Intern of the Week: Adam Baji

Name: Adam Baji

 

Pronouns: he/him 

 

Semester of Internship: Summer 2026

 

Major: Cybersecurity M.S

 

Current Class Level: Master's Student

 

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

 

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Northrop Grumman

 

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

 

Title of position: College Technical Intern

 

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

During my Summer 2026 internship at Northrop Grumman, I worked as a College Technical Intern supporting the Business Recovery and Resumption team. My day-to-day responsibilities involved developing software and data-driven solutions to help the team better understand and evaluate supplier-related risks. I created a React-based dashboard that organized complex risk information into a more accessible format and helped develop a weighted Supplier Risk Index for comparing suppliers across several factors. I also worked with team members from different technical and business backgrounds to understand their needs, improve the solution, and contribute to the development of a scalable supplier risk analytics process.

 

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I learned about the Northrop Grumman internship through a professional connection who encouraged me to explore opportunities with the company. After learning more about the position, I submitted my application and completed the company’s interview and selection process. Throughout the process, I relied on the experiences I had developed through my UMBC coursework, previous internships, research, scholar programs, and professional development opportunities. These experiences helped me clearly communicate how my background in computer science, data analysis, and cybersecurity could contribute to the organization.

 

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, Student Organizations/Scholar Groups, LinkedIn or other social media

 

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

What I enjoyed most was having the opportunity to work on a real problem that combined software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and business risk. I was able to see how technical solutions can support important decisions within a large organization. I also appreciated working with professionals who were willing to share their knowledge, provide feedback, and help me understand the broader purpose behind my work. The experience allowed me to strengthen my technical abilities while learning how to communicate and collaborate effectively within a professional environment.

 

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I believe I made an impact by developing a technical solution that made supplier risk information easier to understand and evaluate. The dashboard I created helped transform complex data into clear visual insights, while the Supplier Risk Index provided a more structured way to compare potential risks. My work contributed to a larger effort to build a scalable analytics process that could support future decision-making. I also brought a student perspective and was able to apply concepts from my cybersecurity and software development background to a real organizational challenge.

 

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

My advice is to begin building experiences before you feel completely qualified. Coursework is important, but research, student organizations, personal projects, competitions, and scholar programs can also help you develop valuable skills and connections. Students should attend networking events, speak with professors and professionals, and remain connected with people they meet because one conversation can lead to an unexpected opportunity. When applying, focus on showing your willingness to learn and explaining how your previous experiences can help you contribute. Rejections are part of the process, so remain consistent and continue improving your résumé, interviewing skills, and professional network.