Intern of the Week: Edmond Batchankwe Ndanji

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:25:27 -0400
intern, internoftheweek, umbcinternship

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.