Name: Lyna Beraich
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Semester of Internship: Spring 2026
Major: Computer Science
Current Class Level: Senior
This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): ClearEdge IT Solutions
Location of the Organization (City, State): Jessup, MD
Title of position: Software Engineer Intern
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
As a software engineering intern at ClearEdge IT Solutions, I have the privilege of working with the IRAD (Internal Research and Development) team. The IRAD team is responsible for a wide range of initiatives within ClearEdge, including the development of corporate applications that employees across the company depend on, as well as building internal software that reflects the same technologies and frameworks used by ClearEdge engineers on government contracts. Since joining, my primary focus has been contributing to the development and ongoing maintenance of these applications. From working on bug fixes and implementing new features, to ensuring the tools our team delivers meet the needs of the broader organization. Our workflow follows an Agile methodology: each day begins with a stand-up meeting where team members share progress and coordinate on priorities. The remainder of the day is spent heads-down in development, collaborating through code reviews, pair programming, and team meetings as needed. This structure has given me consistent exposure to real-world software engineering practices and a strong sense of how cross-functional teams operate in a professional environment.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I heard about this position last October from someone who I had previously worked with at a different company who was now working at ClearEdge. I was immediately interested after I learned about the role and I applied soon after. I also signed up to go on a tour of the ClearEdge facility with the UMBC Career Center. I was so thankful for the opportunity to get a hands-on look at what an internship at ClearEdge would look like. I learned a lot about the company values and I was able to connect with UMBC alumni currently working at ClearEdge. I was super excited to hear back in December and the past couple weeks at ClearEdge have been super engaging and fulfilling.
What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center, Alumni Networking
What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
I've really valued the opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge AI technologies, deepen my understanding of modern software development practices, and grow as an engineer by learning from my more experienced colleagues.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
It's been incredibly fulfilling to watch my contributions take shape in products that people at ClearEdge use every day. Beyond writing code, I hope I'm also bringing a fresh perspective that pushes the team to continually refine how we collaborate and approach our day-to-day workflows.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Don't be afraid to knock on every door. My previous internship, which is how I learned about this opportunity, wasn't one I was formally offered. I simply kept reaching out and demonstrating genuine interest until I earned the chance to contribute and in doing so, I built lasting connections that ultimately led me to where I am today. The worst thing anyone can say is no, so always put yourself out there.
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
I love how well I'm supported here while still being challenged and learning something new every day. The Career Center provided me with an amazing opportunity to visit ClearEdge and truly connect with the company and the people here.