Name:Sherin Feno Kumaresan

Pronouns:He/Him

Semester of Internship:Spring 2024 to Present

Major:Engineering Management

Current Class Level:Master's Student

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

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

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

Title of position:MTIP Intern

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

During my internship at the Maryland Technology Internship Program, I gained hands-on experience in data analysis, marketing, and database management. Since the role is very dynamic, there is no set day-to-day activity, allowing me to work on a variety of tasks. 

My responsibilities included creating and posting content on LinkedIn to promote internship positions and provide resources for employers. I also designed intern spotlight and employer spotlight graphics using Canva and published them on the MTIP website using WordPress, as well as on LinkedIn. 

On the data side, I assisted in analyzing data and deriving insights using pivot tables and charts. Additionally, I helped analyze data from previous years to create the annual report and a three-year report. I also contributed to creating intern experiences in Handshake.

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

During my first semester, I actively searched for internships and focused on networking with a variety of professionals. Through this process, I connected with someone from the career center, which initially led to an interview for a student assistant position. However, that position was later discontinued. Despite this, the person who interviewed me for the student assistant role referred me for the Maryland Technology Internship Program position. Shortly after, I received an interview call for this role, went through the interview process, and was ultimately offered the position.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Career Fairs, Networking events

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

What I enjoy most about my position is the dynamism of the role and the wide range of opportunities it offers. The flexibility allows me to work on different tasks, keeping each day engaging and insightful. Additionally, this role provides the chance to attend promotional and networking events, where I can represent the organization and connect with brilliant individuals who are making a significant impact on society.

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

I believe I have made a meaningful impact on the organization through my work. By actively posting and engaging with content on LinkedIn, I have helped increase the organization's reach and visibility. Additionally, I have contributed to the systematization of processes, such as data collection and analysis, making them more efficient. My support in the day-to-day activities of MTIP has also helped streamline operations and enhance overall productivity.

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

My advice to any student seeking an internship or similar experience is to always network and engage with people. You never know—someone you have a conversation with could become your next supervisor or colleague. Building connections and having meaningful discussions can open unexpected doors. Taking the initiative to connect with others can significantly increase your chances of finding 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.

The Career Center feels like my second classroom, where I’ve learned so much and met incredible people who are always kind and willing to help. They’ve been very supportive, answering every question—no matter how small.

Searching for a job takes more than just sending out resumes and hoping for the best. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, research, networking, and follow-up. Whether you’re searching for your first internship, your first full-time role, or a new opportunity, having a clear plan can make all the difference. Here’s how to make your job search more targeted and effective:

1. Know What You’re Looking For

Before diving into applications, take time to define your goals.

• What job functions align with your skills and strengths?
• What industries interest you? (Think outside of the box here and consider different industries)
• What locations are you open to?
• What type of environment do you prefer (onsite, remote, hybrid)?

Having a clear focus will help you tailor your search and stay motivated.

2. Build a Strong Foundation

A polished resume, an updated LinkedIn profile, and a compelling 30-second commercial are all must-haves before you start applying. Make sure your materials highlight not only your experience but also your skills, accomplishments, and the value you bring to potential employers. You never know when an opportunity presents itself and you’re being asked to share your materials. Don’t be caught off guard and have all your materials ready.

3. Research Target Employers

Don't just apply to every open position you find. Research companies that align with your goals and values. Make sure that you can actually see yourself working there. Use resources like Buzzfile, that allow you to search for employers in Maryland by major, helping you identify companies you might not find through a basic online search. Or you can check out The Vault, where you can gain access to company rankings, industry guide books, career articles, tips, and more.

4. Use Data to Guide Your Search

Take advantage of platforms like Steppingblocks to explore where alumni from your major are working, what skills are in demand, and what career paths are most common. With Steppingblocks, you’re able to explore how professionals landed positions related to your interests, which can be helpful information as you prepare your applications. These insights can help you focus your search, schedule informational interviews, and prepare for job interviews with a clear understanding of market trends.

5. Network, Network, Network

Networking remains one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities. Connect with alumni, attend career fairs, participate in professional associations, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people for informational interviews. Many opportunities come from conversations, not job boards. Sign up for Retrievers Connect to gain access to alumni who are willing to help UMBC students.

6. Stay Organized and Persistent

Treat your job search like a project or course assignment. Keep track of applications, deadlines, follow-ups, and networking contacts. Consider using tools like Huntr to help you automatically organize your job search. Set weekly goals for how many jobs to apply for or how many new connections to make. Rejections will happen, but persistence is key. Keep going. You got this!

Take the Next Step!
Ready to take charge of your job search? Start exploring opportunities today by checking out our full list of job search tools. With a strong strategy and the right resources by your side, your next opportunity may be closer than you think!

The Career Center will be closed on Tuesday, May 13, for a staff professional development planning day. We will reopen on Wednesday, May 14, at 8:30 AM.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to assisting you when we return.

Best wishes on your exams.

Name: Ramya Sri Tellakula

Pronouns:She/her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2024

Major: Data Science

Current Class Level: Master's Student

This semester I completed a(n)...:Co-op

Company/Organization Name:Novelis

Location of the Organization (City, State): Atlanta, Georgia 

Title of position:Data Scientist 

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

During my internship, I collaborated with teams to tackle business challenges by gathering and preprocessing structured and unstructured data from mobile apps, IoT sensors, and databases using Python and SQL. I developed NLP models with LLMs like BERT and GPT to predict workplace hazards and fine-tuned generative AI models for text analytics. Additionally, I built and deployed ML pipelines on Azure, leveraging vector databases for semantic search. To support decision-making, I designed Power BI dashboards and implemented automated ETL workflows for efficient data handling and model monitoring.

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

I found the internship on the company’s careers page and applied. I had worked with them before as a client while at TCS in India, which helped me understand their work. My experience in AI and machine learning made me a good fit for the role.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Career Fairs, LinkedIn or other social media

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

I enjoyed developing code for various manufacturing plants, tackling challenges related to data. The work involved solving real-world problems using machine learning while working closely with data science and engineering experts. The team was supportive, and the environment fostered innovation, allowing me to experiment with new ideas and improve my skills in handling complex data from manufacturing operations.

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

I believe my work has made an impact by improving decision-making in manufacturing. I developed code and used machine learning to solve data challenges, making processes more efficient. Working with experts allowed me to create solutions that helped optimize operations and improve productivity. This experience has sharpened my technical skills and showed me how technology can solve real-world problems in manufacturing.

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

I’d advise focusing on hands-on experience, even through small projects. Build strong technical skills, network with professionals, and seek mentorship. Be proactive, stay curious, and take on challenges. Lastly, showcase your work to potential employers.

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 enjoyed most about my position was solving real-world problems using new technologies. The Career Center was a big help by guiding me with my resume, preparing for interviews, and giving me the confidence I needed to land the role.