Internship Spotlight: Srivardhan Nimmani, Volvo

Oct. 23, 2024
boy standing in front of the car

Srivardhan Nimmani '24 BSBA (Management Information Systems) was a Chassis Analysis Intern at Volvo in Greensboro, NC.

 

What was the process for getting this internship, job, or summer experience?
 
Finding my internship was quite challenging. Initially, I tried to make connections at career fair, but many employers were not looking for international students. I then turned to Handshake, applying to numerous companies. Despite my efforts, being an international student made the search even more difficult, with many applications leading to rejections.
Undeterred, I expanded my search strategy. I began researching companies I was interested in, visiting their career pages, and applying directly to positions that matched my resume. This included well-known firms like Volvo, where I applied to almost all relevant positions. I also reached out to my network, seeking advice and potential leads from industry professionals, and alumni. The process was exhausting and time-consuming, involving countless applications, follow-ups, and revisions of my resume and cover letters. Despite the challenges and setbacks, I am happy to have secured an internship at Volvo, where I gained valuable experience as an Intern. 
 

What was your favorite part of the experience?
 

From my internship, I gained so much more than just work experience. One of the most valuable aspects was the relationships I built. Connecting with skilled professionals and mentors within the industry gave me insights and guidance that I couldn't find in textbooks or lectures. These connections have expanded my professional network and provided me with a supportive framework for my career. I developed a strong proficiency in Power BI, which helped me analyze and visualize data more effectively. This skill became essential in my daily tasks and boosted my confidence in handling complex projects. Additionally, I improved my problem-solving and communication skills, learning to navigate challenges better and convey complex information clearly. I've come to appreciate the dynamic and collaborative nature of the field. This internship has been a crucial step in my professional journey, shaping my skills, relationships, and future aspirations.

 

What advice do you have for future students with a similar interest?
 
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Even if you feel like you have limited experience in what you’re working on, the skills you bring to the table can still add immense value. Leverage your network and don’t hesitate to ask for help, it’s a great way to learn and grow. Increasing your network can also open up opportunities that might help you in your career.

 
Did you feel supported by the company or organization you worked with?
 
Yes, I felt very supported by Volvo. They made concerted efforts to ensure I felt included, particularly as someone from a non-engineering background. The team was always open to questions and willing to provide the guidance I needed to succeed. 

 
Anything else you’d like to share about the experience?
 

A major highlight was developing Power BI dashboards, which became invaluable tools for our team. Power BI, with its powerful data visualization capabilities, enabled us to transform complex datasets into interactive and easy-to-understand visuals. My goal was to create a dashboard that streamlined data visualization and analysis, improving workflow efficiency and saving substantial time.

Working with Power BI was both fascinating and rewarding. I connected multiple data sources, cleaned and transformed the data, and crafted compelling visuals that emphasized key insights. This project required a deep understanding of the data and the ability to present it clearly and engagingly. It was thrilling to see how the right visualization could make data-driven decision-making more accessible and effective for our team.

The experience stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it was my first real-world experience. The internship provided me with hands-on experience in data analysis and visualization, reinforcing my technical abilities and boosting my confidence in handling real-world challenges.

Secondly, the collaborative environment at Volvo was exceptional. I worked alongside experienced engineers, all of whom were incredibly supportive and eager to share their knowledge. The culture of teamwork and continuous learning created an atmosphere where I felt comfortable asking questions, seeking feedback and experimenting with new ideas.

A particularly memorable moment was presenting my Power BI dashboard to senior management. The positive feedback I received was immensely gratifying.

In summary, my internship at Volvo was a pivotal chapter in my journey as an aspiring MIS professional.