Name: Deepika Mandalapu

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2025

Major: Health Information Technology

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Dr Richard C Powell, DDS

Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore

Title of position: Clinical Care Coordinator

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

During my internship as a Clinical Care Coordinator, I managed and analyzed patient data using EHR systems to support coordinated care. I developed dashboards to track clinical outcomes and streamline workflows. This experience enhanced my skills in healthcare data analysis, software systems, and process improvement.

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

I found the Clinical Care Coordinator internship on Indeed while searching for roles that combined healthcare and data analysis. The position immediately caught my attention because of its focus on technology-driven patient care. I applied through the Indeed portal with my resume and cover letter, and after completing an interview that highlighted my analytical and software skills, I was offered the position.

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?

I enjoyed working with healthcare software and data systems to improve patient care coordination while learning from a supportive team.

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

I streamlined data workflows and created dashboards that improved tracking and decision-making, helping the care team deliver more efficient, data-driven care.

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

I would advise other students to apply early and tailor their applications to highlight relevant skills and interests. Emphasize both technical abilities and a genuine passion for learning in healthcare settings. Most importantly, stay open to new challenges—every experience, big or small, helps you grow professionally and build confidence.

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 applying my data and software skills to improve patient care coordination. The Career Center helped me strengthen my resume and prepare for interviews, which gave me the confidence to secure and succeed in this internship. Big thanks to Farhan Nadeem for promptly replying and for the ever encouraging support."

Technology is evolving faster than ever — and with it, the job market. From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, data science, and biotechnology, the future of work is being defined by fields that didn't even exist a decade ago. For students and recent graduates, this rapid growth offers exciting possibilities — but it also means preparing strategically for an ever-changing landscape. Here are a few ideas to stay ahead of the curve.

1. The Rise of AI and Automation

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming nearly every industry. Employers now seek candidates who can understand, manage, and innovate with AI-powered tools. Whether you're studying computer science, business analytics, or even psychology, learning how to use AI to solve problems can give you a competitive edge. Check out UMBC's Center for Applied AI for training opportunities. There is a cost for their courses, but UMBC students and alumni are eligible for a discount.

2. Data Drives Every Decision

In today's world, data is power — and companies need people who know how to collect, interpret, and act on it. Skills in data visualization, statistical analysis, and ethical data use are increasingly valuable across industries from healthcare to finance to marketing. Consider UMBC's Data Science graduate program for more hands-on experience.

3. Cybersecurity Is More Critical Than Ever

As digital threats increase, so does the demand for cybersecurity experts. Students who understand how to protect information systems and ensure data integrity are finding opportunities in nearly every sector, from government agencies to private startups. UMBC's graduate program in Cybersecurity can also help with this preparation.

4. The Human Side of Tech

Even as technology advances, employers continue to value creativity, empathy, and communication. The best tech professionals can bridge the gap between complex systems and real-world human needs. That's why developing both technical and interpersonal skills will be key to long-term success.

Explore the Future for Yourself

Want to learn more about where tech is headed — and where you might fit in? Join us for UMBC Connects: bwtech@UMBC on November 5 at 11 AM in UC 312. You'll gain insights from industry professionals, explore career paths in growing tech fields, and discover how to prepare now for the opportunities of tomorrow.

The future is already here — now it's time to make sure you're ready to shape it.

Name: Hyma Roshini Gompa

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Spring 2025

Major: MPS in 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): Bwtech

Title of position: Intern 

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

I have had the opportunity to work on impactful projects that sit at the intersection of healthcare and technology. My day-to-day responsibilities involve conducting both technical and business analysis on EDI claims and risk segmentation models to support more accurate healthcare cost forecasting. I regularly build and maintain automated ETL pipelines using Python and SQL to streamline data preparation, enabling efficient integration with Databricks workflows. I also design interactive dashboards using Power BI to help cross-functional teams make informed decisions based on real-time data insights. One of the most exciting aspects of my role has been deploying scalable, machine learning–driven insights dashboards on AWS EC2, integrating Spring Boot APIs with Python-based ML modules to enhance system interoperability and analytics capabilities. Additionally, I participate in Agile sprints, manage JIRA tasks, contribute to Confluence documentation, and present findings to both technical and business stakeholders. Recently, I've also been exploring the use of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI for automating member summary reports as part of a proof of concept, opening doors for future AI-driven solutions in healthcare reporting

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

I learned about the Intern position at Trulogik during a career fair hosted by UMBC, where I had the chance to interact directly with company representatives and learn more about their work in healthcare technology. After the event, I followed up by tailoring my resume and submitting my application. The UMBC Career Center played a key role in helping me prepare for this opportunity—they provided valuable feedback during a resume review session, which helped me present my technical skills and project experience more effectively. I submitted my application shortly after the career fair in early August 2024, and was later contacted for interviews that led to this exciting internship opportunity.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, Handshake

