Name:

Neha Nooka

Pronouns:

She/her/hers

Semester of Internship:

Fall 2024

Major:

Data Science

Current Class Level:

Master's Student

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

Internship

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

Signarama

Location of the Organization (City, State):

Silver Spring, MD

Title of position:

Process & Marketing Systems Design Intern

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

As a Process & Marketing Systems Design Intern, I developed a chatbot for internal use, guiding team members through processes and improving onboarding and training efficiency by 20%. I also designed and implemented automation solutions for Trello boards, which enhanced task management efficiency by 35%. My work involved collaborating with the President of the organization to streamline workflows and create structured documentation.

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

I applied through the MTIP program, which I learned about in a LinkedIn post. I directly emailed the company and received a response the same day, setting up a meeting to discuss the position further.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

What I’ve enjoyed most is the opportunity to directly impact the team’s efficiency and productivity. Developing a chatbot for internal use and automating workflows in Trello were particularly rewarding because they led to noticeable improvements in the team’s operations. Collaborating directly with the President and seeing tangible results made the experience incredibly fulfilling.

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

I believe I’ve made a significant impact by improving onboarding and training processes, boosting efficiency by 20%. Additionally, the automation solutions I implemented increased task organization and workflow efficiency by 35%, helping the team work more effectively and adopt a structured approach to project management.

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

MTIP is an excellent resource for finding internships, so I recommend checking it regularly and applying to opportunities that align with your interests. The application process is simple and intuitive. Apart from using MTIP, focus on building both technical and problem-solving skills. Look for ways to improve efficiency in any role and take on projects that challenge you to learn new tools or platforms—this can make you stand out to employers.

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

The Career Center played a vital role in guiding me through my internship search, offering valuable resources and networking opportunities. I enjoyed applying my skills to real-world problems, such as developing a chatbot and automating workflows, which enhanced the team’s efficiency and productivity.

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

Collaborating directly with the President of Signarama allowed me to gain hands-on experience and make meaningful contributions to the team. The Career Center’s guidance made the process of securing and succeeding in my internship seamless and rewarding.

In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to do all you can to catch the eye of recruiters and hiring managers. You polish your resume, enhance your LinkedIn, and build your network. But sometimes even doing all of this doesn’t feel like enough to get your foot in the door, which can be really frustrating.

You’re not alone. Right now, we’re in a period where the job search seems more difficult than ever. In fact, recent surveys claim that 70% of job seekers are unexpectedly having a more challenging time landing a position (1). There are factors like ghost jobs and applicant tracking systems that now need to be considered. It’s no wonder that job seekers are exhausted with the process, trying to figure out what to do next.

Fortunately, there’s another way to draw the attention of employers, and that’s through personal branding. Personal branding plays a pivotal role in setting yourself apart from other candidates. Your personal brand is how you present your professional identity, skills, and values to potential employers. It encompasses everything from your online presence to how you communicate during networking events or interviews.

According to a CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates, and 50% decide not to hire based on what they find (2). Therefore, maintaining a consistent, professional image across platforms is crucial. LinkedIn remains a top tool for building a professional brand, but platforms like X and Instagram can also highlight your personal interests and values, giving employers a holistic view of who you are.

Here are some tips on how you can curate a strong personal brand for the job market and beyond:

1. Be Consistent: Use the same profile photo and handle (where possible) across platforms to create a cohesive identity.
2. Showcase Your Expertise: Share industry-relevant content, write thoughtful posts, and engage in discussions with other thought leaders to demonstrate your knowledge.
3. Highlight Your Personality: Employers want to see your authentic self — post about your hobbies, values, or volunteer work to add a personal touch.
4. Audit Your Digital Footprint: Regularly review your social media profiles to ensure they reflect your professional brand. Remove or hide any content that may not align with the image you want to project.

For even more information, refer to the LinkedIn and branding articles in our Career Guide.  

In summary, by incorporating some of these tips, you’ll be well on your way to showcasing your personal brand, which, in turn, can increase your visibility on the job market. Need a new connection? Follow us on Instagram at @umbccareers to stay updated on our latest news and events.

(1)  https://www.aerotek.com/en/about-us/news-and-events/news/2023/12/aerotek-fall-job-seeker-survey-job-seekers-say-job-hunt-more-difficult
(2) https://resources.careerbuilder.com/employer-blog/70-of-employers-use-social-networking-sites-to-research-candidates-during-hiring-process

BEYA STEM Career Fair (FREE --Both In-Person or Virtual)

Friday, February 14, 2025

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Open to ALL Students (undergraduate and graduate)

Jobs--full-time, part-time, internships and graduate admissions

This event is sponsored by Career Communications Group (CCG) and is part of their large annual conference, which will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center. Representatives from major corporations and universities will be available to meet with students pursuing careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields as well as Business, Finance, and Marketing. Why should you participate?

•       FREE Career Fair (in-person & virtual options)
•       Career seminar options
•       On the spot job offers
•       Networking with recruiters
•       Learn and network with the country's best and brightest STEM minds

Registration is required. Your registration will give you access to the in-person and online Career Fairs. The UMBC Career Center will provide a free shuttle bus to the Career Fair on Friday. If you would like to take the free shuttle bus, you must register with both BEYA and the UMBC Career Center by Tuesday, February 11th.

•      To register, please follow the instructions at: https://careers.umbc.edu/beya 

Please be sure to upload your resume at the time of registration.

