Okta’s Values Shine Through: My Experience as an Intern
Empower our People. In order to live up to that core value, Okta has extended itself to students from all over the world to have the opportunity to become an intern. Despite the new virtual environment, Okta has been flexible and continued to allow youth to have the opportunity to work for a world-class, identity and access management company.
I was introduced to the Genesys Works training program in the second half of my junior year at Skyline High School in Oakland. Genesys Works seemed to offer me something many young people lack: experience in the workforce. Genesys Works is a non-profit organization that has the mission of providing “pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities through skills training, meaningful work experiences, and impactful relationships.” The summer training program teaches its students the ways of proper business etiquette. We are trained in all things, from leaving professional emails to public speaking. At the end of the summer training, the students are placed in internships. I, along with seven other interns, were placed on Okta’s Demand Generation team, and I couldn’t be happier!
Starting something new always comes with challenges, but starting as an Executive Programs intern here at Okta has been one of the best experiences a newbie to the workforce could have. Honestly, before Genesys Works, I knew virtually nothing about Okta. My team here has been fantastic! They have not only taught me how to execute a variety of tasks but they have also made sure to educate me about Okta as a company. Right from the start, I received a warm welcome from everyone at Okta, and even received welcome gifts to my house. All of those I have interacted with over Zoom and through emails have reflected Okta’s core commitment to kindness.
Something that really stands out to me is the fact that all Oktanauts are willing to assist in any way that they can. At the end of meet and greets with individuals, I often hear the words, “...if there’s anything you need, please feel free to reach out.” Hearing these from such new acquaintances has certainly made an impact on how I view the company. This simple but kind gesture truly shows that Okta upholds its brand not only for onlookers outside the company, but also within the employees of the company.
On the Executive Programs team, I support Okta’s Customer Experience Center with Virtual Executive Briefings (VEBCs). Some of my daily tasks include creating introduction slides for each briefing, creating campaigns to track our program ROI, managing our customer gift process, and managing our team budget tracker. I have especially enjoyed interacting with all teams across Okta through our Customer Experience Center Slack channel, where every Friday I post weekly recaps, telling the teams what we’ve accomplished each week with Executive Briefings. Okta’s Executive Program team has a direct correlation with our company value of “Love Our Customers'' and constantly lives up to that. During our virtual briefings we create a white-glove experience by addressing the specific business goals and needs of each customer. We introduce them to our executives and subject-matter experts and discuss our roadmap. All to give customers a sneak preview into what’s on the horizon with Okta. Gradually, I am receiving more tasks and learning more about Okta as a company and what it hopes to accomplish.
In this especially difficult time, Okta has adjusted their company operations. In a way, Okta has become what they give to their customers, to itself. Okta promises to help any customer use any technology. Each employee’s circumstances are a bit different but Okta has made sure to mold itself to the needs of each employee. One initiative Okta has made available to its employees even includes child entertainment! For example, last month, Okta announced that dance classes would be made available to the children of Okta’s employees. In just a month here, I have seen Okta stay consistent with its brand.
I am looking forward to what else Okta has in store for me and I hope to continue growing as an Oktanaut. I am grateful for the opportunity that Okta has provided me and the skills that my supervisors and supportive team have helped me acquire.
If you’re interested in joining the team too, you can learn more on our Careers page.
