Source: University of Otago
Labelling and scanning devices has given students like Dyrel Lumiwes (Second year, Computer Science), a unique window into the University’s complex IT network.
Students armed with handheld scanners and laptops are a common sight around campus right now, and for those wondering what is going on, you have come to the right place….
The students are part of the Digital Workspace project, which is focused on improving the management of the University’s digital assets through creating a centralised structure aimed at generating better efficiencies, improved support, and fit for purpose workstations.
It is also providing some students with a career pathway into IT.
IT Infrastructure head Wallace Chase says the starting point for a project of this magnitude is an inventory of the University’s existing digital assets.
And that’s where the students come in.
“We needed a large group of people to go out and inventory the campus so we could work with accurate data in planning the next steps.”
IT Project Manager Rasha Abu Safieh Alfar says the standard approach is to hire an agency for a short-term project.
“But we decided instead to give our students a chance to learn in a professional environment and empower them in bridging the gap between study and work.”
Students spend four to six months on a project, supported by training and mentoring by the wider Digital Workspace team. Currently, a total of 44 students are employed on the project across the Dunedin, Wellington, and Christchurch campuses.
Bachelor of Applied Science student Marikit Stroud says, on the face of it, labelling and scanning thousands of devices sounds ‘’pretty tedious’’.
But there’s a lot of excitement exploring parts of the university you’ve never seen before.
“There’s never a dull day on shift, always meeting new people and seeing new things,“ says Stroud, who is currently studying towards a major in software engineering.
Safieh Alfar says while technical knowledge is advantageous it’s not necessary, making the internships an opportunity for students from a variety of backgrounds.
“There is a focus on developing skills like communication, teamwork, documentation, and time management. We want to increase their level of confidence and for them to take these skills and succeed in any job they pursue.”
Student teams are making their way across campus to inventory Otago’s digital assets as part of the Digital Workspace project.
For pharmacology and toxicology PhD candidate Beth Ryalls, being part of the Digital Workspace team has been “a rewarding experience”.
“I’ve explored different parts of the University and interacted with diverse individuals across campus. It has given me a broader understanding and appreciation of the University as a whole.”
Cameron Bruce, a third year Bachelor of Science student, has enjoyed the challenge of learning about the inner workings of the University’s network.
“I’ve gained a brief understanding of enterprise IT and the complexities of working within such a large organisation, while building on other key skills around working in a professional setting and with multiple clients.”
Chase says going the student internship route was inspired by the infrastructure internship programme, which is in its third year.
“The internship programme was started as a way to grow our talent pipeline to address the challenges of recruitment.
“The University is a very unique environment for IT infrastructure – we have students, researchers, residences, laboratories and more that require support.”
Student interns gain years’ worth of practical experience in a “large, complex computer network”.
IT Infrastructure has already seen success with the programme, having hired interns into fulltime positions, he says.
“We hope to see more internship programmes at Otago.
As a University closely connected to the future workforce, it makes sense for us to support the mutually beneficial opportunities that student internships provide.”
~ Kōrero by Sandra French, Internal Communications Adviser
