I was given a lot of freedom to work in a way that let me optimize learning, enjoyment, and productivity.
Name: Vikram Setty
Major: Robotics
Employer: OmniVision
Location: Santa Clara, CA
How did you find the internship/co-op? What was the interview process like? I found out about OmniVision through a family friend. I realized that the work they do (digital imaging and camera sensor development) aligned very well with my interest in computer vision. My interview process consisted of a short HR call followed by a one hour long technical interview. The interview initially focused on my resume, making sure I knew the intricacies of my past work. It then shifted to assessing my computer vision fundamentals and skills. I was asked to present and explain possible approaches to solve 3D reconstruction problems. The technical interview then ended by asking me my views on the effect of changing technology on society. I found the interview to be engaging and I had a great time doing it. I was offered a Software Algorithm Intern position the very next day, which I accepted!
What have been the most interesting aspects of your internship? Apart from the technical aspects of my work which I found really interesting, all of the interns in the company participated in numerous intern activities, which were extremely fun. From volunteering at food banks to going on hikes and attending gourmet cooking classes, I got to engage in many activities and make memories I will always cherish!
What campus activities or courses do you think helped you, or would have helped you, with this internship? Two courses (ENPM673 and CMSC733) which I did during my second semester (Spring '24) helped me gain strong computer vision fundamentals that were useful during the interview, and while doing my technical work throughout the internship.
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 at OmniVision is great. Everyone is extremely flexible with respect to timings and working style. I was given a lot of freedom to work in a way that let me optimize learning, enjoyment, and productivity. My team was always approachable, and I could freely ask them for help whenever required. My manager always had his door open for me, and played a big role in making my experience at the company both fun and a great learning experience.
What advice would you give other UMD engineering students seeking an internship or co-op position? I'd recommend everyone to start applying early and be resilient throughout the process, especially in a tough job market. I also think it's important to work on your communication skills and speaking, as good, clear, and fluent speech definitely helps in making a good and lasting impression during interviews.
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