MinerAlert
MinerAlert
For Vianey Martinez, a junior studying computer science at The University of Texas at El Paso, stepping into her first major internship was more than just a milestone, it was a defining moment in her journey as a computer science in the Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering.
Selected as a recipient of the prestigious Hawkins Scholarship, Vianey has built a strong presence on campus as an officer in Girls Who Code, a mentor with the Google Developer Group, and a leader within her Zeta Tau Alpha chapter. Her dedication to leadership and service also earned her the Striking Gold Award at the UTEP Student Leadership Awards.
That same drive carried her to Seattle, Washington, where she joined Microsoft as an Explore Intern in Summer 2025. Over the course of the 12-week program, Vianey worked on the Azure Core team, collaborating closely with fellow interns to tackle real-world engineering challenges. Her work focused on backend development, where she contributed to streamlining a previously time-intensive process, directly improving efficiency for software engineers.
What made the experience transformative was not just the technical growth, but the sense of belonging she found in the work itself. Long hours spent debugging, collaborating, and pushing through challenges became defining moments. One late-night effort to resolve a complex issue turned into a breakthrough that solidified her confidence and identity as an engineer. It was in those moments that classroom concepts came to life, and theory became practice.
“That experience was a turning point for me. It was the moment I truly felt like a real computer scientist, working through challenges, collaborating with my team, and seeing everything finally come together,” Vianey said.
Beyond technical skills, the internship gave Vianey a clear view of what a future in software engineering looks like. Working alongside experienced engineers, receiving feedback, and building meaningful connections helped her envision her own path forward. Seeing former interns grow into full-time roles reinforced her confidence and sense of belonging in the field.
Her journey into the internship itself reflects the strength of the Loya Engineering community. Encouraged by peers in Girls Who Code and supported by upperclassmen who helped refine her resume and prepare for interviews, Vianey approached the application process with determination and confidence. That support system played a critical role in helping her secure the opportunity.
Now, with a return offer to Microsoft as a Software Engineer Intern for Summer 2026, Vianey is already looking ahead. Her experience working with AI tools during her internship sparked a deeper interest in artificial intelligence, leading her to pursue research opportunities on campus and plan for a future master’s degree in AI at UTEP.
“At the Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering, we are committed to creating pathways for our students to succeed in highly competitive, global industries,” said Kenith Meissner, Ph.D. Loya Engineering Dean. “Vianey’s experience is a powerful example of how talent, preparation, and opportunity come together to shape the next generation of engineering leaders.”
At Loya Engineering, we believe that opportunity begins with opportunities, support, and real-world experience. Our commitment to student success is reflected in every connection we build with industry, every mentorship opportunity we foster, and every door we help open. Internships Start Here is more than a message, it’s a promise that our students are prepared, supported, and empowered to take that first step toward their future.
Vianey’s story is a powerful reminder that internships are more than just resume builders. They are spaces for growth, discovery, and transformation. By stepping outside of her comfort zone, embracing challenges, and leaning into her community, she has opened doors to opportunities she once only imagined.
At UTEP, those opportunities don’t just happen, they start here.