Completed My Summer Internship @ Meta (+5 Pts) - Class of 2027

 This summer, I completed an internship at Meta in Menlo Park, California, where I gained first-hand experience working in the tech industry. Being surrounded by talented engineers and innovative projects gave me a new perspective on how large-scale technology companies operate and the impact of their products on everyday users.

Throughout the internship, I learned technical skills, improved my communication, and observed how collaboration drives creativity in tech spaces. However, I also experienced moments of imposter syndrome, often noticing that I was one of the few Black women in the room. While that feeling was challenging, it also became a source of motivation. I learned that my presence and perspective matter—that I bring value not despite who I am, but because of it.

This experience pushed me to trust my abilities and reminded me that I am more than capable of thriving in competitive, innovative spaces. It also reinforced my long-term goal of using technology to create equity and access for underrepresented communities.

The internship directly connects to what I’ve learned in my computer science courses and to my broader interest in tech policy and intellectual property protection. Applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges made me more confident in my career direction and in my potential as a future leader in tech.

– Arianna Smith-Forte