Name: Parth Vaja

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Summer 2026

Major: MS Data Science

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): BeOne Medicines

Location of the Organization (City, State): Hopewell, New Jersey (Remote)

Title of position: AI & Data Engineering Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
I am working as an AI and Data Engineering Intern at BeOne Medicines, supporting the Global Commercial and Medical Technology team on a project to build an AI-powered bot over the company's Amazon Redshift data warehouse. My day-to-day work involves extracting metadata from Redshift, parsing SQL and stored procedures with Python, generating documentation using large language models, and building a retrieval-augmented pipeline that lets users query the warehouse conversationally. I am also designing a dependency graph layer that enables deterministic impact analysis for stored procedure changes. A typical day includes syncs with my manager, hands-on engineering work, coordination with other engineers on the team.


Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I first came across the BeOne Medicines internship posting in early March 2026 while searching for summer roles that combined AI, LLMs, and data warehousing. I applied within a few days with a tailored cover letter and outreach email, and was soon contacted for a phone screen with the hiring manager. After that initial conversation, I researched the project deeply and prepared a written architecture proposal outlining how I would approach the stored procedure documentation bot. A follow-up discussion led to a formal offer through BeOne's talent acquisition team and their workforce partner, Magnit Global, which I accepted in May 2026 and started in June.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
LinkedIn or other social media

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I have enjoyed most is the combination of real technical depth and real business impact. The project I am working on directly touches how BeOne's commercial teams understand their own data infrastructure, so every design decision has actual consequences for how analysts, engineers, and leadership do their jobs. I have also appreciated the trust my manager has placed in me from day one, giving me space to propose my own architectural ideas rather than just executing predefined tasks. Being part of a mission-driven organization focused on oncology adds another layer of meaning to the technical work.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I have contributed by designing and building the foundational components of an AI-powered bot that will help the team query stored procedures and perform impact analysis on their Redshift data warehouse. Beyond writing the code, I proposed adding a deterministic dependency graph layer alongside the retrieval-augmented generation pipeline, which improves reliability for the exact impact-analysis questions the team relies on most. My work is helping build a system that will reduce the time engineers and analysts spend manually tracing data dependencies, making the broader commercial data platform more transparent and maintainable.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Start early, prepare seriously, and treat every application as an opportunity to learn something about the company rather than just a submission. I have found that tailored applications, thoughtful outreach emails, and genuine research about the role make a significant difference compared to generic mass applications. Do not be afraid to propose ideas or share your thinking in interviews, since managers often value candidates who engage with the problem rather than just answering questions. Finally, stay persistent and keep track of your process, because internship searches take time and small improvements compound over dozens of applications.

HACKUMBC 2026 IS NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

Hear ye, hear ye! hackUMBC returns for our annual 24-hour hackathon and this year, we're venturing into a realm of medieval fantasy.

📅 September 26-27th
📍 ITE and Engineering Buildings

Whether you're a seasoned code-wizard or a first-time squire, there's a quest for everyone: build a website, dabble in design, craft a game, or bring your wildest idea to life.

No experience is required, as we'll have beginner workshops and mentors to help you get started. We'll be providing free food, epic prizes, and amazing swag for all who attend.

🔗 Register here: https://hackumbc.tech/sign-up

Name: Laiba Matloob

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Summer 2026

Major: Financial Economics

Current Class Level: Senior

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


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


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

Title of position: Assurance Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
This summer, I am serving as an Audit Intern in the Assurance practice at CohnReznick in the Baltimore office. During my internship, I work closely with the Affordable Housing team and assist with audit and assurance engagements for clients in the real estate and affordable housing industry. My day-to-day responsibilities include preparing and organizing audit workpapers, reviewing financial documents, performing testing procedures, and supporting the audit team with client requests and engagement documentation.

