Name: Robin Paranilam

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship:Summer 2024

Major:Computer Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics

Current Class Level:Senior

This semester I completed a(n):Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Location of the Organization (City, State):Laurel, MD

Title of position:Systems Engineering Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
I worked on a variety of projects during my summer at APL, including helping with software modernization for some in-house analysis tools, formulating a Gen-AI based knowledge tool that would help people within my group get the resources they need, and applying DevOps principles to help automate software processes relating to the work my group did. I also participated in an intern project where my group focused on creating solutions to make APL more accessible. Outside of these projects, I was able to participate in other things going on at the lab. I took a machine learning course, networked throughout the lab, attended various professional development seminars/programs, and I was even able to meet with the director of APL, Ralph Semmel, who actually completed his PhD at UMBC.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I went to a UMBCConnects session with APL in the fall before my internship. They collected my resume, and I continued to apply online to any APL job postings that interested me. Around December, a group supervisor at APL contacted me about interning in his group and set up an interview. I was able to chat with some of the other engineers I'd be working with, and I received an offer afterward.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center, Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.)

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
I like that the work I do at APL is challenging yet applicable to modern-day problems, and I felt like I was contributing to my projects in a meaningful way. In addition, the people at APL were so friendly and open to helping me pursue any topics I was interested in. This allowed me to learn a lot from my experience and figure out what I really wanted to focus on in terms of a career in engineering.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I contributed to some essential deliverables for the main project I was working on, and I was able to also set the foundation for some of the newer, innovative research projects I helped develop. In addition, an intern project I worked on with other APL interns relating to making the lab more accessible gained interest from leadership at the company, wanting to develop the concept further.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Keep applying and getting your resume out there, you never know what opportunities lie around you. Going to networking events and utilizing your resources, both within UMBC and externally, is crucial in today's market. There are plenty of tools and people available at UMBC to help you in your career development, and in the meantime, continue your self-development learn skills that apply to the career you want to pursue.