Through the Technology Services Center, Anas Al Darwashi built client-facing projects from scratch, leading to a full-time job offer after graduation
When Anas Al Darwashi joined the University of Delaware’s new Technology Services Center (TSC) during his senior year, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He left with hands-on consulting experience and a full-time job offer.
“In most internships, you’re doing side tasks and helping senior employees. Here, you’re building everything from scratch for startups that don’t have any backend or code,” said Al Darwashi. “You’re learning how to onboard users, get feedback and work directly with clients.”
Launched five months ago by UD’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences, the TSC is an innovation and solutions hub that places students in paid, client-facing roles. It has completed two projects, with 17 more underway. So far, 16 students have been assigned to projects, with another 31 awaiting placement.
“We are intentional about matching students to projects where they can be successful while meeting client needs,” said academic coordinator Matthew Saponaro. “A significant part of our model includes coaching on professional and workplace skills that are not typically emphasized in the classroom.”
The program’s focus is on workforce readiness through structured mentorship, added Saponaro. Students work directly with a senior technical lead and receive frequent, often daily, feedback to develop both technical and professional skills.
“In class, you’re focused on getting the grade,” said Al Darwashi. “Here, you’re building real projects for clients, which gives you a bigger goal to work toward and the chance to build relationships.”
While some students concentrate on a single TSC project, Al Darwashi has worked on several. One involved building AI agents to make the technology more accessible to nontechnical users. Another centered on an AI-powered avatar system that lets users practice difficult conversations, such as a surgeon explaining a mistake to a patient’s family.
After graduation, he’ll join TSC client Proxa Labs as a full-time software engineer.
“It’s a startup, so they’re building multiple projects, and I’m excited to work on all of them,” said Al Darwashi. “I wouldn’t have been trusted to build the full system based on a resume alone, but the TSC gave me the chance to show them what I can do.”