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Aloha MANTECH with MANTECH’s Hawaii Interns

Nurturing Tech Talent in Hawaii: Insights from the MANTECH Summer Internship Program
Episode 5 of Aloha MANTECH offered a revealing glimpse into the future of Hawaii’s tech workforce through an engaging conversation with Byron Leong, Executive Director at MANTECH, and four of their summer interns. The discussion underscores the vibrant collaboration between industry and education aimed at developing local talent, the evolving technology landscape, and the challenges and opportunities of pursuing tech careers in Hawaii.
MANTECH Hawaii’s Interns.:
    • Wilson Huynh is a Computer Science major proficient in Python, HTML, Next.js, and React, who has designed a machine learning-based detection system for pineapple harvesting and collaborated on a web application to optimize student study schedules. Wilson is a rising senior at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and through MANTECH is working on robotics hardware and software while exploring interests in computer vision and machine learning.
    • Connor Narowetz is a Computer Science major fluent in Java and Python with strong expertise in Salesforce security tools like Apex and SOQL, known for his consistent reliability, strong work ethic, and ability to exceed collaboration expectations in group projects. Connor recently graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and is interning on a research and development project and learning about both technical product development and the business side of technology.
    • Sage Suzuki is a Computer Science major fluent in Java and SQL, proficient in Python and HTML, who developed a VR Language Learning app for the Department of Defense and actively participates in group coding practice and competitions with the Programming and Algorithms Club and Grey Hats. Sage recently graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a computer science degree, focusing on cloud infrastructure and AI, through MANTECH he is exploring career opportunities in defense contracting and community engagement. 
    • Cindy Mo is an Electrical Engineering and Computer Science major at Yale University, highly adaptable across various hardware and software languages (including Python, C, C++, HTML, and embedded systems), with a strong interest in cybersecurity and experience facilitating task division and problem-solving in group projects. Cindy is a rising junior at Yale, and through MANTECH is gaining experience in robotics and cybersecurity while developing her professional network.


Growing the Internship Program: A Collaborative Effort

MANTECH has recently expanded its summer internship program, doubling the number of interns from two last year to four this year. This growth is supported partly through the Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I), a workforce development program that helps connect students with industry opportunities, and partly through direct MANTECH funding. Byron Leong emphasized that the program is not merely about technical skill-building but also about community engagement and fostering meaningful connections within Hawaii’s tech ecosystem.

The interns, a mix of current college and recent graduates from UH and Yale, bring diverse backgrounds in robotics, cybersecurity, cloud, AI, and software engineering, highlighting the program’s inclusive nature.

Real-World Learning and Networking

One of the standout themes from the conversation is the value of experiential learning and networking. The interns shared how their projects, particularly working on a robotic “dog” and developing software tools, teach them not just technical competencies, but also collaboration, creativity, and adaptability. Wilson illustrated the complementary dynamic within his team, where different thinking styles and skills come together to solve complex problems.

Byron stressed the importance of networking, describing efforts to connect interns with the broader industry via community events, workshops, and meetings at the Ku mau mau Innovation Center. The P3i program’s role in facilitating clearances for security-sensitive work and exposing students to government and defense contracting further enhances their career prospects.

Navigating a Changing Tech Landscape

The interns also reflected candidly on the current job market, which they describe as uncertain and somewhat challenging, due in large part to rapid advancements in AI and shifting industry priorities. Sage and Connor echoed concerns felt by many recent graduates: fewer entry-level openings and increased emphasis on continuous learning and adaptability.

Educational institutions like the University of Hawaii are responding by expanding AI-related curricula and even launching new master’s programs to help students stay ahead of technological advances. Cindy highlighted a significant recent investment in AI infrastructure at Yale, noting a broader trend in academia to equip students with cutting-edge skills.

Balancing Opportunity and Home: The Hawaii Factor

A recurring and poignant topic was how the interns view their future careers in relation to their home state. All expressed a strong desire to build meaningful tech careers while remaining in Hawaii, valuing the unique culture, family ties, and community support the islands provide. Yet they also recognized the challenges posed by Hawaii’s geographic isolation and limited local tech industry footprint.

Wilson and Cindy both emphasized the importance of flexibility — having the option to travel frequently to mainland tech hubs for networking and professional development while maintaining their home base in Hawaii. Byron acknowledged these realities and highlighted MANTECH’s efforts to create opportunities that allow talented individuals to “stay Hawaii” while contributing to national security and innovation sectors.

Insights and Inspirations for Hawaii’s Tech Future

The conversation brought forward several powerful insights: the necessity of continuous learning, the value of networking, and the importance of adaptable, multidisciplinary skills. The interns’ experiences reveal that the future of Hawaii’s tech workforce is bright, with promising talent eager to grow, innovate, and give back to their community.

MANTECH’s internship program, supported by P3i and industry partnerships, is an excellent example of how targeted workforce development initiatives can create pathways for local students and recent graduates to thrive. As Hawaii continues to navigate an era of technological disruption and opportunity, nurturing such programs and fostering strong industry-academic collaboration will be vital for sustainable growth.

The Aloha MANTECH episode concludes with a mutual sense of optimism and commitment—a testament to the resilience and ambition of Hawaii’s young tech professionals and the dedicated leaders guiding them. For aspiring technologists and industry stakeholders alike, the message is clear: invest, connect, and innovate, right here in Hawaii.