What’s it like to work for an innovative, employee-focused, dynamic supply chain software company? From valuable working experiences, learning new skills, participating in sports and games like cricket and foosball, excellent cafeteria selections and strong community...read on to find out what some of our Co-Op/Intern students based in the Chennai office have to say!
Kinaxis employs a variety of Co-Op/Intern students and each student has their own situations and experiences. I spoke with a cross-section of Kinaxis Co-Op/Interns in Chennai to share some of their individual stories, experiences and cultural impressions from their placements.
Prabunesan Sankaran
Prabunesan completed a five–month internship and is now a full-time Associate Consultant in Professional Services.
How would you describe the culture at Kinaxis? First and foremost, I would like to express my amazement at the incredible culture I've been exposed to over the past five months. As a newcomer entering the corporate world, one would assume that everyone is consumed by their hectic schedules and client calls, leaving little room for open communication. However, at Kinaxis my initial expectations were proven completely wrong. I have been amazed by the work culture at Kinaxis. Even members of the higher management have been extremely friendly and approachable towards new employees, creating an environment reminiscent of interacting with close friends. The way everyone treats each other with kindness is truly exceptional and contributes to a comfortable atmosphere.
Furthermore, I must highlight the company's commitment to employee well-being. Conducting fitness sessions amidst numerous projects allows individuals to prioritize their physical health. The ergonomically designed chairs and tables are an added bonus that captured my heart. Not to mention the massage chairs—I was thrilled to see them, and I even had the opportunity to try them out. They were truly awesome. In addition, organizing cricket, badminton, and foosball tournaments to encourage employee engagement is a great initiative. I also want to emphasize the exceptional quality of the food provided to all Kinaxis employees. Starting the day with a nutritious and delicious porridge is truly astonishing.
In summary, the culture at our firm can be best described by the following quote:
"Spread kindness like a ray of light,
Treating others with delight!"
What have you learned in your time at Kinaxis? Personally, I strongly believe that working with unwavering concentration and dedication, even for a shorter duration, can significantly enhance our productivity. Within our firm, I have observed individuals who exemplify sincerity while also finding moments of enjoyment, engaging in games and friendly conversations with colleagues. Witnessing such activities within our esteemed organization has filled me with admiration and inspiration. Specifically, I have learned the art of pleasant interaction and making others feel at ease when they approach me for any reason. Additionally, I have come to understand the paramount importance of being a team player, a valuable lesson acquired during my time at our firm.
Moreover, I am thrilled by the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of our exceptional supply chain planning tool, Rapid Response. Each time I explore its functionalities, I unearth new treasures of information that never fail to amaze me. Above all, I wholeheartedly embrace our six core values and strive to embody them in my daily endeavors.
What are some of the highlights of your experience at Kinaxis? While dealing with the Consultant Challenger questions, numerous doubts would often cross my mind. However, whenever I sought help from more experienced colleagues, they always found a way to assist me, despite their busy project schedules. Their dedication and willingness to lend a hand were truly inspiring.
I must express my appreciation for the inclusive environment in our company. Even during lunchtime in the cafeteria, nobody is left alone. Colleagues would join us, engage in conversation, and make everyone feel welcome. I genuinely loved this friendly attitude.
I want to highlight the accessibility of the influential personalities within Kinaxis. It's incredibly easy to approach and have conversations with them. This open communication is truly a valuable aspect, especially for new employees like myself.
What advice would you give to an incoming Co-Op/Intern? Time management is your best friend. Get organized and prioritize tasks wisely. Meet deadlines, deliver quality work, and manage your time effectively to stay productive.
Don't just wait for tasks to come your way. Take charge, show enthusiasm, and go the extra mile. Look for ways to contribute and make a real impact.
Building relationships is key. Get to know your colleagues from different teams. Networking within the company can open doors and give you valuable insights. Collaborate well, communicate clearly, and treat everyone with respect.
Esha Gopalakrishnan
Esha completed a five-month internship and is now a full-time Associate Consultant in Professional Services.
How would you describe the culture at Kinaxis? The culture at Kinaxis can be described as collaborative, innovative, and supportive. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork, with employees from different departments coming together to solve complex supply chain planning challenges. The open-door policy fosters open communication and encourages knowledge sharing. The company also values innovation, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas. The culture at Kinaxis is one of continuous improvement, where employees are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally.
The company also promotes a healthy work-life balance, recognizing the importance of employee well-being. Kinaxis offers various programs and initiatives to support work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and social activities that encourage employee engagement and camaraderie.
What have you learned in your time at Kinaxis? During my time at Kinaxis, I gained valuable knowledge and skills related to supply chain planning. I learned about various software tools and technologies used in the industry and gained hands-on experience in their application. I developed a deeper understanding of supply chain processes, optimization techniques, and data analysis.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to learn extensively. I gained insights into various departments, received training in supply chain planning and management basics, and learnt the basics of the RapidResponse software. The experience enhanced my understanding of collaboration, the importance of continuous learning, and adaptability in the dynamic field of supply chain management. Overall, my time at Kinaxis was incredibly valuable, providing me with a solid foundation and growth as a professional.
