Are you wondering what a day in the life of a UNH student looks like? Welcome back to our Day in the Life blog series, where we put the spotlight on students from different academic majors and class years.
There is so much to experience on our campus, even beyond what you'll see on a campus tour. Today, let's explore the UNH InterOperability Laboratory (IOL) with Justin Choquette '24, a computer science major and student intern at the IOL. From bagels and iced coffee for breakfast, to writing code and attending team meetings at the IOL, to hanging out with friends after work, follow along on Justin’s day.
Meet Justin Choquette '24
Hometown: Salem, NH
Major: Computer Science
Morning
8 a.m.
I wake up and get ready for the day, making sure to pack my laptop, earbuds and charger. Then I head off to the UNH InterOperability Lab, where I am a student employee intern this summer and throughout the school year.
What is the UNH InterOperability Lab or IOL?
The IOL is a full-scale technology testing lab that is both industry-driven and university-based! Students who work at the IOL not only get paid but also:
- Operate, test and improve real products from Fortune 500 companies
- Rub elbows with seasoned engineers and executives
- Gain extensive experience for a smooth transition from college to the job market
Check out this video to learn more
8:45 a.m.
Right before arriving at the lab, I make a quick stop at Rise and Grind. It's one of my favorite spots in Durham because they serve great iced coffee and delicious bagels. Plus, it's conveniently located right next to the lab.
9 a.m.
I finally arrive at my desk and begin work. I start by checking my emails and setting up all of my code editors and development tools.
9:15 a.m.
I start digging into my various day-to-day tasks. My responsibilities include writing code for our various projects, troubleshooting issues with our servers and assisting clients as needed.
Afternoon
12 p.m.
My team and I have a group lunch at Hop and Grind. This is another excellent restaurant in close proximity to the lab. My entire team regularly eats lunch together here, as it is a great opportunity to enjoy good food and socialize.
1:30 p.m.
After lunch, we have a team meeting in the conference room to update everyone on the current status of our various projects. We discuss any blocking issues, as well as effective ways to move forward.
2:30 p.m.
The team heads to the break room for a much-needed coffee break. After some lively discussion about whether to brew dark roast or hazelnut flavored coffee, we fill our mugs and return to our desks ready to work.
3:30 p.m.
We hold a quick informal subteam project planning meeting at our desks, utilizing the various white boards around the office to draw diagrams and solve problems.
4 p.m.
I continue working at my desk independently until the end of my shift, making sure to save all of my code changes and submitting them to the team for review.
5 p.m.
I pack up my laptop and head home.
Evening
6 p.m.
After my workday, I log onto Zoom for my summer class, where I am learning about the advanced features of modern programming languages, as well as various problem solving techniques.
8 p.m.
The rest of the night is dedicated to hanging out with friends, relaxing at home and working on personal programming projects.
11 p.m.
I head off to bed, so I can be well-rested and ready for whatever tomorrow throws at me.
- Read all of our day in the life blogs here
- Learn more about the IOL here and in this video
- Learn more about paid internships or student employment at the IOL here
- Follow the IOL on social media
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