Name: Nazily Zaza
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Northrop Grumman
Position Title: Technical Intern
Major(s)/Minor(s): Computer Science
Current Class Level: Senior
Work Term: Summer 2019
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
At Northrop Grumman, I worked as a technical intern doing software engineering work. I worked on a Northrop internal research project that included using skills that I never thought I would work on in a technical internship such as various types of code management and design, how to conduct technical research, and how to appropriately present my work findings. My day-to-day activities included code writing, review and editing, and helping out wherever needed in our lab. I also participated in intern activities that allowed me to learn about all the different aspects of the Northrop company. It was a very enlightening experience.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I was contacted by email by a Northrop recruiter who had cited that they had reviewed my resume from UMBCworks and wanted me to attend an interview session being held in the University Center. I got myself ready for the interview and when I attended I was welcomed by the recruiter and we talked about my projects, classes, what I enjoyed learning in school, and what I wanted to do with my degree. It was an experience that was different from the usual technical interview, and I was really able to shine and sell myself.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
The thing I enjoyed most about my position were the individuals I got to work with every day. I was really afraid I wouldn't be able to do my best during my work but the people I got to work with over the summer were some of the nicest and most intelligent individuals I met. They helped me every step along the way and got me acquainted to the work that I'd be doing because it wasn't easy. They made my transition smooth and made my summer experience one I'll never forget.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
Northrop Grumman is a company that makes and sells products, mainly to our government, that is used to protect our country every day, and I get the pleasure of knowing that the work I did may play a future role in making the lives of people easier. I wanted to become a software engineer so I could make something that would make a difference in the world, and I really do believe that I can do that at Northrop Grumman.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My best advice is to keep working hard and take every chance you can at an opportunity because you never know when that will be the one that changes your future. Whether you get an internship late or early make sure your enthusiasm to learn and grow never diminishes!
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