Kerry Kidwell-Slakl
Role at the UMBC Career Center: I help connect engineering and math majors with internships and careers.
Q: Where have you earned your college degrees?
A: Duke University, Durham, NC
Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?
A: I completed my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. I attended a Math/Science magnet program in high school so knew I enjoyed STEM fields and thought engineering was a good fit because I enjoyed solving challenging problems. I picked Mechanical because I felt that it was very broad and I could in a lot of different directions with it as a professional. I worked as a consultant in nuclear engineering after graduation and while I enjoyed the challenge of the work, I felt like I wanted to use more of my people skills. I looked at what I did enjoy in my professional and personal life and found that I was spending a lot of time with college students. That pointed me toward researching graduate programs in Higher Education Administration and I eventually undertook a two year Master's program at GWU with a focus on applied learning.
Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?
A: During my undergrad, I didn't do any "traditional" commercial internships - my summer's were spent as a Teaching Assistant for STEM camps and working on a grant on Educational research for an engineering professor (we were exploring whether this crazy new piece of software called "Blackboard" would be useful and whether professors would actually use LCD projectors with computers in class - both things that we definitely take for granted now!). Hindsight being 20-20, I probably should have paid attention to those experiences and it may have gotten me to my current career a lot faster.
The full-time job I had after graduation, I obtained using on campus resources through the Career Center. I had my resume reviewed, attended info sessions and career fairs and eventually obtained an offer through on-campus interviewing. I like to think that I am proof that the system can work!
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
A: Hanlon's Razor: "Never assume malice when stupidity will suffice."
I don't like the word choices, but I think the essence of the quote is helpful. If we approach life with a spirit of positivity and wanting to educate others about what we know rather than a sense of negativity and paranoia, I think we are all more likely to achieve success.
Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?
A: To learn more about Information Sessions - I think these are undervalued as a way for students to meet employers and learn about possible career paths. Employers are there because they want to meet you and if you are one of the students who takes the time to come it shows your sincere interest and commitment.
Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?
A: The spirit of innovation and collaboration that permeates campus. Everyone, students, staff and faculty, demonstrates a willingness to try new things and work together for the common good. I think that makes us a true gem in higher education!
Q: What is one item on your bucket list?
A: Backpacking the Appalachian Trail. I did a lot of hiking/camping when I was younger and miss it.
Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?
A: Being outside - I love how it's easy to get to both the beach and the mountains from here and how many state, local and national parks we have in our backyard.
Want to connect with Kerry or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/
