This news item was published prior to Apogee’s acquisition and subsequent rebrand to Boldyn Networks in November 2024. Learn more about the acquisition here.

At Apogee, a Boldyn Networks company, we’re not just about technology—we’re about people. We might provide a comprehensive portfolio of managed technology services, but we are first and foremost partners of the universities we serve. A part of our secret sauce for over 20 years, is our internship program, nurturing female talent and empowering the next generation of women leaders. And as we transform from Apogee to Boldyn Networks, our deep-rooted commitment to higher education remains as strong as ever. Put simply: we still wear your colors. 

We are fortunate to have so many talented people come through the program each year. Many of which have turned into current leaders of our organization. Who better understands our higher education customers than those who went to the schools they now serve. 

Alisha Mattson: Working Where You Live 

Interns have always been at the heart of Apogee’s success, often transitioning into key roles after gaining real-world, hands-on experience. Alisha Mattson, who worked as a summer installation intern, found even more value in working on various campuses. “As a student at Virginia Tech, I see the user side and how Wi-Fi is a necessity and now I have a better understanding of what it takes to deliver the best connectivity possible to students. I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn in the field – as I got to travel coast to coast. I saw firsthand how the various campuses and their needs might differ, but in the end, the needs of students are similar.” 

Beyond the technical experience, the mentorship she received made her feel truly invested in the company and its culture. “The relationships I built with my mentors made me feel like part of the team, and that sense of belonging makes me want to come back,” she adds. Alisha’s experience illustrates how Apogee’s internship program not only offers practical training but also fosters a deep connection to the company and its mission, making interns feel like an integral part of the team. 

Ruba Khan: From Intern to Network Operations Center Lead 

Apogee’s internship program isn’t just about technical learning—it’s about building layers of experience that reinforce one another and provide a comprehensive view of the company, its customers,` and the industry. Ruba Khan, now a Project Engineer, began her journey as an intern and worked her way up to Network Operations Center Lead. She now designs new network builds as a Project Engineer.  

Each experience at Apogee built upon the last, guiding her from entry-level tasks to taking on leadership roles in engineering. Her internship gave her exposure to real-world problem-solving and leadership opportunities. This firsthand knowledge allowed her to bring valuable voice-of-the-customer insights, directly influencing her work and decisions. “Working on a campus I once attended gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs from a student’s perspective, which allowed me to contribute in ways that went beyond just technical support.”  

Emily Leyendecker: From Texas State to Apogee  

Emily Leyendecker, Director of Sales Engineering, brings a unique leadership perspective shaped by her time as an intern. A graduate of Texas State University, Emily had the opportunity to work in the mathematics office on campus before joining the company. This experience gave her a distinct advantage in understanding the customer’s perspective. 

“Working at Texas State allowed me to see, firsthand, the challenges higher education institutions face when it comes to technology,” she says. “I recognized where Apogee could help the school overcome these challenges and enhance the overall educational experience” 

Emily’s experience as an Apogee intern was more than just learning technical skills—it gave her the chance to rotate through different departments, interact with various teams, and understand the strategic side of the business. “The internship was a chance to be part of something bigger,” she adds. “working alongside a team dedicated to serving higher education, combined with my own insight as a worker on campus, has significantly contributed to my growth into a leadership role today.” Her journey is a testament to how the Apogee internship program fosters both technical expertise and customer insight, setting interns up for long-term success. 

Betty Gebru: From Ithaca to Intern 

Field Service Representative Intern Betty Gebru echoes these sentiments. “As I reflect on my time as a Field Service Representative intern at Apogee, I realize it was more than just a learning experience—it was an opportunity to solve real challenges and feel a sense of ownership. The mentorship I received was invaluable, and I’ve seen many interns rise to key positions within the company, which speaks to the growth potential here.” 

Last summer, she collaborated with the networking team to install over 1,500 access points (APs) in student rooms, significantly improving connectivity for 5,000 student users. Allowing her to apply her skills in a real-world setting and contribute to meaningful outcomes. 

“In addition to the AP installations, I provided troubleshooting support to over 40 users. I also conducted weekly quality assurance (QA) speed tests in residential buildings, ensuring that upload and download throughput met or exceeded 80% thresholds using Apogee’s network performance testing platform.” 

“As Apogee continues to grow, it’s clear that the company remains committed to investing in its people and higher education partners. My internship wasn’t just about gaining experience—it was about developing leadership skills and preparing for long-term career success.” 

We Wear Your Colors, No Matter What 

The transition from Apogee to Boldyn Networks reflects our expansion beyond higher education into broader digital infrastructure. However, our core values—mentorship, innovation, and a deep commitment to serving universities—have not changed. Today, we wear a new name, but we’re still advocating for the same mission, helping universities to do and achieve more and developing the next generation of tech leaders. 

No matter the name, our mission remains unchanged. We continue to wear your colors, driven by our past and inspired by the shared future we will build on campus together.