This winter semester, Cliniconex had the pleasure of welcoming two bright co-op students to the team: Tajah Hart and Raman Gupta. Tajah, a sharp fourth-year English major from Carleton University with a concentration in co-op, lent her talents to the marketing and sales team. Raman, a dedicated third-year Computer Science student from the University of Ottawa, joined the development team, eager to apply his coding skills in a real-world setting.
Both students made significant contributions during their time here, and we sat down with them to reflect on their experiences.
What was the most rewarding thing about working with the Cliniconex team this semester?
For Tajah, the most rewarding aspect of her co-op term was the tangible outcome of her work. “Seeing my blog writing published was definitely a highlight,” she shares. “It was a new experience, and incredibly fulfilling.” Beyond the satisfaction of seeing her words in print, Tajah also valued the opportunity to delve into the technical side of communications. “Learning about WordPress and gaining SEO knowledge has given me a real confidence boost,” she explains, “I feel like I’m leaving Cliniconx with a toolkit of valuable skills for the future”.
Raman echoes this sentiment of accomplishment, finding particular satisfaction in the scale of his projects. “At Cliniconex, I had the chance to work on much larger features,” he says. Unlike his previous co-op experiences, where tasks were often short-lived, Raman relished the challenge of projects that demanded sustained effort and a broader perspective. “These were tasks that spanned a week or two, rather than just a day or two,” he notes, emphasizing the depth of involvement and the sense of ownership he felt.
What was the biggest challenge you faced over the semester?
Of course, every new experience comes with its hurdles. For Tajah, the intricacies of healthcare terminology proved to be a challenge. “As an English major, I wasn’t initially familiar with the specific language used in the healthcare industry,” she admits. “It took time and practice to adopt that language and write with the authority and understanding required,” Tajah explains, highlighting her determination to meet the demands of her role.
Raman’s primary challenge lay in navigating Cliniconex’s extensive codebase. “Getting to grips with such a huge codebase, with its established coding style and standards, was definitely the hardest part,” he recalls. However, Raman’s perseverance and adaptability allowed him to overcome this obstacle. “By the end of the term, I felt like I had developed a solid foundation,” he says.
Tell us about any new skills, techniques, or knowledge you gained this semester.
Both Tajah and Raman gained a wealth of new skills and knowledge during their co-op terms. Tajah honed her abilities in planning, organization, and time management, skills essential for any communications professional. She also refined her writing, learning to tailor content for diverse audiences and to communicate complex information with clarity and precision. Beyond communications, Tajah expanded her technical skills, becoming proficient in Google Sheets and WordPress. She gained invaluable insights into teamwork and communication within a professional office environment.
Raman’s growth focused on the intricacies of software development. He developed a deeper understanding of software development processes, particularly the art of breaking down large tasks into manageable units. “Learning to isolate changes and create multiple pull requests was crucial,” Raman explains, emphasizing the importance of clear and efficient code reviews. He also expanded his knowledge of Java development tools and technologies, adding to his technical expertise.
Thinking about your classes in the next term, what skills do you think will help you in your coursework?
As Tajah and Raman look ahead to their upcoming academic terms, they see a clear connection between their co-op experiences and future studies. Tajah believes that her enhanced organizational and time management skills will be directly applicable to her coursework. Moreover, her co-op has sparked a newfound interest in communications and marketing, leading her to explore related courses.
Raman anticipates that his deepened understanding of Java concepts will give him a strong foundation for university labs and assignments. While his next semester is heavily focused on hardware-related topics like operating systems and networking, Raman recognizes the value of his software development experience.
What are you most proud of accomplishing during your co-op term?
When asked about their proudest accomplishments during their co-op term, both Tajah and Raman highlight specific projects that represent their growth and contributions. Tajah recalls creating pages on WordPress. “It seemed daunting at first,” she says, “but seeing the final result, so polished and professional, was incredibly rewarding. Knowing I played a part in that was a great feeling”.
Raman points to his work on spam prevention as his most significant achievement. “It was a challenging task, but seeing it implemented and working effectively was very satisfying,” he explains. This project allowed Raman to take ownership and make a tangible contribution to Cliniconx’s systems.
What words of wisdom or advice would you give to a student considering a co-op term with Cliniconex?
Finally, Tajah and Raman offer valuable advice to students considering a co-op term at Cliniconx. Tajah emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement. “Don’t hesitate to ask questions from the very beginning,” she advises. “The team is incredibly supportive, and you should take full advantage of that environment”. She continues, “A co-op term at Cliniconex provides a chance to explore a new industry with hands-on experience in writing and planning content. It’s a great opportunity to expand their horizons.”
Raman’s advice is geared towards those entering the development team. “Invest time in learning software development patterns,” he suggests. He also recommends a practical approach to onboarding: “Completing a test change and a test pull request early on can be immensely helpful in getting familiar with the codebase and the development process.”
The entire Cliniconex team wishes Tajah and Raman bright futures and success with the rest of their school careers. They both contributed an immense amount during their time with us, and we will miss having them!
