Computer Science Intern Offers IT Support at a Local Nonprofit
06/11/2021
On a typical day as an information technology intern at the Anar Foundation, SLU-Madrid junior Oneda Rama updates software programs, fixes programming bugs, and trains members of the staff in using IT resources effectively. A computer science major at SLU-Madrid, she is getting a first-hand look at the day-to-day tasks of an information technology specialist, an important step for her, as she hopes to one day be a software engineer in a multinational technology firm or founder of her own business.
The Anar Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes and protects the rights of at-risk children and adolescents. In accordance with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the organization addresses a wide range of needs, from cyberbullying and sexual abuse to homelessness and runaways. The organization was founded in Spain in 1970 and now also serves children in Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Chile.
In her internship role, Rama manages the overall IT environment within the organization to ensure that the technological resources are suitable for the development of the organization's projects. For Rama, the internship is not only an opportunity to offer indirect support to those in need but also a chance to put her knowledge of computer science into practice. Her recent tasks have included training staff members to use their software programs, doing general repairs and cleaning up disk space. In the coming weeks, she will be supervising a system migration.
"The internship is teaching me how to manage my tasks more effectively and to gain a better understanding of what kinds of tasks I most enjoy working on," she said. "The fact that I am assisting an organization with such a meaningful mission makes the internship especially fulfilling to me on a personal level."
More About Rama
Rama was originally drawn to SLU-Madrid from her home country of Albania because she wanted to pursue an American degree in Europe. She has always known that she wanted to study in the American system, and studying in Europe was more affordable and closer to home than going to the United States for university. She discovered SLU-Madrid when researching American universities in Europe and was attracted to the location of the campus and diversity of the student body. She recently completed her sophomore year.
"After two years of study at SLU-Madrid, I can see that SLU-Madrid was an ideal choice for me," she said. "Being overseas and living in my own apartment has made me stronger and more independent. I've had incredible experiences, developed friendships that will last a lifetime, and love the city of Madrid."