The internship has also provided extensive exposure to professional accounting and audit software, including CCH Axcess, CaseWare, Power Bi, and other industry tools used for audit documentation, trial balances, and engagement management. In addition to technical experience, I collaborate with associates, seniors, managers, and partners on client engagements, attend professional development sessions, and gain exposure to the overall audit process from planning through completion. This experience is strengthening my analytical, communication, and teamwork skills while giving me valuable insight into the accounting and assurance profession.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I first learned about the Audit Internship opportunity at CohnReznick during the Fall 2026 semester and submitted my application shortly afterward. A few weeks later, I was contacted to schedule an interview for the position. The interview process included speaking with both a manager and a partner from the firm, where we discussed my academic background, interests in accounting and assurance, and career goals. The interview experience was very positive and gave me the opportunity to learn more about the firm’s culture and the work performed within the Assurance practice. After the interview process, I later received an offer to join CohnReznick as an Audit Intern for the Summer 2026 internship program.


What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I have enjoyed most about my position at CohnReznick is the people and the overall culture of the organization. One of the most positive aspects of the firm is how easy it is to communicate with associates, seniors, managers, and even partners. Everyone understands that interns are there to learn, and team members are always willing to answer questions, share their experiences, and provide guidance throughout the internship. I have appreciated how supportive and approachable the environment has been, which has made it easier to build professional relationships and grow my confidence in the workplace. Another aspect I value is the diversity within the firm, as it creates an inclusive environment where individuals from different backgrounds and experiences can collaborate and learn from one another.



How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe I have made an impact through my willingness to contribute new perspectives and ideas while supporting my team on client engagements. As a student who is familiar with evolving technology and modern tools, I have been able to bring a fresh perspective and adapt quickly to new systems and processes. I also strive to be dependable, collaborative, and eager to learn, which helps me contribute positively to the team environment.





What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My advice to another student seeking an internship or similar experience would be to stay confident in your skills and not be afraid to share your experiences and ideas. Even as an intern, your perspective and contributions matter. I would also say not to be too hard on yourself, because internships are meant to be learning experiences. No one expects interns to know everything right away. It is important to accept mistakes, learn from them, and continue improving throughout the experience.

The UMBC Career Center is excited to offer virtual training sessions specifically for UMBC faculty and staff responsible for posting on-campus student jobs in Handshake.

These trainings are designed to walk hiring managers and departmental staff through:

• How to create an employer account in Handshake

• How to post and manage on-campus student jobs in Handshake

• Tips for reaching and engaging UMBC student talent

• Common troubleshooting questions

Whether you're new to Handshake or looking for a refresher, these sessions will help streamline your student hiring process and ensure your opportunities are visible to students.

Training Dates: 

• Tuesday, July 28 at 2pm

• Wednesday, August 19 at 10am

Sign up for training today!  Calendar invites will be sent out after you register.

Before the training, check out our resources for posting on-campus jobs.

For questions or special requests, please contact Annie Byrd, Assistant Director in the Career Center at anniebyrd@umbc.edu.

As the summer weeks drift by, your professional network might be the last thing on your mind. You had great conversations with professors last spring, or maybe you built a strong relationship with a boss at a previous internship, but now there is silence. It is easy to let these connections fade, but a sudden message in September asking for a job recommendation can feel too transactional — and recruiters and mentors can spot that from a mile away.

The solution? A summer check-in, which is a low-pressure, thoughtful update that keeps you top-of-mind and transforms a one-time contact into a lifelong advocate. To turn a brief introduction into career momentum, you need to master the art of the casual update.

Shift the Focus from "Ask" to "Update"
The golden rule of the summer check-in is simple: do not ask for a favor. The moment you ask for a job, a referral, or a recommendation in your first email, the conversation feels more loaded. Instead, focus entirely on sharing progress and showing appreciation. A simple message detailing an article you read this summer that reminded you of a prior conversation shifts the dynamic from a transaction to a relationship.

