April 2024

 

 

Name: Sai Kumar Vaddepally

Major and College: Master’s in Computer science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Internship Title: Software Developer

Internship Site: AudioOne Inc

 

 

1) Please tell us about your Career Goals.

I am deeply passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. With a background in computer science and software development, my immediate goal is to deepen my expertise in emerging technologies such as AI and ML and integrate it with the existing systems. I aim to contribute to projects at the forefront of technological innovation, creating solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability. Looking ahead, I envision leading a cross-functional team that bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and practical, impactful applications.

2) Tell us about your internship (i.e. day-to-day responsibilities, special projects/clients and work culture).

Initially joining as a Quality Assurance Analyst, I quickly transitioned into a development role due to my background in software engineering. Now, I work closely with the technical lead on a crucial project module, focusing on integrating cutting-edge AI and LLM technologies like OpenAI, Deepgram, and ElevenLabs. My primary responsibilities involve researching these technologies,building backend applications using Express, and implementing a text-to-speech feature to enhance our product with a multi-voice capability. This role has allowed me to deepen my expertise in backend development and contribute significantly to our project’s innovation and success.

3) Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I learned about the internship opportunity through the MTIP Internship Career Fair organized by the UMBC Career Center. Grateful for the support and resources provided by the UMBC Career Center team, I attended the fair, which played a pivotal role in my discovery of the position.

4) Which of the following resources did you use to find your current experience?

Handshake or other job boards and Career Fairs

5) What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?

This position introduced me to Language Learning Models (LLMs) and exploring how they can be used in different ways. It’s exciting to figure out how to integrate these models, which are usually built with Python, into Node.js backend application. This challenge has given me a lot of hands-on experience with LLMs and AI tools. I also value the regular discussion with my team where we discuss various approaches and tools. These discussions and the challenging tasks I work on keep me motivated and engaged in my work.

6) How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I’ve made a significant impact by enhancing a key feature, enabling users to experience high-quality translated audio indistinguishable from the original, vastly improving user satisfaction. Additionally, by employing cost-effective tools, I’ve managed to reduce the company’s recurring costs by 30%, marking a substantial financial improvement for the organization. This work not only elevates the user experience but also contributes to the company’s economic efficiency.

7) What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience (i.e. Internship search, Resume or Interview tips)?

When seeking an internship, it’s essential to tailor your resume to each job description, ensuring you highlight relevant skills and include your most recent projects to showcase your achievements and capabilities. Do not apply with generic resume.