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

What I've enjoyed the most about my position at Trulogik is the opportunity to work on meaningful, real-world problems in the healthcare domain while applying and expanding my technical skills. The organization fosters a collaborative and innovative environment where new ideas are welcomed, and interns are treated as valuable contributors. I've especially appreciated the hands-on experience with modern tools like Databricks, AWS, and Power BI, as well as the chance to explore cutting-edge technologies like LLMs and generative AI. Being part of a team that genuinely values learning and impact has made this experience both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

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

I believe I've made a meaningful impact at Trulogik by helping streamline data processes and enhance decision-making through automation and analytics. By developing efficient ETL pipelines and integrating machine learning models into production environments, I've significantly reduced manual data preparation time and improved the accuracy of healthcare cost forecasting. The dashboards I created using Power BI have enabled teams across departments to access insights more easily, contributing to faster and more informed decisions. Additionally, my work on integrating Spring Boot APIs with Python ML modules and exploring generative AI for reporting has opened up new possibilities for scalability and innovation within the organization.

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 is to start early and be proactive—attend career fairs, info sessions, and networking events, even if you're not actively job hunting yet. These events not only expose you to opportunities but also help you practice communicating your skills. Make full use of the UMBC Career Center for resume reviews and mock interviews—they can significantly improve how you present yourself. Don't be discouraged if you don't meet every single requirement in a job posting; instead, focus on showcasing your willingness to learn, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Finally, work on personal or class projects and include them in your resume and LinkedIn—they show initiative and real-world application of your skills.

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 liked most about my position at Trulogik was the chance to contribute to impactful healthcare projects while learning cutting-edge tools and technologies. The UMBC Career Center played a crucial role by helping me refine my resume and prepare for career fairs, which ultimately led me to this opportunity.

Name: Edmond Batchankwe Ndanji

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Summer 2025

Major: Computer Science

Current Class Level: Junior

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

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

Location of the Organization (City, State): RTP, NC

Title of position: Software Engineering Intern

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

During my Cisco internship, my days usually began with a check-in meeting with my mentor to review progress and set priorities. I would then dive into reading documentation, exploring new concepts, and planning out the steps for my project work that day. Some days involved deep problem-solving on my own, while others were filled with collaboration and brainstorming with teammates to find the best approach. This rhythm taught me how to break down complex goals into actionable steps, adapt to new challenges, and stay organized in a fast-paced environment. By the end of each day, I could see how small, consistent progress built toward creating something impactful.

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

I first learned about the Cisco internship position online and began reaching out to multiple recruiters to express my interest. After making those connections, I was able to secure an opportunity to move forward in the process. The first step was completing an online assessment, which tested my problem-solving and technical skills. This was followed by a behavioral phone interview where I discussed my experiences, teamwork, and communication style. Finally, I completed a technical interview that focused on evaluating my coding abilities and approach to problem-solving.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Alumni Networking, LinkedIn or other social media

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

What I've enjoyed most about my position at Cisco is the company's welcoming and intentional culture, where collaboration and support are a priority. I've appreciated having access to advanced AI tools that make development more efficient and creative. The hybrid work environment has also been a highlight—spending four days in the office each week provides the perfect balance of in-person collaboration and focused work time.

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

I believe I've made an impact by taking ownership of tasks that directly moved my team's projects forward. For example, I worked on resolving blockers in our backend–frontend integration so features could be tested and deployed without delays. I also shared solutions and resources with my teammates, which helped streamline our workflow. By consistently making progress on my deliverables and contributing ideas during discussions, I was able to help the team work more smoothly and keep our projects on track.

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

My advice is simple—don't give up on applying. In my case, my internship offer came later than expected, so persistence was key. Surround yourself with peers who are also going through the application process to keep each other accountable and motivated. Keep refining your resume, attending career fairs, and seeking feedback. All these small, consistent efforts add up and eventually open the door to the opportunity you've been working toward.

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 liked most about my position was Cisco's welcoming culture and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, hybrid environment. The Career Center's guidance and resources helped me prepare and confidently navigate the application and interview process.

Your education gives you the foundation to succeed — but what you do beyond the classroom can set you apart. Employers look for candidates who not only understand concepts but also know how to apply them. That's where gaining career exposure comes in. Whether you're developing technical skills, growing your network, or exploring industries, there are countless ways to build experience before landing your first full-time role.

1. Explore Micro-Internships for Real-World Experience

Short-term, project-based experiences — known as micro-internships — offer a flexible way to test different industries and build your portfolio. These experiences can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, giving you a chance to explore without committing to a full semester-long internship. They're especially helpful for discovering what you enjoy (and what you don't) early in your career journey.

2. Boost Your Skills Through Online Learning

Online platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Google Career Certificates make it easy to develop professional and technical skills at your own pace. Completing a course not only strengthens your resume — it also signals to employers that you're proactive about your growth. You may even want to consider sites like The Forage that offer job simulations as practice. Even dedicating one hour a week can lead to major progress over time.

3. Get Involved On Campus

Your campus is full of opportunities to gain hands-on experience. On-campus jobs, student organizations, and research roles all provide valuable skills in teamwork, leadership, and communication. Whether you're leading a club project or assisting in a lab, these experiences show initiative and responsibility — traits employers love to see.

