Local Interns Thrive at T. Rowe Price, Gaining Essential Experience

Computer science students from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) are finding valuable internship opportunities close to home. This summer, several students secured positions at T. Rowe Price, an investment management firm headquartered in Baltimore. These internships provide practical experience and a glimpse into the broader tech landscape beyond major companies like Google and Apple.

Wonder Akpabio, a rising junior in computer science, initially aimed for positions at tech giants. However, she discovered a fitting internship at T. Rowe Price. Working as a global technology intern, Akpabio contributed to software testing and updates for the company’s reporting tools related to exchange-traded funds.

Another UMBC intern, Gabriel Farmer, also a rising junior, supported the company’s internal email and text message communications software. He expressed satisfaction with the impact of their work, stating, “Once we leave, they’ll continue to use and build on what we did, so it’s definitely been fulfilling.”

T. Rowe Price: A Baltimore Institution

Founded in 1937, T. Rowe Price has established itself as a crucial player in the asset management industry. The company relocated its global headquarters to newly constructed facilities in Harbor Point, Baltimore, in 2025. Alongside its urban headquarters, T. Rowe Price operates a 72-acre campus in Owings Mills, Maryland.

Farmer highlighted the strong connections between T. Rowe Price and UMBC, noting the presence of a vast network of alumni at the firm. The company actively engages with the university, including participation in local events like HackUMBC. This spring, T. Rowe Price hosted an online program titled “Launching Your Legacy,” designed to help students understand career pathways within the asset management sector. Farmer participated in the program, which provided insights and guidance through the internship application process.

Akpabio also benefited from personal connections made during the UMBC Career Fair, where a recruiter helped her navigate the interview process. Once at T. Rowe Price, both interns were assigned mentors and had numerous opportunities to connect with fellow interns and senior staff. Farmer remarked, “Anytime you ask a question, people are ready to help. It’s been a very good experience.”

Gaining Skills and Insights

Both interns reported significant takeaways from their experiences. Akpabio emphasized the importance of embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. “At the beginning, I was afraid I might break something, so I quickly asked for guidance. Now, I try to rule out possible problems myself first,” she explained. This shift has allowed her to retain information more effectively.

Farmer focused on the value of networking, noting that many professionals he met had faced career uncertainties. The relationships they built were crucial in helping them navigate challenges. As they consider their future career paths, both interns remain open to various possibilities.

Akpabio envisions a potential transition to the business or trading side at a firm like T. Rowe Price. Meanwhile, Farmer noted the current uncertainty in the tech industry, stating, “Looking beyond the big tech firms and trying the T. Rowe Price internship was a great experience.”

These internships highlight the diverse opportunities available to computer science students in their local communities and underscore the importance of practical experience in shaping their futures.