 Contact Diane Crump-Fogle (crump@umbc.edu) or Chrisi Giannakaris (chrisig@umbc.edu) at the UMBC Career Center for additional information.

Name: Brian Temu

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Summer 2024

Major: Data Science

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): University of Maryland, Baltimore - Institute of Genome Science

Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, Maryland

Title of position: Laboratory Assistant/Data Science Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
During my internship as a Laboratory Assistant at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, I was deeply involved in research focused on bacterial vaginosis (BV). My day-to-day responsibilities included a variety of tasks integral to the ongoing research efforts. One of my key roles was learning and utilizing a bioinformatics tool called antiSMASH, which was used to analyze biosynthesis gene clusters from various patient samples. This involved inputting genetic data, running analyses, and interpreting the output to identify potential biosynthetic pathways contributing to bacterial activity in BV cases.

Beyond mastering antiSMASH, I expanded my knowledge through reading bio-research papers, which helped me understand the broader context of our work and stay updated on recent scientific findings relevant to bacterial genomics and microbial interactions. I also learned to navigate and utilize the Grid, a computational framework that supported complex data analysis tasks, enhancing the efficiency of our research process.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I first learned about the opportunity during the Spring Career Fair 2024, where I had the chance to meet the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) team. During our conversation, I inquired about any current open positions within their department. The team was very informative and encouraged me to express my interest via email. They provided detailed guidance on whom to contact and what information to include in my application.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, LinkedIn, or other social media platforms.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
I have enjoyed the collaborative environment. I was able to work with highly knowledgeable professionals in the field, and I took the opportunity to learn from their expertise.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I made an impact through my work as a Laboratory Assistant by contributing to critical research on bacterial vaginosis (BV). My use of the antiSMASH tool for analyzing biosynthesis gene clusters provided valuable insights that supported the team's understanding of BV. Learning and applying new tools like the Grid improved data processing, making our workflow more efficient.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
I would advise students to prepare as early as possible and start networking with targeted companies or organizations they wish to join. Additionally, don't be afraid to send cold emails—they can open doors to valuable opportunities.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center:
I enjoyed applying bioinformatics tools and learning lab techniques that enriched my understanding of microbial genetics. The Career Center’s guidance at the Spring Career Fair helped me secure this valuable opportunity.

LinkedIn is a game-changer for networking in today’s job market. With over 1 billion users from 200 countries (1), it provides the perfect space to showcase your expertise, connect with industry leaders, and discover exciting career paths. Yet, many students find themselves unsure of how to leverage the platform effectively. Don’t worry — here are some actionable tips to help you succeed on LinkedIn.

Optimize Your Profile: First impressions matter, and your profile is the gateway to connecting with potential employers and collaborators. Craft a headline and summary that highlight your goals and unique strengths — avoid generic titles like “Graduate Student.” Choose a professional photo, and include detailed work experience that aligns with your desired industry. Add relevant skills tied to each position and incorporate industry keywords to enhance your visibility in recruiter searches.

Engage with Intent: Networking on LinkedIn is more than sending connection requests. Personalize each invitation by mentioning shared interests, mutual connections, or why you admire someone’s work. Unsure how to phrase it? Tools like ChatGPT can help you craft thoughtful messages. Stay active by commenting on posts, sharing insights, and joining conversations. Consistent engagement positions you as a proactive professional and keeps you on your network’s radar.

Use Advanced Tools: LinkedIn’s “Alumni Tool” is invaluable for finding UMBC alumni in your target industries. Reach out for informational interviews — many professionals are happy to share advice. If someone doesn’t respond, don’t be discouraged; move on to the next connection. Joining professional groups and participating in discussions is another great way to expand your reach and connect with like-minded individuals.

Tailor Your Outreach: Networking is about relationship-building, not immediate job offers. Avoid directly asking for a job in your first message. Instead, focus on establishing trust and rapport. Share value, offer help when possible, and become a reliable presence in your network. Over time, this approach can position you as someone they think of when opportunities arise.

With consistency and strategy, LinkedIn can be your gateway to a strong professional network and fulfilling career opportunities. If you need help to get started, sign up for a LinkedIn appointment with the Career Center. Otherwise, check out the UMBC Alumni page on LinkedIn today and start networking.

(1)   https://www.socialpilot.co/blog/linkedin-statistics

BEYA STEM Career Fair (FREE --Both In-Person or Virtual)

Friday, February 14, 2025

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Open to ALL Students (undergraduate and graduate)

Jobs--full-time, part-time, internships and graduate admissions

This event is sponsored by Career Communications Group (CCG) and is part of their large annual conference, which will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center. Representatives from major corporations and universities will be available to meet with students pursuing careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields as well as Business, Finance, and Marketing. Why should you participate?

•       FREE Career Fair (in-person & virtual options)
•       Career seminar options
•       On the spot job offers
•       Networking with recruiters
•       Learn and network with the country's best and brightest STEM minds

Registration is required. Your registration will give you access to the in-person and online Career Fairs. The UMBC Career Center will provide a free shuttle bus to the Career Fair on Friday. If you would like to take the free shuttle bus, you must register with both BEYA and the UMBC Career Center by Tuesday, February 11th.

•      To register, please follow the instructions at: https://careers.umbc.edu/beya 

Please be sure to upload your resume at the time of registration.

 Contact Diane Crump-Fogle (crump@umbc.edu) or Chrisi Giannakaris (chrisig@umbc.edu) at the UMBC Career Center for additional information.