world. Here’s what I’ve learned out of this 4 month experience:
- A Culture of Caring: This internship wasn’t my first rodeo in the tech space. I have had 4 internship experiences and 1 full-time experience prior to D2L, however, people here are definitely the most engaging out of all of the ones I have been in. During my time there, I have worked with people from different departments with different levels of seniority, and all their response times and willingness to help have been top notch. Notably, when I sought guidance from a senior manager in another department for an intern project, he generously dedicated a full hour to address our inquiries. The inclusiveness and positive attitudes seen around are definitely the number one thing that stands D2L apart from many other companies.
- You grow with the company: Besides D2L Wave, where employees get access to lessons that future-proof their skills. There also exists Inspiration sprints, a hackathon like event that allow employees to imagine and build ideas that they may have. I had the pleasure to participate in this event and I was able to see some impressive ideas that were brought to life by other developers.
- Impactful work for the world: Throughout my professional journey, I’ve held the belief that the work I engage in should bring tangible value to humanity. At D2L, I found that this principle aligned seamlessly with the company’s mission. Every piece of functionality we developed directly contributed to the betterment of students and enterprises worldwide. It’s rare to find an industry where you can be confident that your work serves a truly meaningful purpose, but D2L undeniably stands out in this regard.
All in all, my time as a software developer co-op at D2L has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The company’s people-centric culture, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the knowledge that our work directly benefits students and enterprises worldwide have left an indelible mark on my career and perspective. As I reflect on this journey, I am grateful for the chance to learn, build, and grow alongside some of the best individuals in the industry, and to contribute my skills to a company whose mission aligns with my desire to make a meaningful impact on the world.
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