Kinaxis has developed a great reputation as an innovative, employee-focused, dynamic supply chain software company – and an excellent place for Co-Ops and Interns to learn valuable career skills from the best in the business! With a chance to develop strong connections and build a network, students spending time at Kinaxis play an integral part in the cultural fabric. Anchored by a company-wide commitment to supporting the next generation of talent, the program not only deepens real-world career experiences, but offers a chance to connect with people from all walks of life and diverse cultures. Plus, there's time to unwind with an on-site fitness center, Kinaxis InConcert exclusive concerts and a rooftop patio all at the Kanata headquarters in Ottawa.
If you're curious about what it's like to be a Co-Op/Intern at Kinaxis, read on to find out what our current Co-Op/Intern students have to say about their placements and most memorable experiences!
Maxim Creanga
Currently working in our Strategy Team, Maxim started at Kinaxis as a high school student has since worked in multiple teams both as a full-time and part-time Intern.
How would you describe the culture at Kinaxis?
I would describe the culture at Kinaxis as a very welcoming environment, where collaboration and fun are at its core. Asking questions and having discussions is always encouraged, due to the friendly environment in which everyone respects one another. Working in the office for two summer terms has been very rewarding and has allowed me to reach my fullest potential.
What are some of the projects that you have worked on during your placement?
During my internships at Kinaxis, I have been a part of two teams: the RapidResponse Web Client team and the Kinaxis Supply Chain Game team. My first internship was all about working on Kinaxis’ main product, RapidResponse, and their new web client interface. For the following internships, I have mainly been working on the Kinaxis Supply Chain Game; a game which simulates supply chains and illustrates the importance of concurrent planning which is at the core of Kinaxis’ business.
What have you learned in your time at Kinaxis?
Being able to work with professionals in frontend software development has allowed me to learn about various aspects of the software development cycle. This includes writing code in React, understanding code-writing standards, architecture design choices, proper testing, and of course, being part of a real agile software development team. I have also had the opportunity to apply my knowledge from that internship and from personal coding projects to come up with ideas and designs for my current position with the Kinaxis Supply Chain Game team!
What are some of the highlights in your experience at Kinaxis?
Some of the best moments from my first summer internship at Kinaxis were the demos: one-hour presentation sessions where team members would present – and sometimes live demo – a task they had recently completed. Being in high school at the time and presenting two of my completed items (accessibility changes to the home screen and resizable popups) in front of many developers, managers, and VPs was very thrilling and rewarding, and allowed me to get feedback on my work.
What advice would you give to an incoming Co-Op/Intern?
One of the most important pieces of advice I could give to an upcoming Co-Op or Intern is being open to learning new things, and not being afraid to make mistakes. Working in an Intern Software Developer position is all about learning new technologies, tools, and even non-technical aspects like team structure and management. As such, asking questions and having discussions with your assigned buddy, manager, and other developers to learn new things is imperative. In summary, don’t be afraid to have an open mind and have fun!
Kevin Jivani
Kevin is completing is his first term as an Intern Software Developer in our Core Algorithms team.
How would you describe the culture at Kinaxis?
I would describe Kinaxis as a very welcoming place with the inclusion of people from very diverse cultures. Lunch breaks often become more than just a meal; many times I find myself in interesting conversations that are not confined to the boundaries of tech. We discuss sports, black holes, games, and much more!
What have you learned in your time at Kinaxis?
I have acquired a wealth of knowledge in a short period, with the most crucial being an understanding of the intricacies of Supply Chain Management. I gained insights into the immense complexities of supply chain and explored how Kinaxis' solutions aim to address some of these challenges. Additionally, I delved into C++, a relatively new area for me, learned about structure of large-scale C++ projects and using tools for the development. I also recognized the significance of algorithms in resolving such complex problems.
What are some of the highlights in your experience at Kinaxis?
At Kinaxis, my journey so far has been a thrilling ride, marked by unforgettable highlights. From in-house concerts showcasing amazing local talents, to the tastebud-tingling experience of free lunches and treats. Additionally, I enjoy our social events where we play games and spend time with our colleagues and teammates.
What are some of the projects that you have worked on during your placement?
I am currently working on upgrading the Google Test framework for the existing code. Testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of any product, and Google Test serves as a robust unit testing framework for C++. My current focus involves updating the framework to the latest version by replacing the existing tests with the newest API methods.
What advice would you give to an incoming Co-Op/Intern?
For any Co-Op/Intern, I would like to advise them to prepare for some exciting experiences. Working with new technologies can be overwhelming initially, but you will gain a lot of valuable knowledge in the process. You will encounter numerous individuals with a wealth of expertise who are ready to assist you if you encounter any challenges. Working from the office can be quite engaging, especially with the prospect of enjoying delicious lunches and having access to amenities such as the Games Room at the Ottawa HQ.
Naphat Sukprasert
Naphat is completing a 12-month placement in our Application Excellence team as a Business Analyst Co-Op.
How would you describe the culture at Kinaxis?
At Kinaxis, everyone is super supportive and respectful. My colleagues frequently ask me if I have any questions or need support to achieve my daily work goals. In a positive work environment, I am always learning and finding new ways of developing professionally. Moreover, the company has great facilities that support our work-life balance, such as the gym and fitness classes.
What have you learned in your time at Kinaxis?
As a young professional with long-term goals, I have learned to become a professional Business Analyst who can build trust-based relationships and deliver solutions to clients. I have improved my creative problem-solving skills, proficiency in international project management, and technical IT skills.
What are some of the highlights of your experience at Kinaxis?
A great first impression was the meeting our CEO, John Sicard, at our Co-Op/Intern orientation. As a new student, I was so impressed to learn from his advice and enjoyed hearing his point of view on global supply chain management and advanced technologies. Another highlight was representing Kinaxis at a networking event at Carleton University, where I had an excellent opportunity to practice my public speaking and professional networking skills with colleagues and students.
What are some of the projects that you have worked on during your placement?
I have worked on a number of interesting assignments so far, which have allowed me to grow my skillset. My key responsibilities are to fulfill customer satisfaction by gathering and documenting business requirements for a critical software upgrade, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder needs. I also identify bottlenecks within existing business processes and recommend streamlined workflows, resulting in a significant reduction in processing time and resource utilization. For example, I help my team investigate and test the workflow process of additional software and performed a risk assessment. Additionally, I have been able to develop my stakeholder management skills by working on various projects to help clients meet their needs, such as helping coordinate with users and clients to integrate software for their projects.
What advice would you give to an incoming Co-Op/Intern?
I would strongly recommend participating in Kinaxis’ mentorship program and volunteer opportunities to learn from established employees within the company. Moreover, don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, or give your input because this will help you develop confidence and learn from mistakes in an open and safe working environment.
If these personal insights sound like the kind of professional experience you’re looking for, be sure to check out our current Co-Op/Intern opportunities by visiting https://www.kinaxis.com/en/open-positions.
Check back often, as more roles will be posted soon!
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