Two ACES Students Found Their Way to Exciting Internships at Johns Hopkins APL

Andy Diep: Turning Passion into Opportunity

Andy Diep's interest in computer science, particularly in machine learning, began in high school. His journey started in 2021 when he joined the JHUAPL AI/ML Academy, where he collaborated on machine learning projects. This early exposure fueled his passion for the field and motivated him to seek out internships that aligned with his interests.

“When applying for internships, I saw that JHUAPL wanted to develop a mobile app for a variant of chess called Reconnaissance Blind Chess,” Andy shared. “It combined my passions for computer science and chess, so I was immediately interested.”

When it came time to search for internships, Andy took a strategic approach. He researched companies known for their robust internship programs, particularly those that offered opportunities in machine learning and cybersecurity. He attended resume workshops and leveraged resources from the ACES program to refine his application materials. Andy’s networking efforts, which included connecting with professionals and mentors from his previous experiences, played a crucial role in securing his position at APL.

Andy also highlighted the value of collaboration during his internship. “One valuable skill that I gained from my internship was networking with other interns and full-time staff members in my group,” he explained. “I try to learn as much as I can from them and ask questions whenever I am curious or stuck on something.”

Ryan Fleming: Building on a Strong Foundation

Ryan Fleming's journey to his internship at APL began during high school, where he participated in the ASPIRE program, working on web application development. This early experience provided him with a strong foundation and allowed him to build important connections at APL, which he later leveraged to secure a new internship in a different department that better aligned with his growing interests.

Reflecting on his experience, Ryan shared, “I was able to get my foot in the door very early in my education, which allowed me to quickly make connections with employees. I have even become good friends with my first internship mentor.”

Throughout his freshman year, Ryan applied to multiple internships, carefully selecting those that seemed more appealing than his previous experiences. Although he was not accepted into other positions, his prior work at APL, combined with his networking efforts, helped him land a new role at the same organization. Ryan emphasizes the importance of being friendly and proactive in reaching out to professionals, as these relationships can lead to future opportunities.

“For students who are looking for internships in the future, I would suggest making sure that you aren’t afraid to send emails,” Ryan advised. “The worst thing that can happen is you getting ignored, and the best thing is a new connection gets made.”

Lessons Learned: Advice for Future Interns

Both Andy and Ryan have valuable advice for students seeking internships. Andy recommends being proactive in your search—researching companies, crafting a strong resume, and networking with industry professionals. “Having someone review your resume goes a long way,” Andy noted. “They can give you suggestions about ways to improve your resume and put yourself out there.” ACES provides students, every fall semester, with a free resume workshop to give students an opportunity for feedback at the start of the year before career fairs and internship applications occur.

Ryan highlights the importance of networking and encourages students not to be afraid to reach out to others for advice or to make connections, as these can be instrumental in securing opportunities. “It is important to be friendly to everybody and always reach out because you never know what opportunities are coming your way,” he emphasized. There are many opportunities provided by ACES for networking to occur, such as through CyberConnect, Scholarship for Service, and career fairs that take place throughout the academic year.

Their experiences at Johns Hopkins APL demonstrate the different paths students can take to secure meaningful internships. Whether it's through a passion for a specific area of computer science, like Andy's interest in machine learning, or by building on previous experiences, like Ryan's background in web development, both students show that with determination and the right strategies, finding a valuable internship is achievable.

By sharing their stories, Andy and Ryan hope to inspire other students to pursue their own paths, take advantage of opportunities to learn and grow, and build the connections that will help them succeed in their future careers.

Published September 5, 2024