August 06, 2024

Meet Nathan Duchinsky, a senior majoring in information technology. He’s always been drawn to problem-solving. After starting in a different major, he discovered IT and navigated his career path toward cybersecurity.

“I transferred to Mizzou in 2022 and discovered the degree program in Information Technology and a certificate in Cybersecurity,” he said. “From the moment I declared my new major, I’ve been engaged in the coursework that challenges me to think critically and solve complex problems.”

This summer, Duchinsky is completing an IT cloud services internship at Post Holdings, Inc., in St. Louis, Missouri. We asked him a few questions about the experience.

Tell us about your internship at Post Holdings. What’s your role and primary responsibility?

At Post, I’ve had the opportunity to join the IT Infrastructure team as an IT Cloud Services Intern. Working closely with the chief technology officer has been incredibly rewarding. The internship program is designed to be flexible, tailored to individual learning goals and has provided me with an extensive learning experience. Throughout my internship, I’ve actively participated in meetings, offered troubleshooting assistance, shadowed team members and contributed feedback and insights.

One of the highlights has been my research into AI, particularly Microsoft Copilot, exploring its potential applications across Post Holdings beyond the IT team. This internship has immersed me in a diverse range of projects, allowing me to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to learn and also contribute meaningfully to the team’s objectives.

What’s a typical day like?

I enjoy a fixed hybrid work schedule where most employees, including interns, work remotely on Mondays and Fridays and spend Tuesdays through Thursdays together in the office. Each day starts with checking missed notifications on Outlook and Teams. Once these initial tasks are completed, I collaborate with my team to address urgent tasks or tickets that require immediate attention. Between meetings, I dedicate time to my assigned tasks, such as conducting further research on Copilot applications, managing tickets from my team and other post employees and exploring new applications beneficial to our team.

An important part of the internship is networking with other interns and colleagues, fostering lasting connections. This interaction not only enhances teamwork but also broadens my professional network. This structure allows me to take ownership of my work and develop strong time management skills. I appreciate the autonomy and responsibility entrusted to me, which are shaping me into a more accountable professional.

How did Mizzou Engineering Career Services assist you with securing or preparing for this internship?

Creating my resume was one of the most intimidating tasks. Mizzou Engineering Career Services provided me with advice and tips on what to include in my resume and what employers are looking for. This has allowed me to feel confident when applying to positions and has prepared me for walking into an interview.

What have you enjoyed most working at Post Holdings Inc.?

What initially attracted me to an internship at Post Holdings was the opportunity for hands-on learning and the wide range of opportunities it offers. Throughout my time here, I’ve made meaningful connections with my team members, fellow interns and my manager, who has been a guiding mentor.

Entering a corporate environment initially seemed intimidating, but I quickly discovered a welcoming atmosphere where everyone is eager to involve you in tasks and projects. I’ve had the privilege of engaging in one-on-one meetings with many senior leaders at Post, which has made me feel truly a part of the team. For me, the standout aspect of Post is undeniably its welcoming and supportive work environment, alongside the valuable connections I’ve made here.

What have you learned from your internship experience?

This internship has provided me with a great amount of knowledge and hands-on experience that has exceeded my expectations, guiding me towards defining my future career path. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of popular software and desktop applications, which will give me a head start in my professional journey.

A highlight has been participating in acquisition and strategic meetings alongside my team and having one-on-one sessions with professionals in my field. Through these experiences, I’ve gained insights into Microsoft Azure and observed how Post effectively manages its applications and data security measures. I’ve also learned about ITSM software and have been equipped with a full Copilot studio license enabling me to explore the many use cases across the company.

Furthermore, I introduced my team to a tool called “Tango,” which I use in my on-campus job within the IT department. This tool uses AI to create technical and walk-through documentation for websites and desktop applications. My team has loved it and we are currently collaborating with their representatives to integrate it into our workflow.

Lastly, one of the most memorable experiences was visiting one of Post’s production plants in North Carolina, where I saw firsthand the processes involved in producing various oatmeal and cereal products. It was a fascinating and engaging experience with my fellow interns.

What advice would you give other students wanting to undertake an internship in this area?

Starting your internship search early is key. It’s been incredibly beneficial for me to get a head start on tasks like updating my resume, enhancing my LinkedIn profile, crafting a cover letter template, honing my elevator pitch and actively seeking out internships that align with my interests. Completing these preparations before the fall semester begins is crucial.

Engineering internships, just like internships in general, are highly competitive. By preparing early, you increase your chances of securing your ideal internship. While these tasks may initially seem overwhelming, leveraging the resources available at Mizzou and asking for guidance when needed can make the process smoother.

Is there anything else you’d like others to know about your internship?

I cannot stress enough the importance of securing an internship during your sophomore or junior year. Before landing this internship, I was not convinced that I needed one to excel in my field – I could not have been more wrong. I understand that the entire hiring process is intimidating and might seem easier to give up, but it is worth it. I have been able to apply a tremendous amount of the knowledge that I have learned in the classroom and narrow down the direction I want to go with my degree.

Overall, my internship at Post Holdings has been filled with many valuable experiences and insights, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a great and supportive team. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to work here.

Thanks for sharing!

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