Software Intern Review

The workplace kept me busy with a lot to do with a lot of things to learn. I was given a very big project with multiple ways to expand on but at the same time has a high business value. I was given a lot of support to complete my project.

I could see the value coming out of my work though my project only required me to work alone. From my presentation to my colleagues, it was suggested that my project will add value to their work and that it will be useful to be fully implemented. I was also given proper encouragement and motivation throughout my entire internship.

I have a meeting with my mentor every two days by default and I can call for a meeting almost anytime I deem necessary. The meeting is for me to ask question, ask for help solving issues, to readjust the direction of my project based on the situation and so on.

On average the working days have just enough stress to keep me busy. Working hours are usually between 9 to 4 so not long at all. I have only stayed until 7pm for a couple of days throughout my 12 weeks here. We are also allowed to work from home as long as you inform your manager.

The project that I was given has very low risk but have a high business value. I was a bit disappointed that my project did not include working with a lot of people as I have understood that coding in a team is very different from coding alone. I was given the freedom to dictate how to design my entire project while given suggestions from my supervisor.

I have learned a lot throughout my entire internship. Went through the entire code production process: Design, implementation, error handling, documentation and testing. I have learned how to use a lot of new technology and also from my mentor. I have definitely become a better coder than I was before my internship.

I am placed in an open office with two other interns so it did not feel lonely. Normal employees have their own rooms with glass doors and partitions. The office seems modern but it does look like a normal office building from the outside. The people here are friendly but they are generally not proactive when it comes to interacting with people.

I think my internship is well organised. I was given a well defined problem which has multiple was to solve.

We actually have quite a number of training throughout my 12 weeks here. Training took up in total about 1 to 2 weeks including safety training and also introduction to new technology. The thing about Schlumberger is that it is a multidisciplinary company with a lot to learn from. There are also online training and learning platform which you can utilise.

Schlumberger is a multidisciplinary and international company with a lot of ways to expand your career. One can spend his/her entire life in the company working on various jobs and also travelling/living in multiple places. The salary is also good. There are a lot of ways to grow and they do put in effort in developing its employees.

The social scene is ok. I would very much appreciate a lot more intern activities. We did have trainings, one dinner, a hackathon but I would also appreciate a company sponsored outing say to watch a movie or something. The interns did however have taken the initiative to organize their own events and also made our own sweater which the company sponsored.

Norway in general is a very expensive place to stay in but luckily I stay quite close to the office so I can walk to the office everyday and not worry about transport. Transport to the city is very expensive. Eating out is also very expensive. There is however two public football fiends which we could use for free.

Asker is a very quiet small town about 20 minutes from Oslo. Nightlife is essentially non-existent in Asker but I am unable to comment about the nightlife in Oslo as I am not a person who generally goes out at night. I usually just go to the 24 hour McDonalds for supper at night. I like the tranquility here though.

There are sports activities which you can get involved in. I believe we are also allowed to rent kayaks and also a cabin in the mountains. People generally don't hang out during weekends. It is really up to your own initiative if you would like to organize something. I might be generalizing but Norwegians are very family oriented in my opinion.