Terps at Work: Harshit Dharani

How did you find the internship/co-op? What was the interview process like?  Before starting my Master’s program, I spent time researching potential employers. I used LinkedIn to look up companies offering the kind of roles I was interested in and created a list. I also reviewed the career paths of my seniors to see where they had worked or were currently working, which helped me identify good targets.

With respect to the interviews, the interview process had two rounds. The first was a digital interview where I had to pre-record my responses to given questions. The second was a 45-minute session with my team that combined behavioral and technical questions. It was both fun and engaging, and I enjoyed the interaction.

What have been the most interesting aspects of your internship?  One of the most interesting aspects of my internship has been the opportunity to network within the organization. I found it surprisingly easy to approach people in senior positions, including executives, and have meaningful conversations with them. Everyone was open and willing to share their insights, which gave me a deeper understanding of the business and the industry as a whole.

What campus activities or courses do you think helped you, or would have helped you, with this internship?   Courses in Penetration Testing, Security Tools for Information Security, and Cloud Security were the most helpful for my position. They gave me a foundational understanding of how vulnerabilities are identified and validated, how various security tools operate in practice, and how security principles apply in cloud environments. This background allowed me to quickly grasp the concepts used in the maturity assessment project and the bug bounty program.

How would you describe the company culture? What was the most helpful thing your supervisor did to make you feel comfortable at the organization?  The company culture is fantastic. Everyone is very welcoming, collaborative, and open. During my initial days, many colleagues took the time to set up one-on-one conversations with me, which helped me quickly feel part of the team. People here are extremely approachable and always willing to share their knowledge, which made me feel included and comfortable at the organization.

Was there diversity among your colleagues within the department and throughout your internship/co-op experience?  Yes, there was a great deal of diversity within my department and throughout my internship experience. I had the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from a wide range of cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds. This diversity brought different perspectives to problem-solving and decision-making, which made team discussions richer and more innovative. It also created a very inclusive environment where everyone felt valued and encouraged to contribute their ideas.

Did the internship provide a solid education in professional ethics? If so, how?  Yes, the internship provided a strong foundation in professional ethics. From the very beginning, there was a clear emphasis on integrity, confidentiality, and accountability in all aspects of work. The company’s policies and onboarding sessions highlighted the importance of ethical decision-making, and I saw these values consistently demonstrated by my colleagues and supervisors.

Was there a formal program for all interns at the company? Was peer support available throughout the internship?  Yes, there was a formal program for all interns called the Digital and Technology Intern Program. It was well-structured, with planned activities, learning sessions, and networking opportunities that helped us connect with different teams across the organization. Peer support was also readily available, both from fellow interns and from colleagues in my department. We regularly shared experiences, tips, and resources, which made the learning curve much smoother and the overall experience more enjoyable.

What advice would you give other UMD engineering students seeking an internship or co-op position?  I’d recommend starting your applications early, as many companies recruit well in advance. Before beginning your degree program, take time to research and create a list of companies offering the roles you’re interested in, and reach out to professionals at these organizations to build connections and potentially secure referrals ahead of time. While you’re doing this, focus on strengthening your fundamentals as companies value curiosity and a solid understanding of the basics far more than someone who simply tries to “know it all.”