Name: Sami Ahmed
Major and College: Master’s Student in Software Engineering at University of Maryland, College Park
Internship Title: Software Engineer
Internship Site: Airgility, Inc
1) Please tell us about your career goals.
My career goal is to innovate in robotics software by developing robust, scalable, and user-friendly platforms that enhance human–robot collaboration. I aim to focus on areas such as robotics UI/UX, mission planning, cloud-based robotic systems, and intelligent software infrastructure. In the long run, I aspire to contribute to cutting-edge advancements that make autonomous and multi-robot systems more efficient, accessible, and impactful in solving real-world challenges.
2) Tell us about your internship (i.e., day-to-day responsibilities, special projects/clients, and work culture).
During my internship at Airgility, I contributed to the development and enhancement of the ground control station software for autonomous drones. My day-to-day responsibilities included improving the UI/UX of drone control interfaces, refactoring and modularizing large-scale legacy code, and ensuring smoother interactions between the software and drone hardware. I also worked on designing features to monitor and control multiple drones through a centralized web platform. The work culture at Airgility was highly collaborative and innovative, with constant opportunities to learn from engineers working at the intersection of robotics, AI, and software development.
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 at Airgility through alumni networking at the University of Maryland. After connecting with alumni working in the robotics field, I was introduced to the role and the company’s ongoing projects. Following this interaction, I submitted my application promptly and was later selected after an interview process where I discussed my experience in web development, UI/UX, and robotics software.
4) Which of the following resources did you use to find your current experience?
Alumni Networking
5) What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
What I have enjoyed the most about my position at Airgility is the opportunity to contribute directly to real-world robotics software that powers autonomous drones. I particularly appreciated working on improving the ground control station interface, as it allowed me to apply my web development and UI/UX skills in a high-impact domain. Beyond the technical work, I valued the collaborative and innovative environment, where I could learn from experienced engineers and see how software decisions translate into practical improvements in drone operations.
6) How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe I made an impact at Airgility by improving the usability and maintainability of the ground control station software for autonomous drones. By refactoring and modularizing legacy code, I helped enhance readability and scalability, making future development more efficient. Additionally, the UI/UX improvements I implemented contributed to a smoother operator experience, enabling better monitoring and control of drones. My contributions supported
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)?
My advice to another student seeking an internship is to actively leverage networking opportunities, especially with alumni, since personal connections often open doors that traditional applications may not. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant technical projects and skills that demonstrate your ability to contribute from day one. In interviews, focus on showing both your technical expertise and your willingness to learn, as organizations value adaptability in fast-evolving fields like robotics and software. Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for guidance, many are open to sharing advice and may even connect you to opportunities.