Maryland wasn’t just where I learned to be an engineer. It’s where I learned how to lead, how to adapt, and how to turn ideas into impact.
Fenil Gholani
Software Engineer at Yahoo
M.Eng. in Cybersecurity
I’m a proud alumnus of the University of Maryland, where I earned my M.Eng in Cybersecurity in 2022 and B.S in Computer Science in 2021. UMD was where I laid the foundation for my career in cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and software engineering — from long nights in the Iribe Center to building systems with real-world impact.
My time at Maryland shaped how I think about leadership, community, and innovation. I was fortunate to learn from brilliant professors, collaborate with passionate peers, and grow both technically and personally. Whether it was participating in hackathons, mentoring fellow students, or exploring the intersections of AI and security, UMD gave me the tools to take on challenges with confidence.
Since graduating, I’ve worked in both startup and Big Tech environments and currently serve as a software engineer at Yahoo. But no matter where I go, the mindset I built at UMD continues to guide me forward. Lets Go Terps!
Why Maryland?
I chose Maryland because it offered the perfect balance of academic rigor, community, and opportunity. The university's strong programs in technology and cybersecurity immediately stood out, but what really drew me in was the ecosystem, a place where innovation, mentorship, and diversity of thought come together.
At Maryland, I found more than just a degree. I found professors who challenged me to think bigger, peers who pushed me to grow, and an environment that constantly encouraged experimentation from late-night coding in Iribe to student-led initiatives and hackathons.
Maryland wasn’t just where I learned to be an engineer. It’s where I learned how to lead, how to adapt, and how to turn ideas into impact. Looking back, choosing Maryland was one of the best decisions I’ve made, it laid the groundwork for everything that’s come after. That is why we are called Fearless Terps!
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