Meet Gabe Caldwell, a Computer Science major in his senior year at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. He’s also a game developer, applying his programming skills at Northrop Grumman in Falls Church, Virginia this past summer to help develop an online multiplayer game designed for incoming employees.
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Gabe spent his time outside the office exploring Washington, D.C. “It’s super interesting to see how much history is packed into a small area. I loved being able to walk between the different historical sites in D.C. It was surreal to see them all in such quick succession,” he said.
Why did you choose this internship at Northrop Grumman?
I knew this internship would allow me to make an impact at a large company by doing something I’m passionate about: video game development. Northrop Grumman has given me the tools I need to grow as a game developer, while offering an enriching and fulfilling career. This is an environment I thrive in, and one I want to be a part of during my career.
What project have you worked on in this role?
My role is to adapt and improve a board game, The Campaign Game, into an online multiplayer game. As an educational four-player strategy game, it allows new employees to gain a holistic view of Northrop Grumman, learn about each sector’s campaigns and collaborate with each other.
What’s the goal in developing The Campaign Game?
The goal is to encourage collaboration and increase retention by educating employees. Given Northrop Grumman’s projected growth, this game will be valuable to the onboarding process in the coming years. There will be a demo available at TechFest’s TechExpo in October.
What does your typical work day look like as an intern?
Most of my day is spent coding, though I often run test sessions to experiment with game mechanics. I’ve also been collaborating with Employee Resource Groups to gain feedback and a variety of perspectives.
What are your thoughts on the culture at Northrop Grumman?
There’s a clear emphasis on self-development and learning, two things I value myself. This has influenced me to try new things and not be afraid to take risks. I also love how inviting and accepting everyone has been. I definitely feel like I’m part of the team.
What takeaways have you learned?
My biggest takeaway is there is something for everyone at Northrop Grumman. With the diversity of people, projects and technologies, anyone can find something to be excited about. If you’re interested in an internship, try to find something you’re passionate about, then think about how you can apply that passion at Northrop Grumman.
Click here to see available internships at Northrop Grumman in several disciplines, including software engineering.
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