Experience Spotlight: Sakshi Jaju

Name: Sakshi Jaju

 

Pronouns: She/Her 

 

Semester of Work Experience: Fall 2026

 

UMBC Major or Program: Human Centered Computing

 

Current Class Level: Master's Student

 

I recently obtained experience in a(n)... Internship

 

Work Experience Site (Company/Organization Name): DMS International

 

Location of the Organization (City, State): Silver Spring, Maryland, United States

 

Title of position: UI/UX Design Intern

 

Tell us about your experience, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

As a UI/UX Design Intern at DMS International, I work on digital products and websites, with a focus on making complex workflows easier and more intuitive for users. My work started with reviewing and testing existing products to identify usability issues, workflow gaps, and areas that could be improved.

 

One of my main projects has been redesigning an AI-powered course creation platform that turns instructor PDFs into different learning formats such as quizzes, flashcards, and videos. I work on the user flows, information architecture, interface design, and interactions across the course creation and learning experience. I use Figma to create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs while following the product's design system and accessibility guidelines.

 

On a typical day, I review product requirements, explore existing workflows, work through different user scenarios and edge cases, create or update designs in Figma, and discuss my work with developers and other team members. I also help test designs and make changes based on feedback and technical constraints. 

 

In Fall 2026, I continued working with the team on the redesign of another AI software product, where I am contributing to the UX architecture, workflows, and overall usability.

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

The opportunity came to me in a way I honestly did not expect. As a graduate student in Human-Centered Computing (HCC) under the Department of Information Systems at UMBC, I also work as a Graduate Assistant in the department. In May 2026, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the department's booth at the DC AI+ Expo 2026.

 

At the event, I was presenting one of my projects, an AI chatbot designed for myUMBC. The CIO of DMS International stopped by the booth as one of the visitors and saw the project. He asked who had designed it, and I told him that I had. I gave him my business card, and that was it. I did not expect anything to come from that conversation.

 

About 25 days later, I received a call from CIO, asking if I would be interested in a summer UI/UX design internship. Within a day, I received the offer letter. I started working with the team during the summer and registered the internship through UMBC's MTIP program. The experience went very well. I enjoyed the work, and the team was happy with my contributions, so I was offered the opportunity to continue working with DMS International during the Fall 2026 semester.

 

What started as a short conversation at a UMBC IS department booth turned into an internship and an opportunity to continue working on real AI products. It was a great reminder for me that sometimes simply showing your work and being willing to talk about it can lead to unexpected opportunities.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Department of Information Systems booth at DC AI+ Expo 2026

 

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

The best part of this internship has been getting to work on AI products while applying what I am learning in Human-Centered Computing at UMBC. I like taking a complicated process and thinking about how it can be made easier for someone to understand and use.

 

I have also learned a lot from working directly with developers and stakeholders. Instead of only creating screens, I get to understand how the product works, discuss what is possible, think through different user situations, and see how the final design comes together. Being given the opportunity to continue with the team into the Fall has also made this experience especially meaningful. 

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

I started my internship by testing and reviewing the existing software from a user's perspective. I looked for usability issues, confusing workflows, and areas that could be improved. After one of my first reviews, my manager told me, “You saw what we as a team couldn’t notice.” That feedback stood out to me because it showed me how bringing a fresh perspective can help identify things that may be easy to miss when you work on the same product every day.

 

Since then, I have helped improve how users move through the products I have worked on. One of my main projects has been an AI-powered course creation platform, where I redesigned parts of the experience for creating courses, generating AI content, editing that content, and using it for learning.

 

I review existing screens and workflows, identify where users may get confused, and turn those findings into new designs and prototypes in Figma. I also work closely with developers to understand the product and make sure the designs are practical to build.

 

I think my biggest contribution has been bringing the user's perspective into conversations about how a product should work, not just how it should look.

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

 

My biggest advice is to put yourself in situations where people can see your work. My internship started with a conversation at the DC, AI+ Expo, where I was presenting a project at the UMBC IS Department booth. I spoke with someone from DMS International, gave them my business card, and about 25 days later I received a call about the internship.

 

You do not always know which conversation will lead somewhere, so do not wait for the perfect opportunity. Attend events, talk to people, show your projects, and keep your LinkedIn updated.

 

Also, do not worry about being the most confident person in the room. I am an introvert myself, and I have learned that networking does not have to mean talking to everyone. Start with one person, introduce yourself, ask about their experience, and listen to what they have to say. A simple conversation can go a long way.