How were you introduced to the Work-Based-Learning Program at Carmel, and why were you interested in joining?

I was introduced to the Work-Based-Learning Program during my freshman year when some business teachers talked to my Principles of Business Management class about the different pathways that are offered at the school. I was interested in joining because I thought it was a great way to see how I could apply what I was learning in my classes to the real world. 

What does a typical day look like for you as a data analysis for the City of Carmel as an intern?

A typical day usually starts with a meeting with the universities and companies abroad that we work with for about an hour. After the meeting, I regroup with my colleagues and work on whatever project we are handling at the moment. Following this, sometimes colleagues and I will have to go to either a data center, the police department or fire department to fix an issue. Once the issue is fixed, I’m off to school.

What new technical skills have you learned during your internship?

I have learned many new technical skills so far at my internship. For instance, I have learned how visual

language models are built and their applications in creating safer streets. Furthermore, I have learned how to select data for training and learned which data best integrates into computer vision algorithms.

How has being an data analysis intern changed your perspective on working in the data analysis field? 

Being a data analyst has changed my perspective on working in this field due to the amount of communication that has to happen. I guess these days, the stereotype is that data analysts, or computer science majors, for that matter, solely look at numbers and code all day by themselves. However, this is far from the truth. Almost every day, I have to go somewhere, talk to someone to get data or work with my colleagues to troubleshoot an error. Data analysis takes more communication and collaboration than I had previously thought, and it’s something I quite enjoy about my internship.

Would you recommend the Work-Based-Learning Program to other students?

Yes, I would recommend the Work-Based-Learning Program to other students. With that being said, in my opinion, I don’t recommend this program for a student that wants to “try their pathway out.” This program is a year-long, two-block endeavor, and if you don’t like your internship, then it won’t be a good use of your time. Though, if a student is truly passionate about a certain pathway, I highly recommend this program. Both (Assistant Principal Wesley) Drew and (business teacher Richard) Reid are great mentors, and will do their best to place any student in their desired pathway. Something to take away is that no matter the pathway, students will get out what they put in.