My Time At IXO by Divya Mahadevan

"Hi, my name is Divya Mahadevan and I graduate from AUS in Spring 2018 with  major in Architecture.  I did a studio abroad in Miami University, Oxford, Ohio in Fall 2016 and worked as a peer advisor & Publicity Specialist in IXO during Spring 2017.
Working at IXO was the most positive work experience I have had and now when I reflect upon my university education and experience, I believe that IXO has better prepared me for the job I have landed in Kuwait as a Jr. Architect when compared to any other internship or work experience.
My experience at IXO taught me the necessary professional ethics and the importance of working in a team that supports each other at every stage.
During my time at IXO, I always smiled while coming to work because it helped me take my mind off my stressed studio schedule. I loved the little gestures that were made for the main staff and the student employees which made me feel more at home in IXO than anywhere else. Even as an outgoing student, I always admired the rapport and the support the team had for each other and I am grateful to have been a part of it.
I admired the tireless efforts made by IXO staff to not only make incoming students comfortable but also make sure our students who went abroad were safe, and the students working at IXO enjoyed their tasks. This, I believe, is not something any other office or firm will have. The sense of belonging and homeliness is only evident here at IXO and it makes my heart warm when I think of how generations of students are going to join the IXO team and leave with a big smile on their face.
Having graduated, it is hard for everyone to get a training before starting off as a professional, but I consider myself lucky to have gotten an exceptional professional experience from IXO and now I am confident that I can perform well in my professional field. In a professional environment, I anticipate difficult situations and decisions that I may need to make, but I am sure that I can count on my experience at IXO to make me realize where my strength lies and approach everything with an optimistic and professional front.
I also believe that Linda, Grace and Lillie are always just a call or an email away to ask for any advice as they have shown immense support to all of their students and peer advisors. No internship, or mentorship would have prepared me for my future like being at IXO.
If anyone asks me how working at IXO was, I would not know where to begin but I would be sure mention that the person who I am today, is because of them. I have learned discipline, love, passion, creativity and professionalism from my time at IXO and I only look forward to mastering these skills with my new job."