My internship experience at IFS: A Journey of Learning, Growth, and Innovation

Delivering a session to University Undergraduates

Internships serve as a bridge between academic learning and professional practice. For me, my internship at IFS was much more than a mandatory university requirement, it was an opportunity to step into the world of enterprise software development, collaborate with experienced professionals, and gain hands-on exposure to modern technologies and industry best practices. As an 3rd year Computing and Information Systems undergraduate from Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, it was mandatory to complete an internship within our 2nd semester.

After a few days I had completed my both interviews, I was informed that I was selected as an Undergrauate Trainee — DevOps and honestly I was over the moon!!!

Super excited and nervous I couldn’t wait to start my new jouney.

I had the privilege of working within the Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) team which was part of the Build and Deployment team, where I was exposed to various aspects of cloud technologies, automation, DevOps practices, system reliability, and software development. This experience not only strengthened my technical knowledge but also enhanced my professional and interpersonal skills.

Joining IFS

Walking into IFS for the first time was both exciting and challenging. As a university undergraduate, I had theoretical knowledge from coursework and personal projects, but the corporate environment introduced an entirely new level of complexity and professionalism.

On my very first day, after signing the contracts and formalities I received my work laptop, lanyard, mouse, headphones, monitor and other equipment. Afterwards that we had the Induction ceremony where we were briefed and informed all about IFS, the history and how it all started..

Working with the Site Reliability Engineering Team

The Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) team’s primary responsibility was ensuring system reliability, operational efficiency, and supporting various development and deployment processes.

My work involved three major areas,

1. Support and Operations

One of my key responsibilities was assisting with operational and support-related tasks. This included:

• Environment management
• Monitoring builds and deployments
• Supporting Azure-based infrastructure
• Troubleshooting technical issues

Through these activities, I learned how critical reliability and quick problem resolution are in enterprise environments.

2. Automation and Productivity Improvements

I worked on identifying repetitive manual processes and creating solutions to streamline them. This helped me understand how automation can improve efficiency, reduce human error, and save valuable engineering time.

Through these projects, I gained practical experience in:

• Scripting and automation
• Process optimization
• CI/CD concepts
• Infrastructure management
• DevOps best practices

3. Development Projects

Beyond operational tasks, I also contributed to development-focused initiatives. One of the most rewarding experiences was working on a Configuration Assistant project designed to simplify configuration management processes.

This allowed me to participate in the complete development lifecycle, including:

• Requirement analysis
• Design discussions
• Implementation
• Testing
• Deployment

Working on a real-world product gave me valuable insight into how enterprise software is designed, developed, and maintained.

Technologies and Tools I Explored

During my internship, I had the opportunity to work with a variety of modern technologies and platforms, including:

• Microsoft Azure
• Jenkins
• Kubernetes
• Bitbucket
• CI/CD Pipelines
• Linux Environments
• Automation Scripts
• Grafana

Exposure to these technologies helped bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry practices. Even some of these tools were completely new to me.

It’s Not All Work — But Fun as Well!

While my internship at IFS provided incredible technical and professional growth, some of my most memorable experiences came from the friendships, teamwork, and extracurricular activities that made my journey truly special.

One of the highlights of my internship was participating in various team outings. These events gave me the opportunity to connect with colleagues outside the workplace, strengthen relationships, and create lasting memories. Whether it was team lunches, outdoor activities, or casual gatherings, these moments helped foster a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging.

Build and Deployment Team Outing

Another unforgettable experience was being part of the IFS Christmas Carols team. Preparing for the event involved weeks of practice, collaboration, and dedication from everyone involved. It was inspiring to see employees from different teams come together with a shared passion for music and celebration. Our hard work paid off when we proudly secured 3rd Place in the Christmas Carols competition. The achievement was especially rewarding because it reflected the collective effort and team spirit that we had built throughout the journey.

Christmas Carols Team

Beyond the competition itself, the outings and gatherings organized with the carols team allowed us to build friendships that extended beyond the workplace. These experiences showed me the vibrant and inclusive culture at IFS, where employees are encouraged to engage in activities that promote both personal and professional growth.

Outings with the Carols Team

I was also fortunate to contribute to the IFS Purple Force initiative by delivering a knowledge-sharing session for students at the University of Ruhuna. This experience was particularly meaningful as it allowed me to give back to the student community by sharing insights into industry practices, career development, and opportunities in the technology sector. Interacting with aspiring undergraduates and helping them understand the transition from university life to the professional world was both rewarding and inspiring.

Delivering “A Day in the Life of an IFS Intern” session for students at the University of Ruhuna

These experiences reminded me that an internship is not only about developing technical expertise. It is also about building meaningful relationships, contributing to the community, creating unforgettable memories, and becoming part of a culture that values collaboration, learning, and personal growth.

Looking Back

Reflecting on my internship journey, I can confidently say that it was one of the most valuable experiences of both my academic and professional career.

My internship at IFS was a transformative experience that provided both technical and personal growth. It reinforced my passion for software engineering, DevOps, and cloud technologies while giving me practical exposure to the challenges and responsibilities faced by engineering teams in the industry.

I am grateful to my managers, mentors, teammates, and everyone at IFS who supported my learning journey. The knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during this internship will continue to influence my career as I move forward in the technology industry.

For students preparing for internships, My advice is simple: be curious, ask questions, embrace challenges, and make the most of every opportunity to learn. An internship is not just about gaining experience but it’s about discovering your potential and laying the foundation for your future career.

A glimpse of memories down the road