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

Dear UMBC Community,   I want to express my thanks to the many of you who have reached out to me in recent days to voice their concerns and ask about the current and future state of the work of the Division of Institutional Equity in light of recent federal orders and actions. Your support is an inspiring demonstration of our shared values, most especially, inclusive excellence.     As you may know, late on Friday evening, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Dear Colleague letter that put forth a very broad interpretation of the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which ended race-conscious admissions. The Dear Colleague letter interprets that ruling to prohibit all race-conscious activities at educational institutions that receive federal funding—“hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life.”   A Dear Colleague letter does not carry the force of law, nor can it change existing law. We have and will continue to abide by existing laws, including through the university’s nondiscrimination policy. Higher education associations responded swiftly to the Dear Colleague letter this week, urging institutions not to overreact or try to comply preemptively with the guidance.    OCR’s Dear Colleague letter followed several recent federal executive orders and other actions targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts broadly. Some of these are being challenged in the courts. Additionally, Maryland State Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, together with 15 other state attorneys general, have issued this multistate guidance on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility employment initiatives.    We take seriously the direct targeting of this work, which is so central to our identity and core values. We are monitoring closely the orders and actions related to these issues and assessing as best we can the risk and potential impacts for UMBC. We also are continuing to hold UMBC to the highest standards in adhering to university policies and applicable state and federal laws.  To that end, I want to reiterate that all of the university’s programs and activities are open for full participation by all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the university's nondiscrimination policy.  Who we are as an institution demands that we continue to:   Create a community culture that values each individual Protect the civil rights of all faculty, staff, and students Come together across differences Uphold free speech and academic freedom   This is not the work of a single office or division, but rather the collective responsibility of our entire campus community. Thank you again for your support, your dedication, and your partnership.   Sincerely,   Tanyka M. Barber Vice President for Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer