An MGHPCC internship opportunity reshaped Chase Lyon’s professional journey entirely.

Reporting by Helen Hill for MGHPCC

Internships can be pivotal in shaping careers, and for Chase Lyon, a recent intern at the Massachusetts Green High-Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC), this experience was life-changing. Now a Systems Administrator at TechSquare Inc., Chase reflects on his journey and the profound impact of his internship.

Chase began his internship at MGHPCC in August 2023, having learned about the opportunity through Brian Candido, his professor and chair of the Computer Information Technology (CIT) department at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC). This chance encounter set him on a path of professional transformation.

During his time at MGHPCC, Chase’s daily tasks were anything but mundane. The uniqueness of the data center meant that no two days were alike—ranging from running cables for new build-outs to troubleshooting network issues and updating scripts. The hands-on experience allowed him to deepen his understanding of both hardware and network systems, making each day a valuable learning opportunity.

Chase emphasizes how this internship changed his life. Starting his education at STCC at the age of 35, he found a renewed passion for learning and decided to embrace every opportunity. His journey included becoming a Supplemental Instructor for Prof. Candido, which ultimately led to his internship at MGHPCC. He credits the mentorship and support from faculty and staff as crucial to his success and newfound career direction.

For those contemplating an internship at MGHPCC, Chase encourages them to seize the opportunity without hesitation. The blend of cutting-edge technology, diverse learning experiences, and the vibrant community at MGHPCC creates an unparalleled environment for personal and professional growth. As Chase aptly puts it, the experience is not just fascinating; it’s transformative.

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Photo credit: Helen Hill, MGHPCC