This year, UMBC earned the Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention™ from Vector Solutions. The CPN Seal of Prevention™ is awarded to schools who have gone above and beyond to create a safer, more supportive learning environment through the use of digital prevention programming. 

One key initiative contributing to this recognition is UMBC's mandatory student training, managed by the Office of Equity and Civil Rights. This annual training helps students build healthy relationships, intervene when they're worried about a peer's safety, and respond effectively to sexual violence when it occurs.

This Seal honors UMBC's commitment to sexual violence prevention, student success, and community well-being. Awardees are statistically more likely to keep students enrolled and graduating on time. 

Read more about the Campus Seal of Prevention™  and the 2025 honorees in Vector Solutions' national press release.

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