Hi, I’m Nandita Lohani, a third-year Computer Engineering student at the University of Waterloo. I’m currently interning as a Software Engineer on the Portal team at Mantle in Toronto. My first month has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m excited to share some of the key highlights of my journey so far.
Why I Chose Mantle
When selecting my internship, I wanted a place where I could grow both technically and personally. Mantle stood out for its strong reputation, with glowing reviews from previous co-op students and excellent ratings on WaterlooWorks. I was immediately drawn to the company’s supportive culture and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology.
Another key factor was the team composition—many engineers at Mantle are Waterloo grads, which made the onboarding process feel more relatable. They have a deep understanding of the co-op experience, making it easy for me to set clear goals, seek advice, and receive guidance on how to maximize my internship. The open communication and mentorship I’ve received have been exactly what I was looking for.
Smooth Onboarding and a Welcoming Team
Starting a new role can be daunting, but I have to say that Mantle’s onboarding process has been one of the most seamless I’ve experienced in any of my co-op positions. From day one, I felt well-prepared and supported. The setup was quick, and my development environment was ready to go right from the start. (If you’ve been through a software engineering internship before, you’ll know how rare and refreshing that is!). On top of that, I was able to submit my first pull request to GitHub on my second day—an accomplishment I hadn’t anticipated achieving so early in the process. It was a huge confidence booster to see how much trust the team places in new hires to jump in right away.
What really stood out, however, was the warmth and patience of the team. Surrounded by exceptionally talented individuals—many of whom have years of experience—it would have been easy to feel imposter syndrome creeping in. But everyone at Mantle made me feel at ease. Senior engineers took the time to walk me through new concepts and systems, patiently answering any questions, no matter how basic they seemed. This level of support set the tone for my experience here.
A Collaborative, Inclusive Culture
One of the first things that struck me about Mantle was the company culture. The emphasis on collaboration is truly remarkable. During our daily stand-ups, it’s clear that engineers, product managers, and designers work hand in hand to drive projects forward. Everyone is aligned on the same goals, and the team is always there to support one another when needed.
From day one, I was encouraged to actively contribute to discussions that directly shape the product. Co-ops aren’t treated as outsiders at Mantle—instead, we’re seen as integral members of the team. This inclusive culture has been both motivating and reassuring. Managers and senior engineers have been proactive in seeking feedback from me and the other co-ops, ensuring that we have everything we need to succeed. At times, it can be overwhelming to raise concerns or ask for clarification on work expectations, but the one-on-one sessions with my mentors have given me the confidence to speak up and voice my thoughts freely.
Diving Into Real Projects
What I’ve appreciated most about my experience so far is how quickly I was involved in real, impactful work. By the end of my first week, I was already contributing to live projects and getting acquainted with the codebase. While this “throw-you-in” approach can be intimidating at first, I believe it’s the best way to get comfortable with the product and feel like a true member of the team.
Pair programming has been a crucial part of my learning experience at Mantle. Despite the fast-paced nature of the internship, I’ve always had the support of senior engineers who were patient and understanding as I navigated new concepts and tools. It’s been incredibly rewarding to learn coding best practices, improve my technical problem-solving skills, and sharpen my critical thinking by working alongside seasoned engineers. Observing how they break down complex problems and approach solutions has been eye-opening and has already had a significant impact on my development.
Currently, I’m working with the Portal team, one of Mantle’s core teams. This month, I had the opportunity to implement new export settings for various documents within the Portal app. It’s been a great hands-on learning experience, as I was involved in both the front-end and back-end aspects of the feature. The true highlight, however, came when I saw this feature go live in the production environment. Knowing that my work directly enhanced the user experience was incredibly rewarding and reinforced the impact of the work we do at Mantle.
Supportive Environment for Growth
Reflecting on my first month, the growth I’ve experienced—both technically and professionally—has been extraordinary. The mentorship and support from my team have played a crucial role in building my confidence. I’m learning not only from the tasks I’m working on but also from the incredible people I’m working with. Everyone at Mantle has been more than willing to offer guidance, whether it’s explaining a difficult concept or helping me with a new task.
Additionally, Mantle places a strong emphasis on ensuring we have the right tools and technologies to succeed. During my one-on-one sessions with my pairs and managers, I was encouraged to provide feedback on how to improve my experience. This level of attention to detail—ensuring that I feel supported and confident in my role—has made a huge difference in my ability to contribute meaningfully as an intern.
A Glimpse into the Future
As my first month comes to an end, I’m amazed by how much I’ve grown. The fast-paced nature of the internship, combined with the collaborative environment, has pushed me to develop my skills more rapidly than I anticipated. I’m eagerly looking forward to the months ahead as I continue working on challenging projects and collaborating with diverse teams.
I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to dive deeper into new technologies and expand my knowledge in areas like system design and scalability. I’m also eager to take on more responsibility, further refine my problem-solving skills, and continue building my confidence as an engineer. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of my internship unfolds.
My Advice for Future Mantle Co-op Students
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Everyone at Mantle is incredibly supportive. If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain, reach out—everyone is more than willing to help you. - Take full advantage of pair programming.
Pair programming with senior engineers is a fantastic learning opportunity. It’s not just about writing code—it’s about learning how experienced engineers approach problem-solving, how they break down complex tasks, and how they think through challenges. Use these sessions to ask questions and absorb as much as you can. - Be proud of your work and contribute to discussions.
Don’t underestimate what you bring to the table. Contributing ideas and engaging in team discussions will not only help you understand the broader goals of the company but will also show your dedication to the team. - Maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Work can be fast-paced, but don’t forget to take time for yourself. Stepping back and recharging is essential for staying productive and avoiding burnout.
Overall, my first month at Mantle has been nothing short of fantastic. If you’re considering an internship here, I can confidently say that it’s a place where you will grow both technically and personally, while feeling like a valued member of the team. I’m looking forward to the next few months, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead!