VARLab Vibe - Suraj Bhutani

Today's VARLab Vibe features Suraj . , one of the multi-talented co-op students who play an important role at the VARLab!

Interview by Krushi Kiranraj

What do you do at the VARLab, and how long have you been on the team?

I joined VARLab as a co-op student in January 2024 and currently work as a DLS IT Support technician. I work with VARLab part-time alongside my studies.

What has been your favorite project to work on so far?

My favorite project so far has been managing Confluence and events at VARLab. While optimizing content within our VARLab space, the efforts were directed toward enhancing collaboration, streamlining processes, and enhancing productivity. The project reduced over 50 pages leading to significant time and resource savings. It also helped increase project completion rates by 15%, and reduced time spent searching for information by 30%. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that contributed to digital excellence and increased productivity at VARLab.

What skill or knowledge would you like to develop more?

I'd like to enhance my communication and presentation skills. I aspire to refine my ability to articulate ideas with clarity and convey them effectively.

What’s a piece of advice that has always stuck with you?

One piece of advice that has stayed with me is from my manager, Sean - "It's not about who you know; it's about who knows you." It resonated with me and has been stuck in my mind ever since.

What’s a typical day like for you at the VARLab?

A typical day at VARLab involves getting the space ready for events, organizing available content, providing IT support to the organization, using Meta Quest 3, and staying updated on new technologies.

How have you grown professionally since you started working?

I've experienced significant professional growth since I joined VARLab. One notable aspect is expanding my network and connecting with people from diverse industries and fellow college students. To quantify this growth, when I started at VARLab, I had around 100 connections on LinkedIn. In just four months, I've increased that to over 500 connections, which is a substantial achievement.

What's something about your VARLab experience that will stay with you?

One detail of the VARLab experience that I'm particularly impressed with is the incredible culture of flexibility and support. Whether it's volunteering, attending events, or any other commitments, there's a great level of understanding and accommodation as long as communication is clear beforehand. This mutual flexibility fosters a supportive environment where both employees and the company benefit.

Can you recall your first experience with VR? How did it make you feel, and how has your perception of VR changed since then?

Before joining VARLab, I had never tried VR. At first, it felt a bit strange and new, but as I discovered the features and games like Beat Saber and Paintbrush, I became hooked. It's easy to get immersed in VR experiences, but it's important to take breaks for your health. Overall, VR is a must-try, and watching movies in VR is a definite bonus.

Where is one place in Ontario you would love for everyone to get a chance to see?

If I had to pick one place in Ontario for everyone to experience, it would definitely be Canada's Wonderland. The amusement park offers so much fun and excitement during the summer, with thrilling roller coasters, water park rides, the spooky Halloween Haunt, and the magical WinterFest. It's a place where people of all ages can have an incredible time, making it a must-visit destination for everyone.

If you could have any job in the world for one day, what would it be, and why?

If I could choose any job for just one day, I would love to step into the role of a diplomat representing a country. It would be fascinating to experience the responsibilities, and power to influence positive change in that position.

Krushi Kiranraj joined the VARLab as a Project Assistant in 2023 and is an international student at Conestoga College pursuing her Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business Management. She brings diverse experience in banking, consulting, and project management. She is committed to the idea of a sustainable world.