4. Showcase Your Passion Through Personal Projects

Don't underestimate the power of your own creativity. Personal projects — like developing an app, designing a website, writing a blog, or conducting independent research — demonstrate your motivation and curiosity. Employers notice when you take the initiative to build something meaningful outside of class.

Stand Out and Step Ahead

Bus Trip to UMD's Quantum Career Nexus

Name: Rahma Ras

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Summer 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): Kapamed Consulting

Location of the Organization (City, State): Maryland

Title of position: Digital Marketing Co-Ordinator

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

During my internship at Amplify MedTech, I managed digital marketing and community engagement by developing LinkedIn campaigns, creating visual assets, and coordinating newsletters, using audience metrics to refine outreach strategy. I also supported the planning and execution of high-impact events, including NIH SBIR workshops and expert panels, gaining significant hands-on experience in stakeholder engagement and MedTech innovation within a fast-paced startup environment.

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

I first met Dr. Fehmida Kapadia during a UMBC Career Center event, where we had a brief but meaningful conversation about Amplify MedTech's mission and its work with early-stage healthcare startups. A few weeks later, during the summer, Dr. Fehmida reached out to me directly about an internship opportunity with Amplify MedTech. After expressing my interest, we scheduled a follow-up conversation to discuss the role and how my background could align with the organization's needs. The UMBC Career Center was incredibly supportive throughout the process, making everything—from communication to onboarding—smooth and straightforward. Shortly after our conversation, I was offered the position and began working as a summer intern, contributing to digital marketing, event coordination, and strategic outreach efforts.

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.), LinkedIn or other social media

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

What I've enjoyed most about my position at Amplify MedTech is the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while learning in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. I loved being trusted with real responsibilities—from designing outreach campaigns to supporting educational events for MedTech founders—and seeing how my efforts made a visible impact. Working under Dr. Fehmida Kapadia's mentorship was especially rewarding; her guidance, along with the supportive culture of the organization, helped me grow both professionally and personally. The experience gave me a clearer sense of how innovation, strategy, and community engagement come together in the MedTech space.

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

I believe I made an impact at Amplify MedTech by helping the organization effectively communicate its mission and engage a broader audience of MedTech innovators. Through designing LinkedIn campaigns, creating clear and compelling event graphics, and coordinating email newsletters, I helped increase visibility for events and resources that support early-stage startups. My contributions played a role in streamlining outreach efforts, improving audience engagement, and enhancing the overall professionalism of Amplify MedTech's digital presence. By taking initiative and paying close attention to detail, I was able to support the team's goals and help amplify the impact of their work.

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

My advice to another student seeking an internship is to be proactive, stay curious, and take full advantage of the resources available—especially the UMBC Career Center. They were incredibly helpful in refining my résumé and preparing me for the application and interview process. I also recommend attending career fairs and networking events, even if you're unsure of what you're looking for. Sometimes, a brief conversation or connection can lead to an unexpected and rewarding opportunity. Be open to learning, ask thoughtful questions, and don't shy away from roles that challenge you—some of the most valuable growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

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

I loved being part of a mission-driven organization where my work made a real impact. The Career Center played a big role in helping me get there—guiding me through the application process and making sure my résumé stood out.

Your network is one of the most powerful tools you have for building your career — and the best time to start using it is now. Networking isn't just about collecting contacts; it's about building meaningful relationships that can open doors, spark collaborations, and help you turn your potential into real opportunities.

Whether you're exploring career paths, preparing for graduation, or hoping to gain experience while in school, connecting with professionals can give you insights and confidence that no online search can match.

1. Explore: Learn from Conversations, Not Just Job Posts

Networking helps you discover career options and industries that might not be on your radar. By talking with alumni, recruiters, or peers at career events, you gain firsthand advice about what it's really like to work in specific fields — and what skills matter most.

2. Connect: Build Relationships That Last

Every handshake, LinkedIn message, or quick chat can plant the seed for future opportunities. Focus on authentic conversations rather than "pitching" yourself. Ask thoughtful questions, listen actively, and follow up after events to keep the connection alive.

3. Advance: Turn Conversations into Career Momentum

The most successful job seekers don't wait for openings to appear — they build relationships that lead to them. Networking gives you insider perspectives, referrals, and mentors who can help you grow into your next professional chapter.

Ready to Turn Potential into Power?

Tonight you'll have an amazing opportunity to build your network and take the next step in your career journey at the Discovery Recruitment Event. Join the Career Center and the UMBC Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers for an exclusive networking event designed to help you make meaningful connections that can lead to an interview or career advancement.

There are only a few seats left, but still register, as there are usually cancellations and students on the waitlist should be able to attend.

Don't just show up — show who you are, what drives you, and where you're headed. Because when you connect with purpose, you turn your potential into power.

• Sponsorship: Builds relationships with sponsors, oversees catering, and manages volunteer support during events.
• Technology: Develops and maintains hackUMBC's website, event tools, and judging system to ensure a smooth experience for participants.
• Marketing: Leads outreach and promotion through social media, myUMBC, and campus advertising, and collaborates with external partners.
• Design: Creates event branding, graphics, and merchandise, and designs the overall visual theme and venue layout.