June 4, 2025
One phrase to define students at the School of Computing and Information (SCI) is ‘go-getters’, and as the summer begins, undergraduates like Gina M. Agabegi, Benjamin J. Jackson, and Sarah M. Reyer, are switching gears from to pursue their professional careers
All three students secured competitive internships with iD Tech, a premier education company known for cutting-edge courses in computer science, game development, and web design. Agabegi, Jackson, and Reyer, all majoring in computer science (CS), are not only ready to expand their career opportunities - they’re ready to empower and guide young learners in their roles as On- Campus Technology Instructors.
A Strong Start
Agabegi, Jackson, and Reyer all took different paths to strengthen their applications to iD Tech, but two things were always the same: their unique experiences at SCI, and support from Jennifer Welton, SCI’s Director of Career Development.
Agabegi and Reyer noted how Welton bolstered them when searching for internships, noting how she not only introduced them to the iD Tech roles, but served as a reference and helped them through the application process.
“[Welton] showed me so much kindness and honesty during my first semester at Pitt, changing the directory of my time here,” Jackson said.
In addition, Agabegi believes that winning three awards with her team at SteelHacks, one of the biggest Hackathons in Pittsburgh, set her apart from other applicants. She credits Pitt’s Computer Science Club (CSC) as key mentors who encouraged her to participate in SteelHacks in the first place, advising her to build a resume with meaningful personal projects.
Reyer also received support from CSC and Pitt’s Career Center, and developed technical skills through computer and information science courses at SCI. However, she emphasized that her interpersonal skills, particularly in communication and leadership, helped her stand out.
As for Jackson, he pointed to a personal project to help his application stand out. “The ‘Greenest Neighborhood Pittsburgh’ project, which I completed with my peers Alex McCulloch and Advaitha Agastheeswaran, showed that I could work well with others and contribute meaningfully to a shared goal.”
Bridging the Gap Between Professional Career and Academia
The three students view the internship as a critical bridge between classroom learning and real-world impact, each applying what they’ve learned in class to their roles as On-Campus Instructors—positions that involve cultivating a fun, engaging, and safe learning environment.
“It is exciting to foster skills and passion in others and to work as part of a team to create the overall learning experience,” Reyer said.
Jackson expressed how the internship broadened his perspective on what’s possible in tech. “A great way to master something you’ve learned is to teach it,” he said. “There are many CS fundamentals you need to have a grasp on, and teaching them will reinforce my understanding.”
Agabegi echoed these sentiments, noting that Pitt empowered her with “the confidence and support to take responsibility for [her] growth.” She’s especially excited to integrate the various teaching styles she has observed and learned from professors at Pitt into her own instructional approach.
Growing Through Teaching
Whether it is building technical mastery, improving networking skills, or developing leadership, each student sees iD Tech as a stepping stone. In their roles as On-Campus Instructors, Agabegi, Jackson, and Reyer are not only teaching the next generation of computing and information science students—they’re also sharpening their own skills, gaining confidence, and growing as future professionals.
“The soft skills—like teamwork, leadership, and adaptability—are essential in any tech environment,” said Reyer. Reyer also emphasized that a successful and transformative internship is one that expects her to use and develop her skills while also strengthening her sense of direction and community: “It fuels my initiative to take action toward a successful future,” Reyer said.
Agabegi echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of support and independence. “To me, empowerment means receiving the confidence and support needed to take responsibility for my growth,” she said. “That means being given space to explore my interests, make mistakes, and develop the skills to improve.” She defined a transformative internship as one where she feels challenged, supported, and seen as someone with potential, ultimately helping her walk away with a deeper understanding of both the work and her place in it.
“Empowerment is giving all students the ability and chance to thrive. This comes from admin, teachers, and peers,” Jackson said, noting how crucial this was both in high school and at Pitt.For him, an empowering internship is one built on community, similar to the mission at University of Pittsburgh: “A place where people look to uplift the person next to them and make them better.”
At SCI, students like Agabegi, Jackson, and Reyer are thriving—not just because of their skills, but because of the community that empowers them to learn, lead, and grow.