Name: Camden Schwarzkopf
Hometown: Bismarck, N.D.
Major/Minor: Software Engineering with a minor in computer science 
Graduation Year: 2025

Can you walk us through your typical workday? What does it look like? What do you do?

A typical day in my internship involves a mix of technical maintenance, research, development, and documentation, all centered around integrating VR and AR into classroom environments.

When I first arrive at the office, I start with PC maintenance. This involves checking the system’s performance, ensuring all software and hardware are up to date and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. Keeping the system running smoothly is crucial, as any technical problems could slow down development and testing.

Once maintenance is complete, I shift my focus to researching and developing ways to incorporate VR and AR into educational settings. This process begins with analyzing how a particular class is structured—examining teaching methods, course materials, and student interactions. I then begin designing and developing training software tailored to the subject matter. This step involves not only coding and building the software but also ensuring that it is engaging, interactive and user-friendly for both students and instructors.

The final stage of my day revolves around documentation. I create detailed guides on how the software operates, outlining step-by-step instructions for professors on how to integrate it into their classes. This documentation is essential for ensuring that faculty can effectively use the technology and maximize its benefits for students.

What have you enjoyed most about your internship?

What I enjoy most about my internship is that I’m paving the way for a new system at VCSU. The CSSE Department is the first to explore how we can integrate new technology into the classroom using VR headsets. This opportunity allows me to be at the forefront of innovation, helping to shape how immersive technology can enhance learning experiences.

Along with this exciting progress, there’s also the challenge of developing these programs. VR development is quite different from traditional software development, as users don’t have the usual keyboards or controllers to interact with. Instead, I have to consider new ways for users to engage with the system, making interaction feel natural and intuitive. Learning to create these programs has been a complex but rewarding experience, as it pushes me to expand my skills and think outside the box.

What are your career goals, and how do you see this internship helping you achieve them?

My career goals are to hopefully stay local in North Dakota. I plan on looking to go into the government sector for a couple of years to gain experience in the workforce and from there, maybe make the jump into the private sector.

What advice do you have for someone looking for an internship?

When looking for internships, my biggest advice is to branch out and make connections. If there are any career fairs available, make sure to attend them. These events give you a chance to see what opportunities are out there and, more importantly, allow you to get your name out to potential employers.

It’s also a great idea to talk to your professors. Many businesses reach out to university departments looking for interns and professors often have connections that can help you find opportunities. Meeting with them and expressing your interest can open doors you might not have known existed. Networking, being proactive and staying open to different possibilities will increase your chances of finding a great internship.

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