Success at Orbital Shift
Edited by Emily Pritchard
Scott Hinshaw, a Management Information Systems Senior with minors in Computer Science &
Mathematics, has been interning with Orbital Shift. “Having real world experience helps me apply
concepts I am learning in the classroom. I am able to better see the value of concepts covered in class.”
What was your position as an intern with Orbital Shift?
“My title is Client Success/Developer Intern. I spent the first two weeks learning Orbital Shift's online
employee scheduling and time clock software. After learning the software I gave a demonstration of the
application to the entire team. Immediately after learning the system, I jumped right into the Client
Success side of my role. I learned how to answer phone calls and write emails in a professional setting.
Shortly after that I was given my first development project, updating the support area of the
application.”
Why did you decide to take on this internship and how did you get connected to this
opportunity?
“I was looking to get some real world experience working in a software development business. A couple
of my friends from the MIS program interned at Orbital Shift and told me it was a great place to work.”
“Kevin O'Reilly was a guest lecturer in one of my MIS classes. He described the client focused approach
Orbital Shift utilizes to develop labor management software and the workplace culture he strives to
have. I knew I wanted to work there. I approached him after the talk and asked about a potential
internship.”
What has been the most rewarding part of this experience?
“Learning the ‘ins and outs’ of a software business. It has been really interesting to see how all of the
different areas of the organization all work toward the same goal; creating an application that brings
value to our clients' and their employees’ lives. It's clear that every decision made at Orbital Shift has
that goal in mind.”
“I also particularly enjoyed the development project I was assigned. The project exposed me to all of the
steps in the software development lifecycle. Everything from planning/research to implementation and
documentation was covered.”
What has been your favorite part?
“My favorite part has been the people I work with. Everyone who works here is very intelligent and kind.
They have all gone out of their way to teach me new things.”
Have there been any challenges you have overcome to get this experience?
“Every call or email that comes in is a new challenge. Each is somewhat different and finding the right
answer can involve learning more about various workforce management and industry specific issues.”
What advice would you give other students considering opportunities like this?
“You never know what opportunities might emerge just by networking with people. Orbital Shift wasn't
specifically looking for an intern when Kevin gave his talk in my class, yet, just talking with him
afterwards led to me having a great internship with a great company.”
Has this experience reaffirmed your career goals or has it changed your mind in any way?
“It absolutely reaffirmed my goal of having a career in the software development industry. This is an
exciting industry to work in.”
Describe in one sentence what participating in this experience has been like for you.
“A great beginning to my career!”
Scott (left) with a fellow UM graduate, Jeremy Nelson at Orbital Shift.