As we say goodbye to summer, we are also saying goodbye to our two co-op students; Matt and Abhay.
Matt is in his final year of a Software Engineering degree at the University of Ottawa and was a part of our Development team, while Abhay is starting his second last semester as part of an Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) degree at the University of Ottawa and was responsible for all of Cliniconex’s social media content.
We chatted with Matt and Abhay about their experiences as members of Team Cliniconex over the last four months, what they learned and what advice they have for prospective co-op students.
What was the most rewarding thing about working with the Cliniconex team this summer?
Matt: The co-op position was rewarding because it offered a unique experience compared to previous terms spent at the government or larger companies. Working at a smaller company link Cliniconex allowed for exposure to the entire application stack, from front-end to back-end, to cloud and data storage. Also, working on a web application was a bit of fresh air!
Additionally, the smaller team created a close-knit environment where everyone knows each other, creates a different atmosphere compared to larger organizations. The fact that there is only one development team was also interesting as it gave a big-picture approach to the software we are using.
I found the term rewarding because the work itself felt impactful, with clear visibility into its importance and integration into the application, reinforcing a sense of belonging and contribution to the team.
Abhay: I had much more of an opportunity to be creative. In previous co-ops, I didn’t have the opportunity to actually create images and visuals and videos in Canva was really rewarding.
What was the biggest challenge you faced over the semester?
Matt: The biggest challenge was definitely adjusting to a full-stack environment at a smaller company. It’s a whole different vibe compared to my other co-ops. You’ve got way more responsibility, not necessarily more work, but your scope is just broader. That took some getting used to, but challenges are where the real learning happens, and what I want, most out of any of my co-ops is to be learning as much as possible. I love facing these types of challenges.
Abhay: Just as I got comfortable knowing the difference between brand and products – and what all the products were – we went through a re-brand and it all changed! So nothing super challenging – just a bit confusing.
Tell us about any new skills, techniques, or knowledge you gained this semester.
Matt: Yeah, I definitely levelled up my skills this semester. I had some Java experience before, but this was my first time working on a full-stack project using Google App Engine and Google Cloud. Getting hands-on with those cloud technologies was super valuable.
I also got way more comfortable with API calls and writing servlets. It’s cool to see how the whole API stack works here, and I know those skills will transfer to other projects too. Overall, I feel like I’ve sharpened my Java skills and added some awesome new tools to my toolbox.
Abhay: Learning all the graphic design tools for sure. I learned how to use Canva properly and stick to brand guidelines. I also learned about optimizing content for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and took over blog writing. Learning the technical aspects of marketing were all things I had never done before.
What are you most proud of accomplishing during your co-op term?
Matt: It’s tough to pick just one, but two projects come to mind. First, there was this feature where we added the ability to modify patient preference codes. It seemed simple at first, but it turned into this whole backend infrastructure thing. That was cool because I got to see the whole application, from front to back.
Then there’s the project I’m working on now, moving permissions between layers. It’s not done yet, but it’s getting there. That one’s given me a good look at how intricate one feature can be.
Both projects were satisfying because they started small and then grew into big challenges that I got to tackle. Seeing them through to the end feels great.
Abhay: I learned to be more organized. From planning content in advance, to maintaining the social media calendar – that was all new.
Thinking about the classes you are going to take next term, what skills do you think will help you in your coursework?
Matt: Next semester, I’m taking a Software Project Management course, and my time at Cliniconex participating in our daily project progress meetings as well as the monthly all-teams were useful to listen to
My capstone project is all about software development, so any real-world experience is gold. And I’m taking an AI course too, so that’s cool. The other two are electives – Greek mythology and linguistics – not sure how those will connect, but they should be fun!
Overall, I’d say the software project management course and my capstone will benefit the most from my time here.
Abhay: The classes I am taking next semester are mainly electives so not really marketing-focused, so it’s hard to say. But the amount of writing I did will help in every course.
Learning how to use Generative AI will be useful. Everything from how to use it for research, to learning how to write a prompt well,to refining answers was a new skill that will be helpful in the future.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned this semester?
Matt: The biggest thing I’ve learned, and it applies to way more than just work, is to try and learn something new every day. Especially when you’re starting a new job or project, and everything’s unfamiliar, learning something new every day keeps you moving forward. It’s always a challenge starting a new co-op, with a new project and a new environment. But if you focus on learning, you’ll get your bearings in no time.
Abhay: I think it’s important to keep challenging yourself and looking for ways to grow. Getting stuck in a rut without any progress can really bring you down. Lately, I’ve been focusing on self-improvement, whether it’s learning new things or exploring different paths. It’s a big part of feeling happy and content. We shouldn’t just settle; there’s always potential for growth, whether it’s in our jobs, our health, or how we feel mentally.
What words of wisdom or advice would you give to a student considering a co-op term with Cliniconex?
Matt: My biggest advice for any student considering a co-op at Cliniconex, or really any co-op, is don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s your first co-op or your fifth, there’s always something new to learn. Here, we have assigned mentors, and mine was super helpful. But even if you don’t have a formal mentor, find someone who knows the ropes and ask away. Trying to figure everything out on your own is a pain, and there’s no shame in asking for help.
Abhay: It’s okay to ask for help! If you’re unsure about something, just clarify it. I know I tend to try things on my own and sometimes mess up, only to need correction later. It’s probably smarter to just ask up front sometimes. I get it, though—I don’t want to constantly be asking how to do things, I’d rather figure it out myself. But there’s a balance. If you’re really stuck, don’t be afraid to reach out.
