SIXTern Diaries
By Varsha R
It is every engineer’s dream to make the world a better place. We aspire to be a small part of the big impacts which makes our lives easier to communicate, commute and stay comfortable.
For a novice engineer like me who is fresh off the boat (college), delivering tasks with quality was the core emphasis.
I began my internship at SIXT Research and Development, Bangalore in January 2020. It was pleasantly gratifying to know that even as an intern, I am allowed to be a part of the production level projects. To my surprise, every task I was involved in at SIXT was going into production, making me realize that each code or solution we found was actually making an impact on the users.
It was good way of having a prelude to the corporate experience I am going to have after graduation. All interns are treated just like any other employee and given access to plethora of knowledge repositories and documents to better our learning and gain hands-on experience.
My Day One
I am assigned to a team that takes care of the damages and repairs of our SIXT car fleet. On my first day of the internship, I was introduced to the managers of different teams who welcomed me as an equal, than as intern. Meeting them, my learning at Day One was that in the real professional world, humility does not become side-lined with seniority and experience!
The Workplace
Sixt India’s office has great interiors and vibrant atmosphere making the workspace seem welcoming and comfortable. It has many compact, brainstorming cubicles if one desires a quiet, private space for thinking and planning work. The office also has good number of meeting/presentation rooms used for team discussions and catch-ups with teammates.
The office has a big pantry with a fairly good menu and a space designated for indoor games and sports. A healthy variety of snacks and refreshments are served for free for all employees and available at any point of the day.
Besides, it’s easier to clear the mind with a quick break and play a round of chess, pool, table tennis, foosball and carrom. The indoor games equipment are spread across the office floor to make it easier for employees to unwind whenever they feel like.
The Mentoring
Every intern is assigned a mentor (whom they also happen to call a buddy) to help us settle in and also address our queries. All the mentors are millennial Engineers, brimming with enthusiasm. They are very relatable which made the ice-breaking process seem like a cake-walk. There was no moment of inhibition or hesitation to interact and connect with the buddies during our frequent, casual catchups.
Employee Recognition and Convenience
SIXT takes great care of its employees and recognizes their hard work with quarterly awards to reward the best performers across roles, functions and departments.
Recently, SIXT introduced its free transportation service to its employees. This has greatly reduced my pain to beat the Bangalore traffic and reach workplace, feeling more energetic.
Overall, I reckon that SIXT is one of the best places to begin your journey into the professional world. I am intrigued to know more about the journey ahead and prep myself with the skills and expectations required to build a strong future.
Fun and learning must go hand and hand. We aspire to have it both and SIXT is the most apt place that helps employees balance life, prioritizing work and fun, equally.