What are some of the highlights of your experience at Kinaxis? I had an incredible experience filled with highlights that have left a lasting impact on my professional development. I had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into various departments, broadening my understanding of the interconnectedness within the company and the importance of collaboration in efficient supply chain planning. Kinaxis's commitment to my growth was evident through comprehensive training in supply chain planning and management basics, equipping me with a solid foundation in the principles and practices that drive successful operations. The hands-on experience with the RapidResponse software was another highlight, as Kinaxis guided us through its intricacies, allowing us to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios and become proficient users. What truly made my time at Kinaxis exceptional was the supportive learning environment, where curiosity was encouraged, and guidance from experienced professionals was readily available.
What advice would you give to an incoming Co-Op/Intern? To all incoming Co-op/interns at Kinaxis, I have some valuable advice to help you make the most of your experience. Firstly, embrace learning opportunities and actively participate in training programs and workshops to expand your skills. Secondly, take initiative by contributing ideas and going above and beyond in your work. Building a strong professional network is crucial, so connect with experts in your field. Don't shy away from seeking and embracing feedback to fuel your personal and professional growth.
Lastly, maintain a positive attitude, proactively approach challenges, and align yourself with the company's goals and values. By following these tips, you will maximize your Co-op/internship experience and pave the way for future success. Best of luck on your journey at Kinaxis!
Hridesh Singh
Hridesh Singh completed a six-month internship and is now a full-time Associate Software Developer.
How would you describe the culture at Kinaxis? Being an intern at Kinaxis for the past few months has helped me realize how genuine and respectful the work environment is. I am valued an integral cog in the team and have the freedom to speak up, offer my input to a lot of people who have much more experience, and engage in discussions with them while feeling on an equal footing. I mean in which company are you able to have a call with the CEO and even meet the EVP sitting at the interns table during lunch and sharing his stories.
What have you learned in your time at Kinaxis? Being a Software Developer Intern I have had great support from my mentors and fellow collogues in helping me understand the developing environment behind all the Kinaxis products and services. I have also been assigned to Hand-on Projects involving analyzing data, conducting research, or assisting with specific tasks related to supply chain planning and optimization.
I have also gained exposure to real-world supply chain operations and challenges. This exposure involved observing and assisting in tasks related to supply chain planning, inventory management, demand forecasting, or process optimization. It helped me gain valuable insights into how organizations tackle complex supply chain issue.
What are some of the highlights of your experience at Kinaxis? The first release of our project and watching the changes I helped make reach the customer and have an influence on the world by addressing supply chain difficulties are the highlights of my time here. Understanding the spread of all the areas involved and seeing the process at every stage was a truly fantastic experience.
Also, our Chennai visit to meet the EVP for engineering along with all the team from Bangalore was a great bonding session. Meeting all the faces in the Chennai office who you would normally interact on a Teams call and working with them and getting their inputs on the projects was really a remarkable experience.
What advice would you give to an incoming Co-Op/Intern? The same advice I received from my mentors and colleagues: I would urge any potential Co-Op/Intern to study as much as they can about supply chain management and how it functions. It would be simpler for you to comprehend the codebase if you are familiar with the terms and how everything works.
I suggest being proactive and eager to learn take initiative in seeking out opportunities to learn and contribute. Ask questions, seek guidance, and actively participate in projects and tasks. Your coworkers and superiors will be impressed if you exhibit passion and a desire to learn. Being on time, completing deadlines, and maintaining a cheerful attitude all contribute to professionalism. Respect your coworkers, your managers, and the company's principles. A positive attitude can contribute to a productive and enjoyable work environment.
Saksham Jain
Saksham Jain completed a six-month internship and is now a full-time Associate Software Developer.
How would you describe the culture at Kinaxis? The culture at Kinaxis is really supportive and provides a positive learning environment. The company encourages healthy work-life balance and also provides flexibility in terms of working from home and office. The company actively organizes a wide range of events, programs and initiatives for its employees promoting people diversity and team bonding, while taking care of their health, professional and overall development. Being a part of Kinaxis family, I felt included and realized my significance as a valuable team member. Kinaxis acts as a good platform to build meaningful relationships, feel connected and take pride in the work we do.
What have you learned in your time at Kinaxis? Working at Kinaxis provided me a wonderful opportunity to expand my knowledge base and enhance my technical as well as soft skills. The company played a significant role in fostering my professional development, wherein I got hands-on industry experience working on features that have a wide significant positive impact for our customers and the world around.
Working on different tasks and projects in a well-suited paced environment polished my skills required in a professional setting and helped me develop the approach to tackle, break-down and solve complex problems at hand. I learned to work effectively as a team member and challenge myself at every step to bring out the best in me forward. Kinaxis has definitely nurtured, groomed and contributed to my overall character building.
What are some of the highlights of your experience at Kinaxis? One of the most memorable experiences has been taking up the esteemed privilege to meet our Executive VP of Engineering, Gelu Ticala, as part of the visit to Kinaxis Chennai office. As a fresher, I understand the importance of gaining exposure to the leadership team at our company. The 1-1 discussion turned out to be inquisitive and fruitful at both ends. Apart from that, the whole experience at Kinaxis has been really exciting wherein I got to interact, observe and learn from a lot many people, be at workplace or otherwise.
Ready to apply? Here’s how!
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 right now. Check back often, as more roles will be posted soon!
All of Kinaxis’ Co-Op/Intern roles are posted on our Kinaxis Careers page: https://www.kinaxis.com/en/open-positions
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