Introduction
This internship project is expected to take place within the College of Technological Innovation at Zayed University. Zayed University is one of the three government-owned institutions of higher learning in the United Arab Emirates. Being an IT and Security Networking student, this department is important in my internship because it will offer me the opportunity to put to practice what has been learned in the classroom setting. With its highly sophisticated Computer Service Desk and the network system that serves the entire institution, I believe that this will be a perfect environment for the internship.
Background
After a long period of theoretical work in the classroom, it is important to have practical experience in the field to put to practice what has been learned. Although the classwork had some real-life experiments alongside the theoretical work, I have never been in a position to apply the knowledge in IT as an expert in this field. I believe that before being released into the job market, it is appropriate to undergo some practical experience within an institution under the guardianship of an experienced expert. The opportunity offered to me to work in the IT Department of this respectable institution is one of the biggest advantages that will make it possible to understand the dynamics of the industry. Upon the successful completion of the internship, I believe that I will be an expert with enough experience who can work at any institution.
Industry description
The IT industry has undergone a massive transformation over the years due to changes that have taken place in the field of technology. According to Doyle (2000), the players in the IT industry are expected to set the pace for other industries in coming up with new superior products that can address some of the existing communication needs. Over the past years, this industry has relied on the technological advancements in the West to define the path that is to be taken in other regions. However, this is slowly changing as many regions strive to come up with new inventions that specifically address the local issues. Zayed University, through its College of Technological Innovation, has been one of the leading institutions that have embraced the need to remain innovative in the field of IT. Although the world has become a global village due to improved transport and communication technologies, there are local environmental factors that are unique to this region. These factors need local solutions to be addressed effectively. The industry within this region has heavily relied on the inventions made in the United States and other European countries. However, the time has come when the local experts are expected to take lead in the local research as a way of developing the industry locally.
Corporate history and background
Zayed University is one of the government-sponsored higher learning institutions in the UAE that was established in 1998 (Normore & Erbe, 2013). The institution has experienced massive success over the past one and a half decades because of its effective management and interest in research. It has received many accreditations from regional and international bodies as it seeks to embrace research as one of its core values in improving various sectors in the region. Currently, His Excellency Lubna Khalid Al Qasimi is the president of this institution having replaced Maitha Al Shamsi in March 2014. The College of Technical Innovation is one of the most advanced departments within Zayed University (Normore & Erbe, 2013). It has state-of-the-art equipment meant to promote research in the IT sector both among the students and the lecturers. The department has been vital in promoting effective communication within the university, benefitting not only the learners and academic staff but also the entire stakeholders of the institution.
Size and other details of the company
Zayed University is a large institution that offers educational services to many local, regional, and international students. It may not be possible to state with precision the size of students at this institution because it keeps changing from time to time. However, recent statistics show that the institution has over 17,000 students in various departments. It is one of the fastest developing government-sponsored universities in the region. The management of this institution has been keen on the development of infrastructure to offer its learners an enabling environment. One of the most unique features of this university is the attention it has towards research. The institution has been keen on researching various departments. There has been a unique collaboration between students and teachers at Zayed University to advance knowledge in various departments through research. This is one of the factors that attracted me to this institution as the right place to conduct my internship.
Purpose and goals of the institution
The purpose of this institution is to offer quality education to its students in various departments. This institution of higher learning has always focused on offering a student-centric learning environment that supports research by the learners. The goal of Zayed University is depicted in its vision statement. The statement says that the institution seeks to become the leading higher learning institution in the region and internationally in educational and cultural achievement as a way of enhancing socio-economic development.
Main projects or business activities
As mentioned previously, this institution offers educational services to its clients. The institution offers business courses, communication and media science, education, humanities, and sustainable sciences, technological innovation, and Islamic world studies (Normore & Erbe, 2013). These schools have different specializations that a student can opt for based on their interests and academic qualifications. Zayed University offers diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and post-graduate degree courses in the schools mentioned above. These schools have been very active in research that has benefited the learners, the business community, and the society at large.
Organization, culture, and values
According to Black (2003), organizational culture is a very important aspect of an institution that defines its ability to manage the external environmental forces. It defines how the stakeholders interact, how employees undertake their duties, and how the management handles challenges that it may face from time to time. The culture at this institution is based on the socio-cultural beliefs and practices of the society. The values of this institution emphasize the need for a collaborative approach when handling various tasks. The institution also values honesty, respect, transparency, objectivity, accountability, and other ethical practices.
My internship objectives
This internship is very important to me as a student who is soon becoming an expert in the field of IT. I have taken time to learn the theoretical and some practical perspectives of this field. However, I have never had an opportunity to put to practice what I learned in the classroom. I consider this internship a very important opportunity that will transform me from a student to an expert in this field. The objectives of this internship project can be classified as technical, business, and personal objectives as discussed below.
Technical
I seek to achieve some specific technical objectives from this internship project at the Department of IT at Zayed University. The following are the technical objectives that I have to achieve by the time I will be leaving the institution.
- To gain practical knowledge on the management of databases and servers within an institution.
- To understand how to troubleshoot and address problems within the server.
- To be able to detect breaches into an institution’s server and how to protect important documents.
- To be able to connect various offices and individuals to enhance communication and sharing of important documents.
- To ensure that the servers within the organization are running effectively, and to offer stakeholders access to information that is only relevant to them.
Business
The following are some of the specific business objectives that I seek to achieve from this project.
- To be able to monitor the client’s actions online within the website and how to convince them to consider our services.
- To be able to negotiate business deals on behalf of an institution by the end of the internship
- To gain effective communication skills that may help me navigate the competitive market.
Personal objectives
The following are some of the specific objectives I need to achieve through this internship.
- To get employment in this institution or other related organizations by the end of this internship.
- To have relevant contacts of people in this field that may help me advance my career.
- To earn respect in this institution as a way of building my reputation.
My questions about the company
There are some specific questions that I will need to find their answers to before or soon after joining the institution. These questions are meant to give me some guidance on the approach I should take during the entire time I will be working as an intern at the institution.
- For how long has the IT department of the organization been operational?
- How important is this department to the normal running of the organization?
- What are some of the cultural values at this organization that employees should be aware of while at the institution?
- How long will I be allowed to work as an intern in this organization?
- Who will be my supervisor during the period I will be in the institution as an intern?
- What are some of the specific jobs that I will be expected to do as an intern?
Conclusion
This internship project is very important to my career development. After years of academic work, this internship will offer me a perfect opportunity to put to practice what I have learned over the years. I will be able to interact with some of the successful professionals in this field who will offer me guidance in my career path. The choice of Zayed University was the best because it will enable me to practice, learn, and interact with the relevant people in this field of technology.
References
Black, R. (2003). Organisational culture: Creating the influence needed for strategic success. New York: Cengage.
Doyle, S. (2000). Understanding information & communication technology. Cheltenham: Stanley Thornes.
Normore, A. & Erbe, N. (2013). Collective efficacy: Interdisciplinary perspectives on international leadership. Bingley: Emerald.