Connect Your Progress to Their Advice
The most flattering update you can send a mentor or professor is showing that you actually listened to them. Did a professor suggest you read a specific book or learn a new tool? Did a past supervisor advise you to work on your presentation skills? Send a quick note like: "I wanted to let you know I took your advice and spent this summer learning Python. It has already made a huge difference in my projects. Thank you for that suggestion!"

Keep It Brief and Scannable
Your contact is likely just as busy during the summer as they are during the academic year. Keep your email or LinkedIn message short — under 150 words. State why you are reaching out, give a brief 1–2 sentence update on your summer, and close with a supportive, forward-looking question about how their summer is going. This keeps the barrier to reply incredibly low and easy to manage.

Normalize the Follow-Up
Many students hesitate to reach out because they fear being annoying. But professionals love hearing from proactive students who are motivated to grow. When you regularly check in without wanting anything in return, you build a foundation of trust. That way, when a position does open up in the fall, you are already the first candidate they think of.

Ready to Get Started?
Unsure how to draft your outreach messages, or want to make sure your LinkedIn profile is ready before you hit "send"? The UMBC Career Center is here to help you polish your strategy and build a professional brand that stands out. Schedule a one-on-one Networking & LinkedIn Strategy appointment on Handshake to map out your outreach strategy and optimize your digital presence today.

Name: Shruti Dharmani 

Pronouns: she/her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2025

Major: MS in Cybersecurity

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Technuf LLC.

Location of the Organization (City, State): Rockville, Maryland

Title of position: Cybersecurity Intern

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

• Performing cybersecurity analysis and threat monitoring using Technuf's proprietary product , including triaging security alerts, investigating incidents, and assisting in the detection, analysis, and response to potential threats across client environments. 

• Supporting internal research and development for company's product by maintaining 

accurate technical documentation, understanding platform integration points, assisting with 

system maintenance activities, and contributing to planning and evaluation of future 

security features and enhancements.

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

I first learned about Technuf through my mentor, Dr. Faisal Quader, who is also the President of the company. As someone interested in cybersecurity and research, I was excited to learn more about the organization and the work they were doing. I applied through Technuf's careers page and was selected as a cybersecurity intern. Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of challenging projects, and my internship was extended multiple times as I continued to grow and contribute to the team. After graduating from UMBC, I was grateful to receive a full-time offer, allowing me to continue the journey I started as an intern.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Faculty Connections

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

What I've enjoyed the most is the opportunity to continuously learn and work with a wide range of cybersecurity tools and technologies. One of the most exciting experiences was being part of the team that built CyberSafe, a cybersecurity platform that has now been launched and is being used in the market. I had the chance to work with more than six different security tools, evaluate their strengths, and help identify the best capabilities to incorporate into our product. Beyond learning how to operate cybersecurity platforms, I also gained valuable insight into how these tools are designed, integrated, and built behind the scenes. That experience gave me a much deeper understanding of cybersecurity than I ever expected from an internship.

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

One of the things I'm most proud of is being involved in almost every stage of the product's development. My work included research, documentation, product development, testing, and using the platform for threat intelligence and cybersecurity operations. Seeing CyberSafe evolve from the research and development phase into a live product being used by customers has been incredibly rewarding. The trust my team placed in me, along with the fact that my internship was extended multiple times before I ultimately received a full-time offer, gives me confidence that my contributions made a meaningful impact on both the team and the product.

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

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone or explore opportunities beyond your core area of expertise. You don't have to abandon the field you're passionate about—instead, look for ways to build complementary skills that make you more versatile. Being open to learning new technologies, taking on unfamiliar challenges, and saying "yes" to opportunities helped me grow far beyond what I expected. Every new skill you develop adds to your capabilities and prepares you for opportunities you may not have imagined when you first started.

Name: Mustafa Ali

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Spring 2026

Major: Information Systems

Current Class Level: Senior

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Baltimore County

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

Title of position: Data and Technology Campaign Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
I am currently interning with a Baltimore County District 1 Council Member candidate who is running a local campaign. A lot of my work focuses on organizing and managing voter, volunteer, and donor information to support the campaign’s outreach efforts. I also help with canvassing, attending community events, and assisting with general campaign operations. Being involved both behind the scenes with data and out in the community has helped me better understand how local campaigns connect with voters and stay organized.


Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I heard about the internship midway through Fall 2025 through a friend who was already working on the campaign. I attended a local political event without really looking for an internship, but I ended up meeting the candidate and talking about my background and skills. After a few follow up conversations, he offered me the position. I submitted my application and started working less than two weeks later.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
Student Connections

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I’ve enjoyed most is being able to see the direct impact of the work I’m doing, both behind the scenes and in the community. I like that I’m not stuck doing just one thing. I get to work with data and technology, but also go out canvassing and attend community events. It makes the work feel meaningful and connected to real people.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I think I’ve made an impact by helping keep voter, volunteer, and donor information organized so the campaign can reach people more effectively. I’ve also contributed through canvassing and outreach, where I’ve been able to talk directly with community members and help spread awareness about the campaign.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
I’d say don’t be afraid to show up and put yourself out there, even if you’re not actively looking for an internship. Talk to people, go to events, and be open about your skills and interests. A lot of opportunities come from connections and conversations you don’t expect.

Name: Sayee Bandishte

Pronouns: She/her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2025

Major: Masters in Cybersecurity

Current Class Level: Master's Student

This semester I completed a(n)...: Co-op

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): UMBC DoIT - Maryland Public Service Commission

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

Title of position: GRC Analyst

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities: I am currently working as a GRC Analyst Intern with UMBC DoIT supporting the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), where I contribute to cybersecurity governance and regulatory oversight for critical infrastructure. My day-to-day work involves supporting risk assessments and control evaluations aligned with frameworks such as NIST CSF 2.0, NIST SP 800-53, and NIST SP 800-30, particularly for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), and third-party vendors operating within Maryland’s energy ecosystem. I assist with documenting security expectations, mapping control evidence, identifying control gaps, and contributing to audit-ready documentation used for regulatory review. Through this experience, I’ve gained hands-on exposure to how cybersecurity governance, risk management, and compliance operate in a real-world public-sector and critical-infrastructure environment.

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

I learned about this opportunity through an email shared by the UMBC Cybersecurity Department, which highlighted the role as a hands-on governance and risk experience supporting the Maryland Public Service Commission. Given my academic focus in cybersecurity governance and my interest in public-sector and critical-infrastructure security, the role aligned strongly with my goals. I applied shortly after receiving the email and progressed through the interview process, where I discussed my coursework, framework knowledge, and interest in regulatory cybersecurity. The process reinforced the value of staying engaged with departmental communications and leveraging UMBC-specific opportunities.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.)

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

What I’ve enjoyed most is the opportunity to see how cybersecurity decisions directly impact public trust, regulatory compliance, and critical infrastructure resilience. Working at the intersection of UMBC DoIT and the Maryland PSC has allowed me to understand how cybersecurity governance is applied at a statewide level, balancing technical risk, policy considerations, and stakeholder coordination. I’ve also appreciated working with professionals who value structured frameworks, documentation quality, and risk-based decision-making, which has significantly strengthened my understanding of GRC in practice.

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

Through my work, I’ve helped strengthen audit readiness and risk visibility by contributing to structured risk assessments, control gap identification, and evidence mapping efforts. I’ve supported the development of documentation that helps standardize how cybersecurity risks are evaluated and communicated across stakeholders, improving clarity and consistency. By aligning technical risks with recognized frameworks and regulatory expectations, I’ve contributed to more informed decision-making around cybersecurity oversight for energy-related systems and vendors.

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

I would encourage students to actively engage with their academic departments, career emails, and UMBC-specific opportunities, as many impactful roles are shared directly through these channels. It’s also important to connect coursework to real-world applications when applying—understanding frameworks and concepts is valuable, but being able to explain how they apply in practice makes a strong difference. Finally, don’t hesitate to pursue roles that may feel challenging; internships are meant to be learning experiences.

