Career Center Programs Highlighted in the Baltimore Sun Education supplement, UMBC Stories

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 09:59:13 -0400
web-stories

On July 28, the MD Technology Internship Program [MTIP] was highlighted in the Baltimore Sun Education article, “From labs to launchpads: Experiential learning bolsters Maryland’s STEM career pipeline.” UMBC administers MTIP, a state-funded program that offers financial assistance to technology-based businesses, as well as state and local agencies, to hire more interns. The article shares that "Since its inception in 2018, MTIP has provided over $1.5 million in matching funds to more than 200 employers, funding internships for more than 1,000 students from 30 colleges across Maryland….Financial support is key for MTIP, which received an additional $700,000 this year, raising the budget to more than $1 million. This increase will allow MTIP to nearly double the number of interns it supports and increase the maximum annual reimbursement per intern from $3,000 to $5,500."

The article also includes interviews with Jen Spencer Heilman, program director for workforce initiatives, and Vamshi Krishna Ginna, M.S. ‘24, computer science. Heilman notes, "'...94% of MTIP interns feel better prepared for their careers after completing an internship. This hands-on experience is invaluable for students as they transition from academia to the professional world,’ she says. ‘Employers, particularly small businesses have also seen significant benefits. These companies report that 88% of their interns have contributed to business growth.’”

Ginna completed an internship with Ardent Privacy, a data privacy company, and shared, “‘This internship provided me with invaluable back end development experience and highlighted the critical importance of data privacy in today's digital landscape. I envision this experience leading me to roles where I can continue to innovate and contribute to cutting-edge privacy solutions.’”

UMBC students who participated in the Career Center’s summer 2024 internships were the subject of the UMBC Stories article, “UMBC students expand skill sets, explore career opportunities with summer 2024 internships.” Career Center Director Christine Routzahn stated, “‘Our students pursue applied learning in significant numbers, and these experiences have an impact on their career success following graduation.’” The article also includes an interview with Associate Director of Internships and Employment Marykate Conroy. Students who were interviewed for the story also received longer profiles: Luna Siesko (who is also student staff at commonvision), Parag Shinde, Leah Narat ‘24, Katherine Carver, Liz Willman, and Robert Barry.