For the past three years, I have had the privilege to grow both personally and professionally through my employment with In The Round Productions. I initially began working with In The Round in May 2002, after completing my junior year in the computer science program at Malone College. Prior to starting, I had some experience in website programming but most of my projects were fairly simple in terms of both programming and design.

One of my first major projects after starting was the First Friends Church  website overhaul in the summer of 2002.  For this project, we designed an entirely new cohesive visual look for the site and introduced much new dynamic database-driven functionality. In working on the site, I was able to develop better Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator skills (I quickly learned how to slice-and-dice image templates) and I began in earnest my development work with the PHP language and MySQL database. Because of my work here, I was able to quickly jump-start the process of building my skill set.

First Friends was one of many projects that I have been able to participate in at In The Round over the past few years. Our work ranges in size from maintaining basic websites for small businesses to developing large platforms such as the content management system powering Malone College’s website. Through these projects, I have continued to enhance my technical skills plus I have learned much in communications through dealing with our clients. One thing is for sure: you never get bored in our line of work because of the wide variety of clients that we serve.

While new and exciting projects help to keep one’s job interesting, it is all for naught if you do not like your actual work environment. Here, ITR outshines most of the companies to which I have been exposed. Josh and Kate Harris are extremely approachable, easy-going individuals. In working with the other In The Rounders, you find yourself developing a family-like camaraderie. They’re not just your coworkers, they are your friends.  While there is always work to be done, this is one of the least traditional work-like environments that I have ever experienced. This is a job that, in many regards, does not seem like a job since it is such a fun environment.

Perhaps the single greatest thing I have found in working with ITR is that you are given a large amount of control and responsibility for the projects in which you work. Many organizations seem to have a culture where no-one is willing to take charge and it is difficult to have any significant input in your work. ITR is completely different. You are given a large amount of latitude in designing and implementing your projects. With this, of course, comes the responsibility of being able to manage your work and designs. While this may seem like a daunting prospect at first, it really is not because Josh and Kate are always around to provide input. If you need assistance, there is someone there to ask.

In closing, if you are looking for an internship or job, I strongly encourage you to consider In The Round. I have greatly enjoyed and benefited from my time with the company, and I believe that you will also find they provide learning and growth opportunities that are hard to match.