Meet Kofi Darfour, a NextGen Intern of Class 2024

Meet Kofi Darfour, a 3rd-year Bachelor’s student in Computer Science at the University of Virginia. Passionate about software engineering, he brings hands-on experience across diverse domains, from customer technical support to application development.

Kofi's special interests within computer science include cloud computing/engineering, back-end development, and API engineering. His roles and personal projects have sharpened his skills in various programming languages, frameworks/libraries, and software tools.

With an innate drive to innovate, Kofi prioritizes precision, efficiency, and meaningful user engagement in all his endeavors. He's poised to make significant contributions as an incoming @ ServiceNow and ColorStack Fellow.

Apply for NextGen Interns: Class of 2024 and inspire others on their career path while connecting with a vibrant league of rising and NextGen professionals.

Tell us about yourself 🎒

Hello! I'm Kofi Darfour, a third-year Computer Science major at UVA. I'm an avid NBA and NFL fan—cheering on the 76ers and Eagles—and I have a deep passion for software engineering, especially for its intellectually challenging projects. My university journey began unconventionally. During my first year, I fell ill, leading me to miss two semesters and bringing me to a point where I seriously questioned whether I could return to university at all. This period was one of uncertainty and reflection for me. However, with the support of UVA's wonderful/proactive DEI representatives and a renewed belief in myself, I managed to overcome these challenges. This experience allowed me to return to school, where I have since excelled academically and professionally, culminating in a summer internship in my desired field. Reflecting on my journey, I once resonated with Jensen Huang's view that "pain and suffering" are often part of achieving success. However, I've come to believe that it's better to guide others away from such hardships as sometimes they are too detrimental. Moving forward, I hope to provide that guidance and support to others throughout my life, helping them navigate their paths with fewer obstacles.

Describe yourself in three words 🔮

Reliable, Resilient, Winner

What's your major and university? 🎓

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) In Computer Science - University of Virginia

A day in the life: Tell us about a typical day as an intern in your field, or if you haven't started, share a bit about your life as a college student. 🌞

My usual day at UVA starts between 6am and 8am, depending on my class schedule. I believe that structure, repetition, and healthy habits are crucial for efficient work. With that philosophy, I ensure my day ends by 11:30 pm, giving me enough rest, especially given the demanding nature of my major. I start day early to maximize productivity. Once I'm ready, I spend most of my non-course time at the Center for Diversity in Engineering (CDE). This inclusive space, directed by the incredible James Bland and Katie Alexander, offers a supportive community and invaluable advice for engineering students from all backgrounds. It's here that I tackle my coursework and studying, surrounded by fellow CS majors who are always ready to share insights or lend a helping hand. By late afternoon, around 5:30pm to 6:30pm, I transition to the newly reopened Shannon Library to continue my studies until no later than 11:15 pm. I prefer using time ranges for planning to maintain flexibility in my schedule, avoiding the stress of falling "off schedule" and allowing myself grace. This approach has significantly improved my organization and smoothed out my daily routine.

Internships: What excites you the most about your internship? 🎉

I am thrilled about my upcoming Software Engineering Internship with ServiceNow's Innovation Engineering Team. The prospect of integrating cutting-edge technologies into the ServiceNow product suite truly excites me. I've heard great stories about past projects, especially those involving robotics. This summer, I am eager to dive deep into cloud computing and artificial intelligence. I look forward to hands-on experiences that will allow me to make a meaningful impact in my role and explore innovative ways to enhance the ServiceNow Platform.

Shoutouts: Who has been an advocate and supporter of you? 📣

Christopher Barfield Jr and Janco Megerssa have been tremendous sources of inspiration and support in my journey. Observing their successes and dedication to professional growth has motivated me to enhance my own skills and become competitive in the internship market. Their achievements have instilled in me the belief that I, too, can reach great heights.

What's one piece of advice or tip you'd give to yourself or other students? 💼

One tip I would share is to never allow yourself to lose hope. It’s crucial to maintain this mindset because the moment you give up, you shut down all potential opportunities. Staying resilient allows you to rise above challenging situations and continue pushing towards your goals.

Rise is a next gen career destination and platform. Our work has been featured in major outlets such as Forbes, Fortune, Business Insider and more! Check out our community or sign up for our free newsletter where we curate the best jobs and internships every Monday.