Curious about what it's like interning at Mappedin?
Join us as we sit down with Matthew, a talented Software Developer Co-op, to gain insights into his typical workday, the exciting project he undertakes, and more!
What is your role?
I’m currently interning with Mappedin as a Software Developer. I work closely with senior developers to help build customized software solutions tailored to meet the specific needs and requirements of our clients. My primary focus is to help code, test, and develop software applications, and of course, learn!
What does your typical workday look like?
Morning
I like to allocate my morning to getting some dev work done. I also participate in a daily stand-up meeting with my team to discuss ongoing tasks.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, I continue to complete any dev work and frequently participate in various meetings, such as one-on-one sessions with my manager, brainstorming sessions, and problem-solving discussions. I use these opportunities to inquire and gain a better understanding by asking questions and seeking clarification on any hard-to-solve problems.
What’s your go-to lunch?
Since the start of my co-op term, I’ve been in the office almost every day which has allowed me to participate in the team's daily lunch orders. This has given me the opportunity to try a lot of new restaurants, and one of my favourites is Ken Sushi in Waterloo.
I have also attended the company's team BBQs, which have been delicious!
What is the most exciting project you have worked on so far?
Over the past ten weeks, I have dedicated my time to working on a project that involves developing a system that allows clients to create their own unique campuses and incorporate different indoor venues and points of interest.
The project has been an exciting opportunity to integrate both indoor and outdoor maps. It’s also been a rewarding experience that can unlock numerous doors for mapping-related endeavours.
What made you want to become a developer?
Since childhood, I've been fascinated by video games, even though my parents were not particularly fond of them. However, I soon discovered that if I were the one creating the games, they would have a more positive outlook on them.
This realization sparked my passion for development, leading me to teach myself more about coding. I thoroughly enjoy the process of problem-solving and the ability to bring something to life from scratch.
How has your experience as a Software Developer Co-op at Mappedin been?
My experience here has been nothing short of amazing, and it is largely thanks to the incredible people I have had the pleasure of working with. One of the things that I truly appreciate is the open and friendly environment, where I feel comfortable reaching out to anyone for a chat. I even had the opportunity to play ping-pong with Ed (CTO) and Hongwei (CEO) which was a lot of fun.
I am grateful for the constant encouragement and support I have received from my mentor and everyone I have collaborated with. The range of experiences I have had, including working on both front-end and back-end development, as well as being given opportunities to take on leadership roles, and shadow sales calls, has been truly remarkable.
How would you describe the work culture at Mappedin?
The work culture at Mappedin is incredibly open, friendly, and highly encouraging. Right from the start, I had the opportunity to have conversations with Hongwei, and since then, I can confidently say that transparency has been a key aspect of our interactions. The learning opportunities are great, and I feel empowered to explore any topic I want. Whether I need assistance or guidance, I can freely walk around the office and seek help from my colleagues.
The culture here encourages individuals to engage in various activities and take on different responsibilities. It has been uplifting to see the potential for my professional growth, knowing that it largely depends on my own drive to develop and excel.
I am also looking forward to the upcoming Hackedin event and post-hackathon get together!
What was your experience like coming into the office everyday?
I really enjoy coming to the office, and it's even better knowing that it's just a short 12-minute walk away. One of the perks of being in the office is the opportunity to have lunch together and interact with everyone.
What sets the office environment apart from working remotely is also being able to talk to people outside of my immediate team. Whether it's casual conversations or engaging in meaningful discussions, being able to chat with colleagues during breaks has been great. I also have the opportunity to go out with my team after hours!
What are some key lessons or skills you have learned as a Dev Co-op at Mappedin?
My time at Mappedin has been an amazing learning experience. I have had the opportunity to acquire various technical skills by working with different code bases, which has been invaluable as a junior developer.
However, one of the biggest takeaways was the FOOD! Just kidding, working on my main project has allowed me to witness its growth firsthand and appreciate the remarkable dedication and effort invested by the team.
Contributing to this project has been personally rewarding, and the open lines of communication have facilitated meaningful discussions about it. Looking ahead, I am excited about leading a project like this one day!
What advice would you give to someone considering a software developer co-op position at Mappedin?
If you find Mappedin interesting, I highly recommend giving it serious consideration! The work itself is truly exceptional, and the people you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with are absolutely wonderful. Additionally, we have incredible social events and let’s not forget the perks of enjoying some amazing food! Overall, it presents an exceptional opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.
If you're interested in joining our team, be sure to check out our careers page for current opportunities.
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