Attention all UMBC student employees!  

What could be better than having an on-campus job?

Having an on-campus job and getting a notation on your transcript that tells employers you made the effort to enhance your professional development!

Interested in gaining a competitive edge in the job market? Sign up for PRAC 102- Building Skills for Career Success this Spring semester. Don’t worry, it’s not a formal class! With the minimal commitment of attending a few workshops and career events, you will be better prepared for the world of work and have the proof on your college transcript to show your employer.

DEADLINE TO REQUEST ENROLLMENT: Friday, February 28,2025

Make your campus experience count! Enroll TODAY! Enrollment is limited to the first 40 student employees. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!  

Open to all levels and majors. You must be a UMBC student employee working at least eight hours per week on campus. 

How to Register Online

1. Log in to Handshake, then navigate to Career Center > Experiences.

2. Click “Submit an Experience” and select “Career Center – On-Campus Student Employment (PRAC 102- Building Skills for Career Success)” as the Experience Type. Fill in the required fields and submit.

3. Your registration will be reviewed within two business days. The Career Center will enroll you directly upon review along with sending you additional details.

QUESTIONS, please get in touch with Stephanie Taylor Okoukoni (staylor18@umbc.edu) 

Name: Tomisin Akinlosotu

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Summer 2024

Major: Information Systems

Current Class Level: Junior

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Lockheed Martin

Location of the Organization (City, State): Grand Prairie, Texas

Title of position: Systems Engineering Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
During my recent internship at Lockheed Martin, I supported one of the company’s newer programs, which challenged me and deepened my passion for the defense field. A typical day involved using project management tools and workflow automation to streamline processes. I also learned from the cybersecurity team, gaining insights into assessing supplier risks and vulnerabilities. This hands-on experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of defense manufacturing.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I obtained this position at a career fair, which I believe was all by God’s grace. I actively engaged with professionals at the event, making meaningful connections. My efforts paid off when I was offered an interview, which went extremely well. I heard back from the company the same night that I had secured the position.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
Career Fairs, Alumni Networking, Student Organizations/Scholar Groups, LinkedIn, and other social media.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
Lockheed Martin’s use of cross-functional teams brings together diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering innovation and problem-solving. Collaborating with professionals in cyber, systems, and supply chain management broadened my knowledge and enhanced my ability to approach challenges from multiple angles. Visiting Lockheed’s Camden, AR facility, where I witnessed the assembly of parts firsthand, was another highlight.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I made an impact through my work by assessing supplier risks and vulnerabilities, which strengthened supply chain management and enhanced operational security. By collaborating with the cybersecurity team, I identified potential risks and implemented measures to mitigate them. My efforts contributed to streamlining processes and improving workflow efficiency, driving positive outcomes for the program and organization.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Some advice I would give to a student seeking an internship is to attend career fairs and put yourself out there. Engage with professionals, ask questions, and express genuine interest in their work. These events are excellent opportunities to make meaningful connections and learn about potential opportunities. Networking is crucial—connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn, attend relevant events, and seek informational interviews. Building a strong professional network can open doors to internship opportunities. Finally, stay persistent and positive. The process can be challenging, but with faith in God and persistence, nothing is too far to accomplish. Stay positive, keep applying, and continue improving your skills and resume.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center:
I valued collaborating with diverse teams, which deepened my understanding of the defense industry. The Career Center's support and resources were instrumental in preparing me for this opportunity, from resume building to interview preparation.

Maryland Public Service Scholars Programs offer paid internships/fellowships and leadership development opportunities for students of all majors to explore careers in government and nonprofits while making a difference in Maryland. Each program includes full-time placement at a nonprofit or government agency under senior-level mentorship, orientation, seminars to deepen understanding of public service, and networking events with Maryland leaders. Fellows also engage in social justice and equity reflection activities and collaborate on projects that apply their skills, culminating in presentations to stakeholders. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, grow as a leader, and create positive change in Maryland!

