Meet the Splunktern: Alexander De Laine

In this next installment of our "Meet the Splunktern" series, we're featuring Alexander De Laine. A Digital Sales Intern working from Sydney, AU, Alexander is currently in his 4th year at Macquarie University. Read on to learn more about a day in his life at Splunk!

Morning: 6:30 a.m.

To start my day, I have a strict routine that involves: 

1. Waking up at 6:30 a.m. 
2. Breakfast, which ranges from these selections:
   • Vegemite on toast with fried eggs 
   • Scrambled eggs 
   • Cereal (Weetbix)
3. Coffee
4. Head over to the office at 8 a.m. As an intern, it is important for me to be in the office environment, as this is the best way for me to learn. I work in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On Fridays, I work from home.

Stand Up: 8:45 a.m.

We have a few standing meetings each week. On either Tuesday or Wednesday morning, there is a team sync-up over coffee. Here, we usually catch up on what everyone is working on or what everyone did over the weekend. Being able to catch up informally prior to work is a great way to get the day started, as it puts everyone in the team in a great headspace. 

I also have regular meetings with my manager to review my progress on any projects I’m undertaking. During these meetings, I get the most constructive feedback, which I can use to improve my work and reach my goals. 

Mentorship: 10 a.m.

My manager and team are very supportive of my work process and how I approach tasks. I regularly touch base with my manager and mentor to update them on my progress and any challenges that I am experiencing. They have made it clear that there is no such thing as a silly or wrong question, and this has been very helpful for my development thus far. 

The Demand Gen team has also played a crucial role in my professional and personal growth. From coffee chats to team meetings, every interaction I have had has been valuable for my growth in the business environment. The friendships, knowledge, and skills I have developed will certainly help me pursue a career in tech sales.

In addition, my mentor checks in with me every day, and gives me advice on how to improve or approach certain tasks. My mentor consistently offers valuable guidance and helps me refine my approach to my daily tasks. Her support has ensured that I stay on the right track and continuously improve my skills throughout the internship. 

Lunch 12 p.m.

During Lunch we all sit together and it is a great time to socialize. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with friendly engineers and managers. 

Working Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

There is a big team of Business Development Reps (BDRs) here in Sydney who are keen to see the interns thrive and be their best. The BDRs make me feel connected to the team, making every day in the office very enjoyable.

I am helping the BDRs and account managers by researching specific accounts in the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) region. Working on this involves using tools such as Sales Navigator, Zoominfo, and Outreach to identify potential leads and relevant information, such as the technology being used. I have also been using lucid charts to formulate organizational charts, which help create a more visual perspective of the accounts.

Recently, I was spending a lot of my time working on a presentation to present an account analysis to the account managers and Inside Sales Representatives. This was a nerve-wracking experience, considering the amount of time and preparation that was put into it. After the presentation, the team was very positive, giving me a much-needed confidence boost. The team gave me constructive feedback, which was helpful and utilized in my other account analysis presentation. 

Working on projects like these has helped me improve my professional communication skills. As an intern, my day-to-day activities continually test my ability to present myself professionally and actively listen to absorb as much information as I possibly can. My management skills are also continually developing, as I am required to structure my schedule and workload to ensure I can complete tasks in the most efficient and effective manner. 

Also, my Formula 1 driving skills are exponentially better after spending some time on the racing simulator in the office, which will be helpful if I make a very unlikely switch to a career in motorsports. 

Winding Down After Work: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

I aim to reduce my carbon footprint by walking to and from work. I’m lucky enough to be located just a 25-minute walk away, so that's my first activity after work. Sometimes, after work, I’ll go to the gym or rugby training during the season. After a day in the office, I do enjoy getting some exercise. That said, there are days when nothing beats relaxing at home with comfort food and binge-watching House of the Dragon to unwind. 

Want to join interns like Alexander in growing your career? Visiting our career site to learn more and explore open opportunities.