My Internship with Neuro Hero

To start this off, I’d like to personally thank Aviva Cohen and Ian Kennedy for taking a chance on and putting trust in a relatively inexperienced intern like myself. Coming into Neuro Hero, I had little sense of my professional identity and was nervous about working at such a higher caliber than I was used to. This combined with the fact that I was living and working in a different country definitely put me out of my comfort zone. However, I immediately felt at ease here at Neuro Hero with the warm welcomes of Aviva and Ian and two months later, I have learned more than I thought imaginable.

With my major being Information Systems, I was excited at the opportunity to work at such an esteemed tech company such as Neuro Hero. I was learning at the forefront of the bridge between computer science and business in the collaborative and innovative environment of the Dublin Digital Hub, an experience I can only label as priceless. While instructing and teaching me along the way, Aviva and Ian also gave me room to grow and find my own niche in the company by giving me the role of taking over the social media. I was able to draw upon my creative skills and develop some graphics for their Talk Around It apps. My work always received constructive and deliberate feedback, which made my efforts feel valued and my opinions accounted for. Despite having a lot to learn, I never felt that my role was to be diminished to that of the stereotypical “intern” that entails mundane tasks of fetching coffee. In fact, they always made sure to offer me a cup of coffee when I arrived, a gesture that constantly reminded me what warm and considerate people I was lucky enough to work with and learn from.

Along with the tangible skills I’ve learned from my experience at Neuro Hero, I have also picked up the values of hard work and persistence. The work Aviva has done with Neuro Hero, drawing from personal hardship and channeling that into a practical and innovative contribution to society as a whole, is nothing short of honourable and epitomises what it means to be a good entrepreneur. Day-in and day-out, Aviva and Ian are constantly making sure that their products are well-suited to help the disabled community as effectively as possible, proving that a successful business can be driven by noble intentions.

I’m grateful to have had this experience at Neuro Hero. Although I am excited to take what I’ve learned home with me, I don’t think I’ll be able to find another place where coffee chats and sarcastic jokes with the company CEO and head of IT are a daily thing. Also, Aviva and Ian, I hope your next intern doesn’t complain as much about Dublin’s rainy weather or is as picky with their coffee as I am.

Dominique ☺

University of Florida, Warrington College of Business