If your summer plans involve scooping ice cream, life-guarding at the community pool, or folding clothes in retail, you might feel like your career goals are on pause. Many students fall into the trap of thinking that if a summer job isn’t a corporate internship in their exact major, it doesn't "count" on a resume.

The truth is, employers aren't just looking for technical keywords — they are looking for foundational capabilities. According to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), traits like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are consistently rated as top priorities by recruiters across every industry. Your seasonal job isn't a distraction from your career; it’s a training ground for it. You just need to know how to reframe it.

Translate Tasks into Competencies

The secret to a high-impact resume is moving away from a basic list of duties and moving toward skills-based storytelling. Instead of writing "Ran the cash register," reframe it as: "Managed daily cash and digital transactions up to $2,000 with 100% accuracy while maintaining a fast-paced customer workflow." By focusing on accuracy, speed, and financial responsibility (with numbers and percentages to further emphasize your points), you show an employer that you possess the core reliability they crave.

Highlight Your Problem-Solving Under Pressure

Every retail worker, camp counselor, and server has dealt with an emergency or an unhappy customer. In the eyes of a recruiter, handling a chaotic situation at a summer job proves you have problem-solving skills — a top attribute sought by over 60% of employers in recent NACE updates. Did you resolve a scheduling conflict? Did you pacify an angry client? Document those moments using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to show you don't panic when things go wrong.

Own Your Professional Leadership

Did you train a new seasonal hire this summer? Were you trusted to open or close the store? Leadership isn't reserved just for CEOs; it is demonstrated by anyone who takes initiative. If you were responsible for guiding others or ensuring a shift ran smoothly, you are building project management experience. Don't diminish your responsibility just because you wore a uniform instead of a suit.

Emphasize Interpersonal Communication

Navigating diverse personalities — whether they are demanding customers, energetic campers, or corporate managers — is the definition of exercising teamwork and communication. In a world increasingly driven by digital tools and AI, employers are putting a premium on human-centric skills. Your summer job demonstrates that you can operate effectively in a collaborative environment, manage stress, and communicate clearly.

Ready to Get Started?

Unsure how to articulate your summer experiences on paper? Don't wait until the fall rush to get your resume in shape. Come to one of our drop-in appointments — no appointment needed — on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-4 PM. Can’t make it in person? No worries, you can make an express virtual appointment on Handshake, available Mondays and Thursdays from 2-4 PM.  

Name: Rushali Sreedhar

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2025

Major: Information Systems

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): CISO Execnet

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

Title of position: Data Analyst

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

During my internship as a Data Analyst at CISO Execnet, I worked on analyzing business data to support decision-making. My day-to-day responsibilities included cleaning and organizing data from multiple sources, building ETL pipelines to streamline data processing, identifying trends, and creating dashboards to present insights in a clear and simple way. I collaborated with team members to understand their needs and helped turn raw data into meaningful insights that could support strategy and improve overall performance.

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

I came across this position through Handshake and applied around June 2025. 

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Handshake

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

What I enjoyed the most about my position was the opportunity to work with real-world data and see how my work could directly support decision-making. I really liked the process of turning raw data into something meaningful and useful. I also enjoyed the collaborative environment, where I could work closely with team members, learn from them, and contribute my ideas. Overall, the experience helped me grow both technically and professionally, and gave me confidence in my ability to solve real business problems.

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

I believe I made an impact by improving the way data was structured, accessed, and used within the organization. My work helped bring clarity to complex information and made it easier for the team to rely on data for their decisions. By simplifying processes and making insights more accessible, I contributed to a more efficient and data-driven approach across the team.

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

My advice would be to stay consistent and keep applying, even if you face rejections. Focus on building your skills through projects and hands-on practice, because that makes a big difference. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take initiative, and learn from others once you get an opportunity. Most importantly, be open to learning and stepping out of your comfort zone, as that’s where real growth happens.