Interns with Impact 2024: Luka, IT/IS Intern

Luka joined fifteen other summer interns at TWR, giving of their time and skill sets to share the hope of the gospel with the world.

This summer TWR welcomed Luka, a Liberty University computer engineering student. He joined the TWR Cary IT/IS team as an intern and also worked on global IT/IS projects. Luka came to TWR with a passion to use his skills to spread the gospel this summer.

“I want to serve with Trans World Radio because of its commitment to the spread and communication of the gospel around the world,” Luka said.

 
Q: Tell us about a day in the life of Luka as an IT/IS TWR summer intern.

I worked as an IT intern in the IT/IS department. I managed networks and devices, programmed scripts to automate certain tasks, and worked on the help desk to answer customer tickets and resolve any associated problems quickly and efficiently to make sure everyone in the office (and beyond) could do their work unimpeded by technological mishaps. 

Q: How did you hear about TWR?

I heard about TWR through my school's engineering career fair at Liberty University last October. I was drawn to their international presence, and immediately talked to their representatives at the kiosk and handed in a resume. 

Q: What did you enjoy the most about your summer internship?

I enjoyed helping solve the many various problems encountered at IT, working on a team of dedicated individuals and experienced leaders and gaining a breadth of information about the tech world. I enjoyed learning more about networks, computer hardware and AI [artificial intelligence].

Q: What was the most challenging thing for you this summer?

A few challenges were learning and then immediately implementing Windows PowerShell, a then-unfamiliar programming language. The remaining signage and network projects were a challenge to tackle.

Q: What were you most excited to do during your internship (work or personal)?

I was excited to develop as an individual and as a follower of Christ; more specifically, learning to integrate work and career with kingdom-minded goals and aspirations. 

Q: What is/was your favorite thing about TWR?

I love the culture at TWR. There is something different about this workplace environment; everyone is here of their own volition and serving for one common purpose. This uniformity gives way to a very cohesive and supportive unit composed of incredibly diverse individuals. I also love the foosball and Ping-Pong table in the dining room. 

Q: Is this your first ministry/missions experience? If not, where have you served?

I've had a few missions trips in Europe and South America doing church outreach and renovation, but none quite as extensive as my time here at TWR. 

Q: What was the biggest sacrifice you made to be here this summer?

The biggest sacrifice I made was the stability I could have had if I stayed at home and worked my typical summer job. But working here has been a blessing, and so I have no regrets. 

Q: What is your favorite hobby that you have or hoped to develop this summer?

I play acoustic guitar. I hope to finish learning Capricho Arabe (a classical piece) by summer's end.  Also, I'd have to say the quesadillas I've learned to make at the TWR lodge are great.

FUN FACT: I am the treasurer of the Liberty University Chess Club, where we host semesterly tournaments and meet weekly to play.

Images: (top, banner) Luka joined fifteen other summer interns at TWR, giving of their time and skill sets to share the hope of the gospel with the world, (top, right) Luka [far left] with his fellow 2024 Americas office summer interns, (bottom, left) Luka [center] and his fellow interns, Wade [left] and Jeffrey [right] sat down with the TWR video team to discuss their internship experience.