Welcome to our “Where Are They Now?” blog series, where we catch up with former Population Data Science interns to see where their journeys have taken them since their time with us.
Over the next three days, we will explore the experiences of six of our former interns. These talented individuals have ventured into their further academic and professional careers, and we are excited to share their stories, insights, and experiences with you.
Whether you are a current intern, a student contemplating your career path, or simply curious about the impact of applying for and taking part in an internship, these stories offer great inspiration.
In today’s blog, we catch up with Alex and Celyn.
Alex- Ioan Coldea
What year did you join us as an intern?
I joined Population Data Science as an intern in 2018.
Could you share a little bit about your internship and time with us?
During my internship at Population Data Science, I gained invaluable experience in the use of versioning and version control using Git, R development and packaging. It was a formative period where I improved my technical skills and got a glimpse into the professional world of software development.
How did your internship help shape the next steps in your academic and/or career journey?
My internship with Population Data Science provided me with essential insights into the dynamics of a professional work environment and the day-to-day life of a software developer in an office setting – which helped when I began a Software Engineering internship at Broadcom later that year.
What are the main skills or lessons you picked up during your internship?
I developed skills in software development, project management, and teamwork. The hands-on approach to development tasks was particularly beneficial in building my practical expertise.
What is your current job, and how did your internship play a role in you selecting this and securing it?
I currently work at Swansea University, in the SAIL Databank Analytical Services team as a Data Scientist and Software Developer. The internship played an important role in my decision to apply for the role and secure it, as all the skills I gained during my internship are still applicable.
How did your internship help you grow as a person?
My internship experience gave me a solid foundation in real-world software development, which has been very important in my career to date and moving forward.
Have you stayed in touch with anyone from your internship? How has that helped you?
I am currently working with the team that I was based with during my internship, and I continue to work with them day to day. Also, I still keep in touch with some of my fellow interns who were in the same cohort of the programme I was in, including Etienne, who is a good friend of mine who also interned during that summer.
What are your career aspirations/dreams for the future?
Become a very good mobile developer and work on exciting mobile projects around automation and ease of use.
What advice would you offer to someone considering applying for an internship based on your experience and impact following the internship?
Considering an internship is key to maximising job opportunities after graduation. It also helps by giving you hands-on experience in a friendly environment that allows you to grow in the areas that you find exciting.
Celyn Williams
What year did you join us as an intern?
I was part of the Population Data Science internship programme in 2023.
Could you share a little bit about your internship and time with us?
During my summer internship, I worked with the SAIL Databank Communication & Engagement team. Working alongside Chris Roberts, Sarah Toomey, and Stephanie Lee, my internship was focused on enhancing engagement and amplifying impact through a multi-channel and multi-media approach.
How did your internship help shape the next steps in your academic and/or career journey?
After the internship ended, I took a few months out to travel. However, the internship had a really positive effect on the next steps in my career journey. I am now back working with the SAIL Databank team as the Marketing Coordinator for SAIL Databank and Datacise Open Learning. This opportunity came directly as a result of participating in the internship programme.
What are the main skills or lessons you picked up during your internship?
I not only improved on practical skills, including creating engaging content, communicating outputs effectively and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, but it also enabled me to learn about my strengths and weaknesses as an individual. I learnt to have greater confidence in my abilities.
What is your current job, and how did your internship play a role in you selecting this and securing it?
I currently work as Marketing Coordinator for SAIL Databank and Datacise Open Learning. The internship played a direct role in securing this job.
How did your internship help you grow as a person?
The internship helped me grow as a person in many ways. It gave me the chance to work with a diverse range of stakeholders and individuals, including the technical and research teams. It also pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially the internship showcase event where I presented my work, as I had never done anything like that before.
Have you stayed in touch with anyone from your internship? How has that helped you?
Due to my current job role, I am still in contact with a lot of the people I met through the internship programme, and reconnecting with people I met last summer has been great.
What are your career aspirations/dreams for the future?
At this point, my career aspirations are to continue to improve my marketing skills and gain further experience. I am also looking at completing further qualifications in marketing and communication.
What advice would you offer to someone considering applying for an internship based on your experience and impact following the internship?
Go for it! This summer internship is such a great experience both in terms of your career and personal growth. It not only led me to the role I am in today, but it also made me step out of my comfort zone, which is always a positive. It allowed me to gain insights into not only the field of marketing, communication and engagement but also into the field of data research, which was completely new to me! Embrace the challenges, be proactive in seeking out learning experiences, and don’t be afraid to ask questions, as there’s always more to learn.
For more information on our internship program and the latest news, visit our webpage.