Meet Emer Neville, a Digital Humanities Student at Netapp

What and where do you study? 
I study Digital Humanities and Information Technology at University College Cork. I’ve always had a passion for both technology and the arts, and this course allows me to explore the intersection of the two. While we’re learning technical skills like coding, web development, and data analysis, we’re also encouraged to think critically about technology; its impact on society, its ethical implications, and how it shapes the world we live in.

It’s a future-focused, interdisciplinary degree that equips you to be digitally fluent while also approaching problems with creativity and cultural awareness. When deciding what course to study, it was that balance that really appealed to me, especially in a world where technology increasingly impacts every aspect of our lives. The course has given me a well-rounded, adaptable skill set that’s already proven valuable in real-world, industry settings. It’s the kind of degree that opens multiple doors, rather than shutting you into one specific path and I can’t recommend it enough. 

Why did you apply for an Internship at NetApp
As part of my degree, we’re required to complete a six-month work placement, and I knew I wanted to gain experience that would be useful for after graduation. I was looking for a company where I could apply what I’d learned in college while continuing to grow professionally and NetApp really stood out. 

What first caught my attention was NetApp’s emphasis on people and culture. From their website, it was clear that they aim to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment, with various employee resource groups, networking events, and development opportunities. 

Ultimately, what really appealed to me was the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, and the chance to be part of a global company. I wanted to challenge myself in a fast-paced tech environment, and NetApp has definitely delivered on that.

What kind of work have you been doing as a Go-To-Market Technical Stream Intern?

As a Go-To-Market (GTM) Technical Stream Intern, my time is split between two key areas. Half of my day is dedicated to project work with my manager, and the other half focuses on structured learning within the GTM program where we explore NetApp’s products and solutions.

What I love about the GTM program is that it’s not purely technical. While we dive into the technical product portfolio, a lot of the work involves understanding partner and customer needs and translating those into practical, technical solutions. It’s been a fantastic way to apply what I’ve studied in university to real-world scenarios.

In my specific role, I’ve been working primarily on social media and videography projects. No two days are the same, which I really enjoy. I’ve done everything from conducting a social media review and developing a strategy to presenting key recommendations to NetApp’s Chief Sustainability Officer. We’re constantly encouraged to take initiative, reach out to new teams, and get involved in areas that interest us, whether that means shadowing a department for a week or grabbing coffee with a senior leader. It’s a very open, growth-oriented environment.

What is the culture like at NetApp? 

The culture at NetApp has honestly been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. It’s incredibly inclusive, collaborative, and people-focused. Everyone, from fellow interns to senior leaders, is approachable and open to offering guidance or simply having a chat.

There’s a huge emphasis on growth and continuous learning. As interns, we’ve had access to platforms like LinkedIn Learning, internal workshops, and career sessions. But more importantly, we’re trusted with meaningful work, projects where our input has real impact. 

Beyond the work itself, the day-to-day environment is so engaging. There’s always something happening in the office from social events to volunteer days, and always a new opportunity to connect with someone. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to bring your whole self to work, and that makes a huge difference.