Scholar Trainings and Internship Preparation

Technical skills open the door, but thriving in a first internship takes more. ExLENT scholars began with learning Python for AI, a beginner-friendly that taught through hands-on projects, scholars learned Python fundamentals while building practical AI-powered tools. They wrote scripts to work with large language models, automate tasks, analyze data, and connect to APIs.

From there, scholars took part in a series of trainings that built on that technical foundation, sharpened their professional skills, and prepared them to walk into the workplace with confidence.

Using AI at Work
Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
Delivered in partnership with Dev Technology

Scholars learned how to use AI as a productivity and problem-solving tool without losing sight of responsibility. They explored where AI helps and where it doesn't belong, the risks it can introduce in the workplace, how to protect data, and what responsible AI practice looks like day to day. The key takeaway: AI should support human judgment and critical thinking, never replace it.

Show Up for Success: Showing Up and Standing Out
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Trainers: Tiffany Ceasor, Technical Director for Partnerships, and Bethany Hsiao, Application Developer, Dev Technology

Scholars learned how professional presence shapes the way others see them. The session covered attire, body language, preparation, communication, confidence, and professional behavior, and encouraged scholars to approach every internship and job opportunity as the emerging professionals they already are.

Are You Recruiter Ready? Getting the Interview, Landing the Position
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Trainers: Christi Porter, Senior Director for Talent Acquisition; Rochelle Smith, Deputy Program Manager; and Selina Tette, Business Analyst, Dev Technology

Scholars saw hiring from the other side of the table. They learned how recruiters and hiring managers evaluate résumés, how to align their skills and experience with job requirements, and how to present projects, certifications, technical skills, and accomplishments with confidence. They also covered using AI appropriately in résumé writing, application etiquette, interview preparation, and building a professional presence online.

Networking and LinkedIn Mastery
Date: Friday, March 6, 2026
Trainers: Kendall Holbrook, CEO; Lyndsey Hoe, Vice President of Business Development and Growth; and Elizabeth Lewan, Marketing Manager, Dev Technology

Scholars learned how to identify and grow their professional networks, put effective networking practices to work, and use LinkedIn strategically to build relationships and support their career development.

Becoming an Effective Mentor
Trainer: Aixa Elgazwe, CEO, Runwei
Audience: ExLENT graduate mentors

Mentors learned how to provide technical guidance, build productive mentor-mentee relationships, support scholars throughout their projects, and help students navigate academic, technical, and professional expectations.

Internship Preparedness Session
Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Computer Science Building, Conference Room 210
Trainer: LaShonda C. Henderson

Scholars came together for a session focused on getting them ready for the internships ahead.

Technical Skills for Internship Success
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Computer Science Building, Conference Room 210

With internships just weeks away, this one-hour session focused on the technical skills scholars would need to contribute on their teams from day one. They covered AI and large language models, prompt engineering, working with AI APIs, Python, SQL and data literacy, Git and GitHub, and the habits of working on an engineering team, along with everyday tools like VS Code, Postman, and Draw.io.

For each skill, scholars learned why it matters on the job and left with trusted resources to keep learning throughout the summer. When they got stuck, the advice was simple: ask your mentor first, check the official documentation, and lean on teammates and AI tools to explain what isn't clear.