Internship Program
During the 3rd year of my Diploma at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I was attached to a 22-weeks internship at Sindcon (Singapore) IoT Technology Pte Ltd.
Company Overview
Job Scope as an Intern Software Test Engineer
Main Role: Testing Methodology of Company Products & Manage Test Plans
Product Testing
I did product testing on company's product such as NonMag Sensor, NEMA Smart Streetlight and gateways. My responsibilities have spanned the spectrum of functionality, performance, and security.
Customer Support
In my customer support role, I focused on assisting customers primarily from Indonesia, addressing their reported issues. I created an Excel form to track ongoing problems and guide remote assistance when needed. This streamlined approach not only facilitated prompt issue resolution but also allowed for quick reference to repeated cases, contributing to improved customer satisfaction.
Research and Development
For research and development, I got to work on local server from scratch. With my team, we have setup and configured in CentOS environment so that we are able to view data collected in real-time without being online.
Documentation
Maintained detailed documentation of test cases, results, and identified issues. Generated comprehensive reports to facilitate informed decision-making and ensure transparency across the development lifecycle. Additionally, manuals were also created for customers after the testing was successful.
OTHER KEY CONTRIBUTIONS
Risk Assesment
I was assigned to be part of the RA team to conduct risk assessment test. To do so, multiple things were done before we started. We had to do a basic spring clean - to clear out all unwanted things and to rearrange all tables, products and racks to ensure that safety is comply.
Additionally, multiple changes were made along the way which taught me the importance of flexibility. After all was completed, risk assessment is ready to take place.
On-Site Troubleshooting / Installation
Over the course of my internship, I got to experience going to on-site for troubleshooting or installation. Some include:
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Solar-Inverter Installation
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Poor Signal Troubleshooting
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Device appeared offline
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Non-Mag Sensor Installation
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Some of the benefits that I have gained during this internship are the opportunity for skill development and industry exposure.
Working as a Software Test Engineer has been instrumental in honing a diverse skill set. This role has significantly improved my communication, time management, adaptability, attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Regular interaction with team members, developers, and project managers, along with managing multiple testing tasks, has enriched my ability to effectively contribute to the software testing process.
This internship has afforded me valuable insights into the field of software testing, encompassing best practices and challenges within the industry. Through this experience, I've developed a deeper understanding of software testing strategies, including the critical criteria for effective testing, ethical considerations, and legal compliance. These insights are essential for a software test engineer, contributing to a well-rounded understanding of the profession.
Participating in ITAP'23 provided unique insights into networking and business formation, aspects not typically encountered in daily work life. Assigned to distribute materials at our company's booth, I initially found engaging with people daunting. However, with the encouragement and support of a colleague, I mustered the courage to approach visitors effectively. Through repeated attempts, my comfort level increased, transforming initial hesitation into confidence. This experience exposed me to diverse professionals, enhancing my confidence and cultivating resourcefulness in dealing with uncertainties and challenges. Overall, it proved to be a pivotal moment in my professional growth.
Reflection and Overall Summary of my Internship Experience
The internship experience in an IoT company was transformative, seamlessly bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Direct alignment of coursework, especially in areas like LoRaWAN and MQTT, showcased the immediate relevance of academic learning in real-world projects. Diverse experiences enhanced problem-solving skills, including troubleshooting and optimizing IoT systems, and provided hands-on exposure to soldering, programming, and protocol implementation.
Collaboration with experienced professionals offered insights into industry best practices, effective communication, and project management. The internship fostered adaptability and resilience, navigating challenges inherent in IoT development. Regular feedback sessions fueled continuous improvement. Midway through the internship, a realization of the demanding nature of full-time employment emerged, emphasizing the importance of time management and work-life balance. The experience broadened technical knowledge, cultivated soft skills, and reinforced the value of a well-rounded education for success in the dynamic IoT industry. Overall, the internship was a watershed moment, laying the foundation for future professional endeavors in the IoT sector.
INTERNSHIP TESTIMONIAL
“Soo Yi Wei consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to diligently engage in learning, applying a wealth of knowledge to practical tasks with focused dedication to detail, contributing significantly to our team's success."
Chen Deyu, Director of Sindcon (Singapore) IoT Technology Pte Ltd.