Name: Jonathan Luckin

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Asymmetrik | Title of Your Position: Software Engineer Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s): Mathematics, Physics

Expected Graduation Year: May 2017

Briefly describe your internship, co-op, research, or service-learning opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.

I work with software developers in order to create, update, and test new applications. This requires me to use several programming languages as and a wide variety of existing libraries as well as good engineering principles. Since most of the projects I have worked on have been long term, day to day operations are mostly identifying small sections which need to be developed and then creating and testing those sections. I also assisted in writing a white paper, a paper used to describe a possible application which was then sent to possible clients.

Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.

I found out about the internship opportunity at one of the career fairs sponsored by UMBC during the school year. I talked with company representatives and submitted a resume with them. Several weeks later, I received an e-mail from the company, expressing interest in my application. After conducting a phone interview, I was asked to complete a programming challenge, demonstrating my coding knowledge. I was then brought in to have several in-person interviews. The day after my interview, I was offered a position as an intern. Careers Center helped a lot. I had my resume looked over and edited before I submitted it. Career Center also told me about the career fair where I found out about the company.

Which of the following resources did you use to find your current experience?

Career Fairs

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?

I have really enjoyed learning new technologies and methods of development. I have been working with tools and technologies which I was not too familiar with before I started the internship, and it has been very rewarding to learn and apply new knowledge. I also have enjoyed working with such a talented company. My co-workers are very skilled and talented and I am glad for the opportunity to learn from and help them to accomplish tasks.

What have you gained from your experience that you could not have gained from another opportunity?

I have learned how to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical and professional environment. The lifecycle and development of applications cannot easily be taught in the classroom or in a book. I have learned more about application development and engineering principles by working with experienced professionals in the last few months then I have from classes or my own research. I have also had access to programming tools and environments that I was not aware of and would be difficult to access or discover by myself. My mentor helped me set up several of these systems and I have gained a lot of valuable experience. Without this internship, I would not have discovered these programming tools, environments, or methods.

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

I would advise students to start looking for internships very early. Internships can be very competitive and positions fill up very quickly. Since the hiring process can take a while, looking for a summer internship is not something to put off into the end of the school year, but something that takes place throughout the entire year. I would also recommend that students take an active role in the hiring process. Students should make sure to keep in regular contact with companies to make sure that their applications are being considered. Without regular contact, the company might assume you are no longer interested and just put your application at the bottom of the pile. I recommend that students make sure to research the companies which they apply. Applying for a position which you are not really interested in or qualify for just wastes everyone's time and effort. Make sure that you know your skill set and have a resume and application which reflects your abilities. Finally, it is important to present one's self in a professional manner. Dressing properly and speaking clearly and politely can go a long way in leaving a positive impression on potential employers.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / the internship placement process.

My internship with Asymmetrik has given me valuable hands-on experience from working alongside talented and experienced professionals with cutting-edge technologies.

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