My 15-Month Internship at Arm: Research, Education, and AI

in Experience

Over the past 15 months, I had the opportunity to work as an intern at Arm, contributing to projects that spanned embedded systems, AI-driven tools, process automation, web development, and community engagement. This experience not only allowed me to sharpen my technical skills but also gave me a deeper appreciation for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the impact of education in technology.

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Embedded Systems and Course Migrations

One of my key responsibilities was modernizing Arm’s embedded systems educational content:

  • Migrating Mbed-based labs into MakeCode and the micro:bit Python Editor.
  • Creating step-by-step lab videos and collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) on lab scripts.
  • Publishing source code under the Arm-University GitHub organization.

I also gained practical experience in register-level programming using Embedded C, implementing device drivers for peripherals such as UART, I²C, and SPI.

For the IoT-focused course modules, I:

  • Replaced deprecated Google Cloud services with MQTT protocol for cloud communication.
  • Proposed and set up AWS EC2 as the host server for the MQTT broker.
  • Redesigned labs using STM32CubeMX libraries for modular integration.

Additionally, I updated Digital Signal Processing EdKits, ensuring compatibility with the latest Arm Compiler and simplifying lab exercises for better learner experience.

AI-Driven Tools

During the internship, I explored how AI can enhance education:

  • EduLabs Chatbot – implemented a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) chatbot using Azure AI Studio, complete with system prompts and guardrails.
  • Learning Path Assistant – developed a tool to convert teaching materials into structured Markdown-based learning paths. Features included:
    • An inline editor for customization.
    • Preview via Hugo, hosted on AWS.
    • A regeneration workflow for continuous improvement.

These projects demonstrated how AI can be used responsibly to improve accessibility and efficiency in educational content creation.

Process Automation

I also focused on automating workflows to save time and reduce manual overhead. For example:

  • Redesigned the Arm Academic Access annual report tracker for clarity.
  • Wrote Python scripts to auto-update due dates and send reminder emails through Outlook.

These efforts streamlined reporting processes and made recurring tasks far more efficient.

Web Development

To support developers and educators, I built the Developer Labs website using Jekyll and GitHub Pages:

  • Customized themes to include features like partner carousels, search, and filtering.
  • Automated conversion of Markdown files into Jekyll format.
  • Created a file validation tool and integrated GitHub Actions for CI/CD workflows.

This ensured reliable deployments and a smooth user experience for those accessing the labs.

Community Engagement

Outside of development work, I enjoyed engaging with the community through teaching, mentoring, and events:

  • Authored two new learning paths: AI Agent on Arm and MCP Server on Arm.
  • Volunteered at workshops, hackathons, and competitions, including:
    • Uptree Workshop Sessions – Micro:Pet training.
    • FIRST Robotics Competitions – Lead and Field Technical Advisor roles.
    • Hackathon at Arm HQ – organized a 32-hour event with the theme AI on Arm with Raspberry Pi.
    • Outreach at schools and colleges with interactive demos and workshops.

These experiences helped me grow as both a technical educator and a team contributor.

Looking Ahead

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My journey doesn’t stop here. After completing this internship, I will:

  • Undertake a Winter Research Internship at Pusan National University, focusing on Arm Confidential Computer Architecture and hardware security.
  • Return to Arm as a Summer Intern with the ATG team (Architecture and Technology Group).

I also continue to share updates and projects on my personal website.

Reflections

This internship has been transformative in several ways:

  • I deepened my technical expertise in embedded systems, AI tools, and automation.
  • I learned to balance individual contributions with collaboration, especially when working with SMEs, educators, and cross-functional teams.
  • Perhaps most importantly, I discovered how technology and education intersect to empower communities.

I’m excited to keep building on these foundations as I move forward in my career as a software engineer.

I am deeply grateful to everyone at Arm who guided me throughout this journey. The skills, experiences, and mentorship I gained will stay with me for years to come. A special thanks goes to the Arm Education team for offering me diverse opportunities, and to Taya, my colleague and friend, for her constant support and encouragement. I also want to thank my amazing girlfriend, Jenny, for always standing by my side and believing in me. This year has been truly incredible, and I look forward to continuing my journey and growing as a software engineer.