Name: Dharani Kousalya Penta

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Spring 2025

Major: Data Science

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

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

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

Title of position: Data Engineer Intern

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

During my Data Engineer internship at Trulogik, I supported the development of automated data workflows that improved operational visibility and reduced manual effort across the organization. My day-to-day responsibilities included writing SQL queries, cleaning and structuring data, and building Power BI dashboards that tracked real-time recruitment and operational KPIs. Early in the internship, I encountered challenges with inconsistent applicant-tracking data as we used different formats and naming conventions, which caused inaccuracies in the dashboards. I resolved this by creating standardized data models, implementing validation rules, and automating the entire pipeline so reports refreshed reliably without manual intervention. I also performed cohort analysis on sourcing channels to identify bottlenecks in the hiring funnel which helped leadership reallocate resources and improve conversion efficiency. Whenever pipelines broke due to schema changes or missing fields, I collaborated with team to debug the issue, adjust the logic, and ensure that dashboards reflected accurate, version-controlled data. Overall, this experience strengthened my skills in pipeline development, troubleshooting, and stakeholder communication and also foundational skills that directly prepare me for a full-time Data Engineer role.

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

I first learned about the internship opportunity at Trulogik during a career fair, where I visited them and explored the open positions they had posted for interns. After speaking with the team and gaining a better understanding of the role and the type of projects they were working on, I felt it aligned well with my interests. Shortly after the event, I reviewed the job description in detail and submitted my application along with my resume. This process allowed me to connect directly with the team, understand their expectations, and apply for the position in a timely manner.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, Alumni Networking, Handshake, LinkedIn or other social media

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

What I enjoyed most about my position at Trulogik was the supportive and collaborative team environment. Everyone was willing to guide me, answer questions, and involve me in meaningful discussions about real-world data problems. This gave me the confidence to explore, experiment, and learn without hesitation. I also appreciated that I was trusted with real-time work rather than just observing. I was able to build dashboards, analyze data, and contribute to actual business decisions, which made the experience extremely rewarding. The combination of hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to real operational challenges not only strengthened my technical skills but also helped me understand how data engineering impacts day-to-day business operations.

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

I believe I made a meaningful impact through my work by improving the accuracy, efficiency, and clarity of the data that different teams relied on. My analysis of recruitment and sourcing channels gave leadership clearer visibility into where candidates were coming from and where bottlenecks existed, helping them make more informed decisions. I also helped resolve data inconsistencies and improve data quality, which directly strengthened reporting and decision-making across the organization. Overall, my contributions helped the team with better data, and with fewer errors creating value that continued even after my internship ended.

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

My biggest advice would be to actively build real, hands-on project experience whether through personal projects, class assignments, or open-source work. Being able to showcase practical skills makes a huge difference when applying. I would also recommend attending career fairs and networking events, because they provide direct access to employers and opportunities you might not find online. Additionally, connecting with UMBC alumni on LinkedIn or through campus events can be extremely valuable.Overall, stay proactive, keep learning independently, and don't hesitate to reach out to people.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

What I enjoyed most about my position was the opportunity to work on real-world data problems with a team that was incredibly supportive and encouraging. The Career Center and especially Christine Routzahn played a major role in my journey. Her guidance, confidence-building, and advice were invaluable in helping me navigate the process and secure the internship.

World AIDS Day is a global movement dedicated to uniting communities in the fight against HIV, honoring the lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses, and standing in solidarity with people living with HIV. Since 1988, this day has brought people together to confront stigma, share knowledge, and reaffirm our commitment to ending the HIV epidemic.

Globally, an estimated 38 million people are living with HIV. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS-related illnesses over the past four decades, making it one of the most significant public health challenges in modern history. Thanks to medical advancements, individuals living with HIV today can live long, healthy lives with proper treatment. We now have the tools to stop HIV transmission entirely, yet stigma and misinformation remain major barriers to prevention, care, and equity.

The Red Ribbon, created in 1991 by a group of artists seeking a symbol of compassion and support, has become the universal emblem of HIV awareness. Its bold red color represents the heart, passion, and commitment to supporting those affected by HIV.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity to highlight the real experiences of people living with HIV, celebrate the resilience of affected communities, and encourage the leadership necessary to end stigma and improve access to prevention and care.

UMBC World AIDS Day Event

• Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Commons 1A02 (next to the bookstore)

For the past three years, UMBC's Office of Health Promotion has hosted annual World AIDS Day events focused on education, awareness, and testing.

The 2025 World AIDS Day program will be held:

This event includes free, anonymous HIV testing, educational opportunities for reducing risk, and guidance on how to help break the stigma around HIV testing. Participants may also contribute to a panel honoring the AIDS Memorial Quilt, remembering and celebrating the unique lives of those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS.

This event is open to all individuals in accordance with UMBC's nondiscrimination policies.

Baltimore World AIDS Day Community Celebration
Hosted by Begin Anew and Community Partners

• Date: December 1, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
• Location: 4 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Lexington Market, Baltimore, MD

Begin Anew invites the community to its 4th Annual World AIDS Day Community Celebration, one of Baltimore's largest and most vibrant observances of the day. Guided by the theme, "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Embracing the Future," this event brings together residents, advocates, and partners for an uplifting afternoon of education, reflection, and celebration.
The program features keynote speaker Jason E. Farley and special awards recognizing local leaders who have dedicated their efforts to eradicating HIV/AIDS, advancing health equity, and expanding access to care. Attendees will experience moving tributes, personal stories, and moments that honor the resilience and contributions of those on the frontlines.
Guests will also enjoy a complimentary lunch, live entertainment, and opportunities to connect with advocates, service providers, and organizations addressing social determinants of health. The event is free and open to all, welcoming community members, families, and allies to join in solidarity and shared purpose.

World AIDS Day in Frederick County, Maryland

The Frederick County Health Department is partnering with The Frederick Center to provide free HIV testing and education in honor of World AIDS Day.

Event details:

• Date: November 30, 2025
• Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Location: The Frederick Center, 25 East 2nd Street, Frederick, MD 21701

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have access to confidential HIV testing, information on prevention strategies such as PrEP, and connections to local resources and support services. Knowing your status is an important step in prevention, treatment, and helping to reduce transmission.

Kenneth Melnick, Disease Intervention Specialist at the Frederick County Health Department, shared that World AIDS Day represents a commitment to community health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of ensuring everyone has access to testing and care.

The Frederick County Health Department also offers free walk-in HIV testing every Tuesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, as well as appointments by phone.

How You Can Participate in World AIDS Day

• Wear a Red Ribbon to raise awareness.

• Get tested and encourage others to know their status.

• Learn about HIV prevention methods, including PrEP.

• Share accurate information to help combat stigma.

• Honor loved ones affected by HIV or AIDS-related illnesses.

• Support local and national organizations committed to HIV advocacy, care, and education.

Collective action continues to play a crucial role in ending the HIV epidemic. Through awareness, compassion, and a commitment to equitable access to care, we can work toward a future where HIV does not stand in the way of anyone's life.