Studying Computer Science and excited to get real world working experience, Trent Online’s Data Engineering Co-op placement opportunity had everything that Kristy Rath (Champlain College) was looking for in a project. Now in her fourth year of study, Rath was particularly struck by the internship design challenge and the level of agency she’d be given to tackle it. 

“Usually with co-op placements you’re given very specific tasks and monitored very closely,” explains Rath. “The Trent Online dashboard project was something that aligned with my personal interests that also offered an involved sense of independence. Understanding the stakeholder needs, planning a development timeline, designing, testing — I was responsible for all of it.” 

The Trent Online Admin Dashboard (TOAD) allows the administrators, technologists, and designers working in Trent Online to quickly identify and collate large amounts of historical development data (who has developed what courses, when, and in what capacity, for example). For the application to do what the unit needed, Rath had to design a system that would accurately and effectively integrate different kinds of data sets in ways that would mesh when presented on a visual, interactive dashboard.  

“It meant that I couldn’t be too focused on any one piece of the puzzle,” said Rath. “There were so many different alternatives within our technology stack that I had to make sure would work together.” After getting the application to work, Rath was also responsible for creating instructional documentation for Trent Online so that incoming staff would be able to learn how the TOAD works.  

Working collaboratively to solve the puzzle

As part of the placement, Rath met weekly with senior Trent Online staff to seek information, provide project updates, and work through design challenges with the team. The level of autonomy Rath had while developing the TOAD meant that there would be some gaps in information that would need to get filled in.  

Her supervisor, eLearning Designer Christian Metaxas, said that it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows at the project’s outset. 

“The project’s design needed to lend itself to existing institutional protocols, which meant that we had to approach development challenges very strategically,” explained Metaxas. “Assessing the needs and constraints, seeking guidance from other experts, getting creative and learning something new—Kristy rose to the occasion and really demonstrated the kind of design thinking we’re all about.” 

Now, having delivered a fully functioning TOAD, Rath is excited to take what she’s learned in her internship with Trent Online and put it to the test in her upcoming work placement opportunity with Cambium — a local consulting and engineering firm with offices across Ontario. 

"Co-op students come in with lots of specialized knowledge and fresh perspectives, often unknown to the team or managers,” says Rath. “Providing the right guidance gives them the opportunity to showcase their skills and take initiative in ways that can lead to efficient team integration, meaningful work, and better project outcomes in shorter time frames.” 

Learn more about studying Software Engineering at Trent.