Bukola Bamidele - Summer Intern
I am a 2010 summer intern at SIMUL8 and I am enjoying every minute of my time!
Academic Background
Studying towards an MSc. Business Analysis and Consulting at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
My intern project
I was excited when I was offered the intern position at SIMUL8. I worked with the SIMUL8 software during my course and I was intrigued.
I was extremely terrified on my first day. The questions going through my mind was 'will they like me? will they ask me to go back home? etc'. Everybody was really nice and friendly. I was introduced to the project and I realized I had a lot to do but I was looking forward to the challenge.
The aim of my project is to research and report on how additional logistic functionality can be provided as part of SIMUL8's offering. This involves: evaluation of SIMUL8's current Transport/Logistics feature, competitor analysis and market research to determine the requirements of SIMUL8's Transport/Logistics clients.
Writing a dissertation is a very tasking endeavor but I am lucky to have the support of every member of SIMUL8. Staff are ready to answer my questions and also give tips and advice.
What have you learned?
The internship gave me an opportunity to discover more about the SIMUL8 software. My project involves logistics so I also learnt more about the logistics industry and how SIMUL8 can effectively meet the needs of this sector. I learnt how to use Survey monkey for online surveys which helped in the development of my project's survey and also collection of results. I used the WebEx for my interviews where I was able to communicate with SIMUL8's client over the phone and also view their desktop to see models they have built using SIMUL8. This helped my interview skills.
My research skills were 'sharpened' because I needed to go through a lot of journals, books, internet searches to get materials. I also learnt the importance of Team working. Everyone in SIMUL8 work as a team. Though there are different departments, I noticed that people from one department know about the other departments and are willing to give a hand when necessary.
SIMUL8 gave me not just a good research topic and opportunity to learn new skills but also gain hands on experience as a consultant.
How do you think it'll help you in your career?
I intend to work as a Consultant after graduation and SIMUL8 exposed me to what this entails. I worked in the Services team and I had consultants all around me. They gave me a snap-shot of life after graduation ...I like It!
This experience has made me look forward to consulting where I can also demonstrate some of the traits and skills, such as problem solving, process improvement, team working, that I have seen in the SIMUL8 consultants which will help me be a well seasoned professional.
My experience at SIMUL8 also helped me improve my simulation skill which is applicable to any sector I decide to work in – Healthcare, Manufacturing, Energy, Logistics, Business etc.
What have been the best bits?
I was not left alone to waddle my way through the project. Everybody was willing to answer my questions, respond to my meeting request and also give tips and advice. They were really interested in the success of my project and offered to help whenever necessary. I liked the 'flat organizational structure' where I could talk to my bosses across the table. Everyone worked as a team and there was no bureaucracy.
I was lucky to be part of the annual team day out where I played 'spy-for-a-day'. Loads of fun running around Glasgow city centre looking for clues. The monthly day out was also great. SIMUL8 is concerned not just about what the employee can offer but they also ensure the employee has the best environment to achieve results. People can work from home. The office also has fruits, Wii, loads of free drinks and biscuits in the social room.
What would you say to graduates considering applying?
Do you want a company that is not just interested in your Academic life but also your Social life? Search no more!!! SIMUL8 is the answer.
Hurry now and send in your application!!! SIMUL8 is waiting to receive you with open arms.