Programs Offered:

• Governor’s Summer Internship Program (GSIP)
• Sondheim Nonprofit Leadership Program (SNLP)
• Maryland Dept. of Transportation Fellows Program (MDOT)
• Sondheim Public Service Law Fellows (this application will open later in Spring 2025 for current law students)

Eligibility:

• GSIP/MDOT: be a rising junior/senior; SNLP: be a rising junior/senior or current graduate student
• Attending a Maryland institution OR a current Maryland resident attending an out-of-state institution

• GPA 2.7 or above
• Available May 27 – August 8,  Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Participation Includes:

• Internships at government/nonprofit agencies (hybrid, remote, or in-person)
• Seminars, reflection, and career exploration
• Networking events and mentorship opportunities
• Real-world projects and skill-building activities
• $5000 stipend for GSIP/MDOT/SNLP

To Apply and to Learn More:  publicservicescholars.umbc.edu

Deadline: March 1, 2025

For Questions: publicservicescholars@umbc.edu.

Follow: 
Instagram: @mdpublicservicescholars
LinkedIn/Facebook: Maryland's Public Service Scholars Programs

Name: Oluwasemilore Osinowo
Pronouns: She/Her
Semester of Internship: Summer 2024
Major: Biological Sciences
Current Class Level: Senior

This semester I completed a(n)...: Research experience

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh—Circle Lab
Location of the Organization (City, State): Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Title of position: Research Assistant (Intern)

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

During my summer 2024 research internship at UPMC Children’s Hospital, I worked on a project that focused on how social media affects adolescent relationships and the role it plays in relationship violence. I helped recruit and interview teens about their experiences with social media and how it influences their relationships. We also spoke with caregivers of LGBTQ+ teens about how they talk to their children about healthy and unhealthy relationships.

A key part of the project involved the Engaging Together for Healthy Relationships (ETHR) model, which aims to prevent adolescent relationship abuse by building trust, empathy, healing, and resilience in families. The goal was to guide teens and their caregivers toward healthier relationship dynamics.

We conducted all interviews online, and we used AI to transcribe the interviews. I proofread and de-identified the transcripts to protect the participants’ privacy. I also used a software called Dedoose to code the interviews, helping us identify common themes and patterns in their responses.

In addition to working with teens and caregivers, I also interviewed doulas and community health workers (CHWs) about their experiences with clients who had faced intimate partner violence (IPV). These interviews shed light on the emotional challenges survivors face and how doulas and CHWs can better support them. We talked about ways to improve training for healthcare workers to help them provide better care for survivors, especially during pregnancy.

This experience gave me valuable skills in research and taught me more about the important role healthcare professionals play in supporting violence prevention and promoting healthy relationships.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I discovered the UPMC Children’s Hospital internship through Handshake in January 2024 and applied directly through the organization’s website. In April, I received confirmation that I had been selected for the position. A few months before my start date, I traveled to Pennsylvania to complete the necessary clearance requirements for onboarding. This process allowed me to be fully prepared for my role when the internship began.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
Handshake

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I enjoyed most about my position was the opportunity to meet people from various schools like Princeton, UPenn, Howard, etc. Learning about their diverse college experiences was really interesting and gave me new perspectives. I also loved talking to teenagers during the interviews. Since I was once a teenager myself, I found many of the topics we discussed relatable, which made the conversations more engaging. Additionally, I really appreciated the chance to shadow my PI, who is a pediatrician. It gave me valuable insight into the field of pediatrics, which is my passion.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I made an impact by creating a more engaging and comfortable environment for the teens during interviews, making it easier for them to open up and express themselves. As someone young who could relate to their experiences, I helped them feel understood and safe. In the specific lab I worked at, most researchers were young adults who weren’t very active on social media, so I was able to bridge the gap and bring a fresh perspective to our discussions about adolescent relationships and social media.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

My advice for another student seeking an internship is to start early, be proactive, and make your application show how excited you are about the opportunity. After applying on the organization’s website, send a follow-up email to show your passion for the position. Use resources like Handshake to find internships, and don’t worry if you don’t meet every requirement. Focus on your strengths and what makes you a good fit. Also, talk to mentors or professors for advice and take advantage of networking to learn from others.

Most importantly, don’t give up. Keep applying, and if you face rejection, recognize what you can improve in your application. Remember, rejection is just redirection.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

What I liked most about my position was the chance to connect with people from different schools and engage with teens in a meaningful way. I also really appreciated how the organization took great care of the interns’ well-being, making sure our meals, housing, and other needs were covered. The Career Center was instrumental in helping me find this opportunity through Handshake and guiding me through the application process.