Undergraduate Hayden Earlewine Explores Defense Industry Through Summer Internship

Hayden Earlewine, a junior at the University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science, spent his summer navigating the intricate and often obscure world of the defense industry. As a summer associate at the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), Earlewine was introduced to the intersection of national security and technology—a field few undergraduates get to explore. However, unlike many of his peers, his path to this experience was anything but conventional. 

His journey into computer science began with limited exposure and resources, making his entry into the defense industry all the more noteworthy. The experience deepened his understanding of technology and ignited a newfound interest in pursuing a career in this critical sector.

An Unlikely Path

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Earlewine had limited exposure to computer science. His high school offered only one class on the subject.

“In high school, I had just one computer science class, which was very bare bones,” Earlewine shared. “Within the first two weeks of my first UMD computer science course, CMSC 131, I had already surpassed everything I learned in high school and was diving into new material. Essentially, I had no real background in computer science before college.”

As he prepared for higher education, Earlewine knew he wanted to embark on a path that would challenge him academically and professionally. His choice to pursue computer science was driven by this desire to push himself in a field that would be demanding and rewarding.

“I wanted to do something difficult,” he said. “I wanted to demonstrate to future employers that I could excel in a demanding field at a top institution like the University of Maryland.”

The decision wasn’t just about academic rigor but also about the future possibilities that computer science offered. For Earlewine, the field's appeal lies in its ability to open doors across various industries and sectors.

“The primary draw is its general applicability,” he explained. “You can take the skills or foundational knowledge from computer science and apply it across industries, anywhere, at any time. Calling it a single field doesn’t do it justice because it encompasses such a broad spectrum of possibilities.”

IDA and the Career Fair

Earlewine first came across the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) during the career fair at UMD. In the early fall of his sophomore year, he learned about the nonprofit, which operates three federally funded research and development centers focused on U.S. security and science policy.

"I had never heard of IDA before the UMD career fair," Earlewine recalled. "They’re a relatively small company, and since I’m not from DC, I had no prior knowledge of the defense industry or government operations in general. But I spoke with the guy at the booth, and he told me about his recent work in Austin, Texas—conducting operations evaluations and testing the cyber vulnerability of a new generation of fighter jets. I think anyone would hear that and think, 'Wow, that's cool.'"

Getting Hands-On

During his time at IDA, Earlewine took on a pivotal role in full-stack development. This comprehensive process involves building and managing all parts of a web application, from the database to the user interface. This experience allowed him to delve into the intricacies of software development and understand the critical components that make applications functional and user-friendly.

“My division is responsible for developing nearly every piece of software the company uses, starting from scratch,” he explained, highlighting the importance of his team's work.

Earlewine’s summer project was particularly impactful, providing hands-on experience that was far from the typical intern assignment. 

“I developed an application from start to finish,” he said. “This involved creating a database on our general database server, building an API to handle the data logic and designing a web application for internal use on our intranet.”

UMD’s Influence

The hands-on experience at IDA underscored the adaptability Earlewine developed during his studies at UMD. 

"The education I've received so far, and continue to receive, has taught me the value of learning quickly," Earlewine reflected. "Every computer science class I’ve taken is cumulative, constantly introducing new concepts and skills that need to be mastered."

Earlewine’s adaptability proved essential during his time at IDA, allowing him to tackle challenges outside his expertise. 

“I didn’t know the programming languages I was expected to use this summer,” he admitted. “But what I had was the confidence that I could learn and apply them quickly and effectively.”

Looking Ahead 

His experience at IDA went beyond acquiring new technical skills; it also profoundly impacted his academic and career aspirations. 

“I had some vague ideas about government work, but I never grasped the enormity of the government and the vast number of jobs within and around it,” he said. “Being in the D.C. area, we’re at the center of this sphere of influence, and there are so many opportunities, whether you’re directly or indirectly involved.”

The internship gave Earlewine a deeper understanding of the defense industry, opening his eyes to opportunities he hadn't considered before. The experience not only expanded his knowledge but also led him to reconsider his future career path in a way that was both unexpected and invigorating. 

"The internship introduced me to the defense sector, and now I can see myself pursuing a career in it," he said. "That’s a significant shift from what I initially thought I’d be doing, but seeing how my aspirations have evolved is exciting."

As Earlewine enters his junior year at UMD, he carries the lessons and skills he gained at IDA. 

“I wasn’t just some random kid they stuck in the corner to rename spreadsheets,” Earlewine shared. “I was genuinely involved in meaningful work where the skills I developed as a computer science student at UMD were highly valued. As an intern, I was respected, which meant a lot to me, and that sense of recognition is something I’ll carry with me throughout my career.”

—Story by Samuel Malede Zewdu, CS Communications