McNeese Students Land High Tech Internships  

McNeese State University computer science majors scored spots in the professional tech world interning for Meta, LinkedIn, Microsoft and Google.   

The students are Gabriella Toby, Oluwatobiloba Onimole, David Majekodunmi, Yvonne Ariri and Jeremy Richard-Ikediashi. Both Ariri and Richard-Ikediashi completed their internships for the second time.  

These students study computer science at McNeese because of their passion for the subject. “McNeese’s focus on hands-on experience and close-knit community make it an ideal place for me to grow academically and personally,” Toby said.  

Toby, a sophomore from Lagos, Nigeria, interned for Meta in Menlo Park, California.   

“I gained real-world experience as a software engineer and now understand the skills and mindset needed for success,” Toby explained. “I made lifelong friendships and connections.”  

Toby used her classroom knowledge of programming languages to thrive. “Exposure to coding industry standards in my classes allowed me to ensure high-quality and maintainable code.”   

Toby learned that the tech industry values an ability to learn quickly, research and adapt.  

She plans on pursuing software engineering and product management roles to contribute to innovative projects.   

Onimole, a senior from Lagos, Nigeria, interned for LinkedIn in Sunnyvale, California.  

“I got the opportunity to learn and grow by working on impactful projects and collaborating with other software engineers,” Onimole said.   

“I learned how to solve problems under tight deadlines, navigate company culture, manage time, prioritize tasks and engage with clients,” he explained.  

Onimole plans to advance his career by learning new technologies and focusing on innovation.  

Majekodunmi, a junior from Abuja, Nigeria, interned with Microsoft in Redmond, Washington.   

“The best part was meeting people from different backgrounds and working together in the same space,” Majekodunmi said.   

He explained that the biggest difference that set his internship apart from his classes was the emphasis on collaboration with colleagues. “Nobody is on an island. The real world is full of collaboration.”   

Majekodunmi plans to become a program manager after graduation.   

Richard-Ikediashi, a senior from Lagos, Nigeria, interned at Google for the second time.  

“The projects I undertook revolved around optimizing code, enhancing natural language processing and seamlessly integrating systems,” Richard-Ikediashi said.   

He learned data structures and advanced algorithms in a course he took during his second year at McNeese that helped him earn the internship. “It played a pivotal role in my interview preparations, as the questions revolved around concepts from the class.”  

Richard-Ikediashi will transition into the corporate sphere and is considering pursuing a master’s degree in computer science.   

Ariri, a senior from Lagos, Nigeria, interned at Meta for a second time in Menlo, California.  

Ariri’s internship expanded her professional network and gave her valuable experience. “This internship has given me hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and practices, which will be invaluable as I enter the job market.”  

These students encourage other McNeese students to apply for internships.  

Toby suggests thoroughly researching what is needed on your resume. “Get involved in clubs and programs related to your field, both in and out of school,” she said.  

“Tailor your applications to each internship, highlighting relevant skills and showing genuine interest in the company,” Onimole added. “Persistence and resilience are key.”  

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