Internships in the tech industry are highly competitive, but with the right search strategy, you can secure an opportunity that will set you up for future success. Whether you're interested in software development, cybersecurity, data science, IT, or others, here are some key steps to help you land a tech internship.

1. Build a Strong Resume and Portfolio

Tech employers seek candidates with relevant skills and experience. Highlight coursework, personal projects, hackathons, or freelance work that demonstrate your technical abilities. If you’re in software development, create a GitHub profile showcasing your code, add the link to the top with your contact information, and reference aspects of your GitHub throughout your resume. For UI/UX roles, build a portfolio website with your designs and write a narrative about how you completed projects from start to finish.

2. Gain Hands-On Experience

Practical experience is crucial to land a tech internship. If you have yet to land something formalized, consider working on open-source projects, participating in coding competitions, or taking on freelance work. Many companies also offer virtual internships and apprenticeships to help students build experience before applying for formal internships. You can also consider checking out sites like Parker Dewey and Forage. 

3. Network with Industry Professionals

Networking plays a huge role in landing tech internships, as you’re 10x more likely to get a job from a referral vs. a cold application. Attend career fairs, tech meetups, and industry conferences to connect with recruiters and professionals in your field. Engage with alumni on Retrievers Connect and LinkedIn, and join student chapters of professional organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). You can also find professional associations that are relevant to your interests through our Majors Resources page.

4. Apply Early and Strategically

Many tech companies recruit interns months in advance, so it’s wise to start your search earlier than you may think. For example, you can start searching for a summer internship in the fall semester. To help with this process, first go to Handshake to and review its internship postings. Then, you can also use platforms like Steppingblocks, LinkedIn, and company career pages to find openings. Tailor your applications by incorporating keywords and industry jargon to your materials, emphasizing relevant skills and quantifying achievements.

5. Prepare for Both Technical and Traditional Interviews

Most tech internships require technical assessments or coding interviews. Practice with platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeSignal, which have free options for students and junior developers. Review common data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving techniques to improve your chances of success. For more traditional interviews you want to make sure you’re prepared to answer questions about yourself, your work, and the role. Practice your responses using Big Interview, or schedule an Interview Prep or Practice Interview appointment with the Career Center.

Time to Take the Next Step

As previously mentioned, one of the best ways to find a tech internship is by attending networking and hiring events. The Maryland Technology Internship Program 2025 Hiring Event is an excellent opportunity to connect with Maryland-based tech employers. There are also opportunities to meet with UMBC alumni in Data Science and Health Information Technology, as well as our Technology and Engineering Industry Fair as part of Career Month in April. Register now for these events to meet with professionals in tech and increase your chances of securing an internship. You got this!

Name:Gayatri Priya Mellacheruvu

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2024

Major: MPS Data Science

Current Class Level: Graduate

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

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

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

Title of position:Data Analytics Intern

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

During my internship as a Data Analyst at DataFy Systems, I gained hands-on experience in various aspects of data infrastructure and application development. My daily responsibilities included debugging and making code changes on GitHub, testing both web and mobile applications, and suggesting improvements using Trello. I contributed to enhancing the functionality and interface of the company website, ensuring a better user experience. Additionally, I automated backend database refresh processes with shell scripts, optimized SQL queries for efficient data retrieval, and streamlined the generation of sales reports to support decision-making.

I also analyzed the database integration pipeline, connecting backend systems with frontend applications, and identified key KPIs in inventory and delivery modules to provide actionable business insights. This experience allowed me to improve my technical skills, collaborate with a talented team, and develop solutions that added value to the organization. It was a rewarding opportunity that equipped me with the skills and confidence to excel in the field of data analytics.

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

I first came across the job posting on Handshake and decided to apply through the platform at the beginning of September. After submitting my application, I was invited for an interview, which I completed successfully. By mid-September, I was thrilled to receive an offer for the position, marking the start of an exciting opportunity.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Handshake

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

What I’ve enjoyed most about my position at DataFy Systems is the opportunity to work on impactful projects that directly contribute to the organization’s goals. Being able to debug code, suggest improvements, and optimize backend processes has been both challenging and rewarding. I particularly appreciated the collaborative work environment, where feedback and ideas were valued, whether through Trello discussions or hands-on development.

The organization’s culture of mentorship stood out as a highlight. Learning from experienced professionals like Sumit Khaneja was invaluable, as they provided guidance and insights that helped me grow both technically and professionally. Additionally, I enjoyed the chance to test and improve applications, contribute to interface enhancements, and see the direct impact of my work on user experience and business outcomes. This combination of technical growth and a supportive team environment made the experience truly enriching.

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

I believe I made a meaningful impact during my time at DataFy Systems by contributing to projects that enhanced both operational efficiency and user experience. By automating backend database refresh processes and optimizing SQL queries, I helped improve the speed and reliability of data retrieval, enabling smoother operations. My work on debugging and making code changes on GitHub, as well as testing applications and suggesting improvements through Trello, directly enhanced the functionality and quality of the apps.

