Growth Through Liberty IT: A Real-World Internship Experience
Being able to trust your own ability is a learning process for everyone, and for third-year software engineering student Anastasia Ridge, Liberty IT has become a catalyst for turning classroom knowledge into real-world impact. While studying at Queen’s University Belfast, she joined Liberty IT as a software engineer intern, seeking opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute to a team that values development and collaboration.
Before the Internship: Setting Expectations
Like many students stepping into the tech industry, Anastasia arrived with curiosity and a dash of uncertainty. She wondered what daily life would look like in a professional setting, what kinds of tasks she’d face, and how a team would work with an intern. The Liberty IT environment proved to be a welcoming space where questions are encouraged and learning is ongoing, both from colleagues and structured programs.
A Typical Day: Ownership, Collaboration, and Clarity
A typical day starts with updates from the team and prioritizing tickets on the sprint board. A ticket describes a task, bug, or feature with acceptance criteria to guide progress. When questions arise, she relies on quick, clear guidance from teammates. The daily stand-up after lunch is a practical touchpoint to share progress, raise blockers, and keep everyone aligned.
What stands out is the autonomy to own tasks. As Anastasia notes, the environment supports confident, independent work while ensuring help is always available. This balance between independence and mentorship is a hallmark of the Liberty IT internship experience.
Growth Path: From Training Wheels to Independent Projects
The internship timeline reflects a thoughtful progression. Early on, Anastasia received training and shadowed a buddy who walked her through tickets step by step. This approach helps interns build a mental model for problem solving and recall procedures later. As the weeks progressed, she began handling her own tickets and managing them with the team’s guidance. The chance to shadow colleagues in different roles — including a future foray into system monitoring and support — highlights Liberty IT’s commitment to exposing interns to diverse tech disciplines.
Key Learnings: Confidence, Curiosity, and Community
One of the most valuable takeaways has been learning to ask for help without hesitation. The team’s willingness to teach and share knowledge creates a welcoming atmosphere that accelerates growth. Equally important is trust in one’s own abilities. Building confidence is a process, and the internship provides steady support through mentorship and collaborative problem solving.
Career Path Clarity: A Confirmed Route in Tech
The experience has reaffirmed that software engineering is the right path. Anastasia has seen how university concepts translate into industry practice, reinforcing the relevance of her degree. Interacting with other interns has demonstrated that tech offers a wide array of specializations, making the career journey both broad and exciting.
Preparing for Working Life: Skills Beyond Coding
Beyond technical knowledge, the internship enhances communication skills across levels of the organization. Speaking with colleagues, understanding different roles, and learning how teams function in practice provide insights that classroom settings often can’t replicate. The exposure to Python, SQL, and more advanced industry applications helps bridge the gap between theory and production-ready work.
What Makes Liberty IT Stand Out for Interns
Above all, the culture stands out. Liberty IT encourages personal and professional growth, fosters collaboration, and supports interns as they develop a growth mindset. Workload is thoughtfully tailored to each intern, with clear goals and a growth plan that evolves throughout the program. This approach ensures interns aren’t overwhelmed but challenged, learning, and thriving in a supportive environment.
For students contemplating internships, Anastasia’s experience underscores how a company can blend mentorship, real-world responsibilities, and a culture that champions continuous learning. Liberty IT isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a space to build confidence, acquire industry-ready skills, and chart a clear path into tech.
