Splunktern Spotlight: Serra Ozarslan

One of the best parts of my job is meeting individuals from all walks of life, ready to take the first step on their career journey. I’m endlessly amazed by the passion and curiosity demonstrated by our incredible interns, all of whom bring their unique experiences and perspectives to Splunk. 

In this Splunktern Spotlight, we are focusing on Serra Ozarslan, an EMEA Sales Intern based in London. With a passion for innovation and a growth mindset, Serra has excelled throughout her internship and made some very meaningful contributions to Splunk. Read on to learn more about her Splunkternship.

Tell me a bit about yourself. What motivated you to apply to Splunk?

Hi, I’m Serra! I have a multicultural background, with both German and Turkish heritage. My upbringing in Istanbul exposed me to a rich tapestry of cultures, nations, and diverse characters. After completing my high school education, I travelled to the UK, where I pursued my undergraduate degree at the University of the Arts, London. During my undergraduate degree, I had the opportunity to explore Sustainability and the rise of the circular economy in correspondence with the sharing economy. This path led me to pursue a Master of Science degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science, specializing in Marketing and Management.

My academic journey took an exciting turn when I had the opportunity to collaborate with two exceptional individuals from Goldman Sachs and Meta on a tech startup. I assumed leadership responsibilities spanning across marketing, communications, and sales. It was during this experience that I realized my passion lies in innovative and unconventional products and services. Consequently, the decision to pursue a career at Splunk became an unequivocal choice, and I could not be happier to be part of the Splunk team. 

What is your current role at Splunk? Tell me about some of your achievements since joining Splunk.

At present, my role at Splunk entails close collaboration with Inside Sales Representatives, focusing on the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region. During my internship, I had the opportunity to work on various interesting projects. One of my key contributions involved data enrichment utilising Salesforce, where I performed thorough data validation and cross-referencing from multiple sources. Additionally, I took on a leadership role, focusing on driving Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Overall, my internship has provided me with a diverse skill set, ranging from research and data analysis to effective communication, project management, relationship-building, and advocacy. These experiences not only expanded my professional capabilities but also instilled a sense of purpose and responsibility towards driving positive change.

How would you describe Splunk’s culture?

Splunk's culture is characterised by openness and friendliness. Access to upper management is not just possible but encouraged. In my team, we have a culture of open and honest communication, coupled with a genuine sense of camaraderie. Despite the geographical distance (some team members are based in Germany), the strong connection we've forged as colleagues remains unwavering. Teams are diverse, intelligent, and authentic, fostering an environment of flexibility and growth opportunities. 

Splunk is a caring company, deeply invested in the personal and professional development of its employees. The London office atmosphere is vibrant, with frequent company gatherings. In addition to its open and friendly culture, Splunk also places a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration. Everyone is encouraged to think outside the box, share their ideas freely, and work together to solve complex challenges. 

What has been your favourite Splunktern event or workshop?

As a Splunktern, one of my most memorable experiences was participating in the "Splunk4Rookies" workshop conducted by two Intern Sales Engineers. It was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate closely with Splunk teams and gain hands-on experience with Splunk Enterprise. During this workshop, I found myself working closely with fellow interns to tackle a series of tasks, which enhanced my understanding of Splunk's capabilities and allowed me to see how its solutions are applied in real-world scenarios.

Why should prospective interns apply to Splunk?

For prospective interns seeking a dynamic and comprehensive internship experience that encompasses both technical and soft skills development, I highly recommend considering the internship program offered at Splunk. The program begins with thorough training at the outset of your internship, and it continues to provide ongoing learning opportunities through webinars and sessions. While the initial requirements may appear challenging, rest assured that the Splunk team is deeply committed to your success and stands ready to provide the necessary support and resources for your growth. What sets Splunk apart is its steadfast commitment to fostering talent and personal growth, creating an environment that perfectly aligns with my passion for continuous learning, self-improvement, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the organization.

Finally, what advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry? 

For young women with aspirations of excelling in the tech industry, my advice is simple yet powerful. Focusing on becoming the best in your chosen field through continuous learning and personal growth has been the driving force behind my motivation. In the data-driven world of technology, where ideas can evolve into reality, and success is within reach, hard work and dedication become key.

Want to learn more about the Splunk Internship Program? Visit our LinkedIn, or check out open Splunktern opportunities.