Additionally, my efforts in improving the website interface created a more user-friendly experience, while automating sales report generation and streamlined data-driven decision-making for the team. By identifying key KPIs in inventory and delivery modules, I provided actionable insights that supported business strategies. Overall, my contributions not only added value to ongoing projects but also helped optimize processes and deliver better results for the organization.

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

If you’re looking for an internship, start by using platforms like Handshake and LinkedIn, and check out your school’s career services. Find positions that match your skills and interests, and make sure your resume and cover letter highlight your strengths and relevant experiences.

Before your interview, research the company and practice answering common questions. Be ready to talk about your skills, how you solve problems, and your eagerness to learn.

Once you land the internship, don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and take on tasks beyond your role. Building good relationships with your team and mentors can help you learn more and grow professionally.

Most importantly, stay open to new challenges and opportunities. 

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

I really enjoyed the chance to apply my skills to real-world projects and see the impact of my work. The Career Center’s resources and guidance made the application process smoother and helped me feel prepared every step of the way

Did you know that there are opportunities in almost any field of study to incorporate environmental sustainability into your goals? 

Stop by the career fair this Wednesday, February 19th from 11:00 - 1:30 in the UC Ballroom with your resume and a smile to meet and engage with employers from all career paths; from local government, to engineering, to finance and computer science! Connect with local organizations who are looking for incoming graduates as well as summer interns!

Not looking for a job but still curious? We welcome and encourage anyone to come and ask questions as well!

Name: Oritseneye Mebaghanje 

Pronouns:He/Him

Semester of Internship:Summer 2024

Major: Mechanical Engineering 

Current Class Level:Senior

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

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

Location of the Organization (City, State): Morrisville, North Carolina

Title of position:Facilities Engineering Intern

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

My internship focused on facilities engineering in a bioprocessing environment. I improved my technical documentation skills by creating validation protocols for new GMP equipment and gained experience in troubleshooting using root cause analysis. My main projects included decommissioning obsolete temperature transmitters and installing directional flow stickers on ductwork and process lines (WFI, WPU, Clean Steam) to enhance readability for technicians and engineers. I also validated freezers and cold rooms to ensure compliance with GMP standards and worked with building management systems to monitor bioprocessing equipment.

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

I learned about this role in January 2024 through LinkedIn and applied that same month. The hiring process consisted of two interview stages. First, I had one interview with the hiring manager, where we discussed my background, technical skills, and how they aligned with the role. The final stage was a panel interview with multiple team members, where I had the opportunity to showcase my problem-solving abilities and understanding of the industry. The entire process took about a month from application to the final decision.

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.), Alumni Networking, Handshake, LinkedIn or other social media

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

I had the incredible opportunity to intern at Biogen, where I learned so much about the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. One of my top accomplishments was networking with senior engineers, technicians, and my fellow interns, which helped me understand different career paths and build meaningful connections.

I also gained a comprehensive understanding of the role of Facilities Engineering in a pharmaceutical manufacturing company. Meeting one-on-one with my key stakeholders gave me insights into their roles, their backgrounds, and the challenges they face in their jobs.

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

I believe I made an impact by addressing and resolving audit findings from regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance and improving processes within my department. Additionally, I volunteered in the Biogen Community Lab, where I shared my experience as an intern, my journey to securing the internship, and my career goals to inspire and motivate K-12 students interested in STEM.

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

"Never stop trying until you get to where you want to be, and when you get there, keep pushing to go even further."

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

The career center helped me a lot in the job search and interview process, specifically resume reviews, mock interviews, and tips on how to search for jobs on Handshake and Linkedin.

Formal Methods or Usable Security: Why Not Both?

McKenna McCall, CMU

11:45-12:45 Monday, Feb 17, UMBC ITE 325 and online

Formal methods research involves using mathematical techniques to specify and verify properties of software and hardware systems. In security and privacy research, formal methods can lead to strong, provable security guarantees—and typically leave questions about how humans might interact with these systems unanswered. Indeed, formal methods and usable security are traditionally distinct areas of research. In this talk, I will demonstrate how techniques from both research areas can be applied—or even combined—to create solutions that are simultaneously mathematically rigorous and usable. In one project, we revisit static analysis tools for home IoT users from a usable security lens and investigate the usability and utility of the workflow involved in using the tools. Later in the talk, I will describe a project with a formal methods focus where we propose a new technique for preventing undesirable information flows on the web. We argue that this approach is usable in more realistic scenarios than what is proposed by prior work—without sacrificing security.

McKenna McCall is a postdoctoral researcher in the Software and Societal Systems Department at Carnegie Mellon University supervised by Lorrie Cranor and Lujo Bauer. She received her PhD from Carnegie Mellon University in 2023, advised by Limin Jia. McKenna’s research spans fields from information flow control and programming languages to security and privacy for home IoT and confidential computing. She is particularly interested in research where formal methods and usable security intersect, and combines techniques from both research areas to produce results that incorporate mathematical rigor as well as usability.