Without a doubt, this co-op position aligned perfectly with my interests and personality, much better than I initially expected. I always wanted a position with some active research/project building work and where I could gain real hands-on experience and a degree of autonomy. Being the leader in optical innovation, Lumentum is a perfect incubation space for students like me who enjoy tinkering with solutions, experimenting, and exploring future possibilities.

I had the privilege to work under the leadership of my supervisor, Dr. Tatiana Startseva, who embraced and actively supported my practical solution proposal for our own company-brewed wireless power consumption monitoring device. This idea was originally envisioned by her to help Lumentum achieve its carbon-neutral target by 2030. I am extremely happy to share that we now have a working network of these devices logging electrical consumption data of individual equipment and stations, with advanced analytics such as timely carbon emission and idling reports. This is also helping us to accurately quantify figures needed in the manufacturing portion of the Life Cycle Assessment of our products. I cannot describe the feeling of an idea transforming from mere textual/visual descriptions to actually holding one in my hands. In addition to this, I also gained valuable experience working on other interesting projects like Robotics Automation, Pilot Line Design, and more.

The best thing about Lumentum is its great company culture, filled with countless regular events, both professional and social, such as DIB Festivals, Co-op Coffee Chats, Lunch and Learn, and Leadership Talks. In my opinion, these little things matter a lot in creating a truly positive workplace where every employee feels more connected, inspired, valued, and comfortable. Finally, I cannot thank Lumentum and my wonderful team enough for giving me this amazing opportunity and for making my internship such a memorable and enriching experience.

My time at Lumentum has been a remarkable experience, providing me with an invaluable platform to not only broaden my skill set as a software developer but also to delve into the intricacies of emerging technologies and engage with cutting-edge innovations. As an intern on the Process Automation Software Team, my primary responsibility is MEMS actuation detection testing. 

Throughout this journey, the mentorship and guidance I have received have been instrumental. The collaborative environment at Lumentum extends beyond the conventional intern experience, as we are given a remarkable level of trust and agency over our projects. In this atmosphere, my ideas aren’t just acknowledged—they are considered and implemented, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the meaningful impact of my work.

One of the hallmarks of Lumentum that resonates profoundly with me is the culture, which is artfully cultivated through the Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) committee. These organizations go above and beyond by hosting a multitude of events that celebrate the rich tapestry of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

A standout feature of my Lumentum experience has been the enriching collaboration with other co-op students. Together, we have fostered a close-knit community that extends beyond professional collaboration, creating an environment where support, camaraderie, and shared experiences thrive. This co-op camaraderie has undoubtedly enhanced the depth and richness of my overall professional journey at Lumentum.

My internship at Lumentum has been very rewarding and insightful. I worked in the Environment, Health, and Safety department over this past summer. During my time at the company, I was able to put actual school teachings and practices into real life situations. My project revolved around the overall chemical processes dealing with managing various laboratories in a manufacturing setting. The amount of behind the scenes work that goes into making products was very eye opening to me while completing my project. 

While I worked on that project however my team involved into various other roles when given extra time. This helped give me invaluable insight on my future job prospect since they had me helping with their actual work rather than low level work passed off to interns sometimes at other companies, so I really felt like a valued member of the team. Lumentum makes sure to give interns the opportunity to have an invaluable experience and plan everyone’s experience carefully to fill the needs of the company and the student. At the end of the day I can say that the experience I had over the summer was truly worth it and I would recommend the company to anyone looking for future job opportunities. 

My main motto I live by is "The worst they can say is no", at first I didn't think I was good enough to work here since it was a tech company and when I saw the number of applicants on Linkedin, I was very discouraged with my chances. If you see something you like or think may interest you no matter how discouraging the odds seem or if you're worried about measuring up apply or ask that person anyway because at the end of the day the worst they can say is no.

Interning at Lumentum has been an incredibly enriching experience. From the onset of my co-op journey, the company has fostered a welcoming environment that has allowed me to learn and grow in various ways. The onboarding process and the ongoing support from everyone on the team have made this internship truly memorable.

Within the calibration and test team, I've been entrusted with significant responsibilities, contributing to the improvement of existing test software and the calibration of WSS units. This role has provided me with exposure to diverse facets of WSS product creation, enhancing both my technical skills and understanding of the industry.

Beyond technical proficiency, this internship has been a platform for developing essential soft skills. Networking with exceptionally intelligent individuals has sharpened my communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities. Engaging with fellow co-op students and interns, whether in the office or during community service activities like our outing to the Ottawa Food Bank, has added a valuable dimension to my overall experience.

One of the most profound lessons I've gained during my time at Lumentum is the importance of trusting in my abilities. As a woman in STEM, there are moments of discouragement, but the mentorship I've received through the Women at Lumentum employee resource group has played a pivotal role in boosting my confidence. This support has been instrumental in shaping my perspective and contributing to my personal and professional growth.