Sivalayani Sivakumaran, is a Technical Analyst Intern, at Verisk and will be joining as a full-time employee in 2025 in a Business Analyst role, as part of the Early Careers Foundation Program.
Can you share your journey into the tech industry and what interested you in an internship at Verisk?
My journey into the tech industry started with a deep curiosity for mathematics. That interest gradually evolved into a fascination with Computer Science—particularly coding, where I could apply logic to solve complex problems. While exploring career options, I stumbled upon the internship posting for Verisk. The role immediately caught my eye because it perfectly blended two things I love: technical problem-solving and working with people. The client-facing aspect really resonated with me, and I felt like it was the ideal opportunity to grow both my technical and interpersonal skills. That’s when I knew Verisk was the right place for me to begin my career.
What was your experience like during Verisk’s internship program, and how did it prepare you for your current role?
My internship at Verisk was nothing short of fantastic. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by the entire team, which made the transition into the corporate world so much smoother. The company culture is something I really appreciated—everyone was approachable and eager to help. I also loved how the internship was structured to encourage interaction between interns. Having a network of peers made it easy to collaborate and share ideas, and it provided a solid support system. The hands-on experience and collaborative environment helped me not only build technical skills but also get a clearer sense of where I wanted to go in my career.
What were some key projects or tasks during your internship that helped you secure a full-time position?
During my internship, I had the opportunity to work on several projects where I applied my skills in SQL and Excel. These tools were critical for the tasks I was working on, and I quickly realized just how vital they are to Verisk’s operations. What stood out to me was the scale at which the company uses these technologies. Being able to efficiently analyse and manage data using SQL and Excel gave me a chance to make meaningful contributions early on. This helped me stand out when the time came to secure a full-time role, as I had already proven my ability to handle real-world challenges.
How has the support system at Verisk, including mentors or colleagues, contributed to your growth and success in the company?
The support system at Verisk has been amazing. I had the privilege of working closely with both a mentor and a manager and having those two different sources of guidance was incredibly helpful.
My mentor was always available to discuss technical challenges and career advice, while my manager provided guidance on day-to-day tasks and long-term goals. This dual support helped me feel more confident in my work and allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. The open and collaborative environment at Verisk made it easy to ask questions, seek feedback, and continually improve.
What advice would you give to current interns or those considering an internship at Verisk, especially women looking to enter the tech industry?
My biggest piece of advice is to be open to learning and actively contribute wherever you can. It’s easy to feel nervous, especially if you find yourself as one of the few women in the room, but it is important to know that your voice matters.
The tech industry needs diverse perspectives, and your contributions are valued. Verisk fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, so don’t hesitate to ask questions, share ideas, and seek mentorship. There’s plenty of room for women in tech, and the more you engage, the more you’ll realize how much you bring to the table.
