Student Internship Spotlight: Michael Arce
Class of 2026
Major:
Internship:
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division
Duration:
Nine months
Location:
Dahlgren, Va.
What were your main duties and responsibilities?
Although technically an intern, I am doing the job of a software engineer. I work specifically on software that controls the vertical missile launching system active on about 180 U.S. Navy ships worldwide. The software I help program is the part of the weapons control system that triggers missile launches. When a missile is launched on a ship, our software connects the launcher to the missile and ensures it launches successfully. We deal with software in all stages, from the first command to launch to the actual launching, and we make sure that all of the pieces of the launch process are communicating with each other.
What was the highlight of your internship?
The highlight is happening right now! Since I’ve been with Dahlgren for three summers now, I’ve been able to take on more and more responsibilities. This summer, I am taking full lead on a project we are working on with a foreign country. I’m coordinating the project before passing it on to our senior engineer for final certification. But I’ll be doing most of the nitty gritty work, which is cool. They’ve been training me to take on a project like this, and it’s really exciting to be in a leadership role. It’s pretty cool that starting as just a normal intern, I’ve been able to climb far enough to lead a project. I’m super excited to get some more first-hand experience in the technical side of things.
How does Marymount help prepare students for the workforce?
Honestly, for job preparation, there’s no better place than Marymount. We have our capital location which is perfect for people looking for government jobs or in the private sector as contractors. And Marymount students aren’t just numbers. We receive one-on-one instruction from professors who are always there to answer questions, help you network and prepare you for the adult world. My experience studying in the School of Technology and Innovation has been truly incredible so far. I’ve had so many amazing professors and access to incredible resources, which help me succeed inside and outside the classroom and prepare me for the future I want. Marymount has been amazing and I’m excited to continue to learn and grow.
What is your advice for students looking for internships?
I would suggest not getting too fixated on the big names. In software engineering, people tend to gravitate towards the big companies — Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc. But those places are so competitive that it can be difficult and discouraging for students trying to get their foot in the door. I would focus on smaller companies interested in investing in emerging talent. Many places are willing to teach you the basics from scratch so they can train you up to work for them in the future. Finding a company where you can learn and grow will be much more rewarding in the long run than working for a big company where you are just another number.
