We’ve all heard it; paying attention to details is important. Details are what can make or break a paper, show that you’re putting in that extra bit of effort, or demonstrate to someone that you care. Many times, these details are second nature. Other times, they don’t come as naturally. We have to consciously think about how to make ourselves stand out.

There are a lot of very basic tasks in the professional world that we don’t  think twice about, that can actually have a huge impact on the way you’re perceived. For example, I would have never had thought that I had to consciously make an effort to pay attention to my mannerisms when eating dinner with my boss or potential employer. Put a napkin on your lap, choose the right fork to use (let’s be real, how often do I eat at places that give me fork size options), cross your legs properly. These details are what display your professionalism in situations where you might not even think your professionalism is relevant.

On April 20, from 5:30PM-8PM, the Career Center is hosting a Dining Etiquette Dinner geared at helping students develop a plan of action at dinners with employers. Pre-registration is required; the link to do so is here.

What other details matter? I’ve heard it over and over again; your handshake is one of the most important parts of an interview. It displays confidence, and it’s part of the first impression an employer will have of you. It’s important to have a firm, but gentle grip (AKA don’t crush the employer’s hand). This seems like a simple detail, but I can tell you I shake the hands of many students every day I’m in the office, and most of the time the handshakes are weak. I consciously think about how impressed I am when I get someone who gives me a strong, confident handshake.

The way you dress is obviously super important, but it’s more than just the clothes you put on. Make sure that your tie is tied properly and tightly, or make sure that the seams on the back of your jackets are open, and please check to see if you have any holes in your clothing!

Name: Noor Amin

Internship, Co-op or Research Site:Maryland House of Delegates

Position Title: Constituent Services Intern           

Major(s)/Minor(s): Political Science

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

I work for the office of Brooke Lierman, delegate of district 46. My primary job is to communicate with constituents and inform them about the current bills that are being proposed. My job also includes substantial research on the pros and cons of specific policy measures. I then present these to the delegate when requested.

Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.

I applied via UMBCworks. I had my resume approved from Career Center. After applying, I had an interview over the phone.

Which of the following resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center and UMBCworks.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?

I get to be part of this year's legislative session. I have met some very important people while working at the House of Delegates. I love hearing from constituents and seeing how past bills have impacted them.

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

On a few occasions, I helped solve the problems of constituents. For example, a month ago, a constituent called about not receiving "homeowner's credit." I then called the agency directly responsible for giving out the money. The issue was soon resolved. As a result, I felt empowered. I was able to use my position to help someone in need. It was spectacular.

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

Work hard. Know your priorities. Work always comes first.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position.

I was able to make a positive contribution in the lives of Maryland residents.

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Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!

I always hear people say that connections mean everything, which automatically used to lead me to believe that I am out of luck because I like to stay in my shell and avoid people. But during my college career, I’ve learned that you can make connections in the most unexpected places.

Start with your professors! If you’re not comfortable approaching them during office hours, approach them slowly! Start by coming to class a few minutes early or staying after class a few minutes late. Make an effort to seem interested in class and relate what you’re learning back to your experiences. This practice is what can make for an easy conversation starter. Professors know your learning ability, your learning style, and how much you are capable of doing. They’re the perfect people to ask for recommendations and references, but you want to make sure that they know you on a personal level so they can make your recommendation or reference specific and tailored to who you are and things you do outside of the classroom.

I presented a workshop a few weeks ago, and one of the students in the workshop told me she would never have thought about putting internship experience on her resume because it was unpaid. Internships should most definitely be on your resume, as they are valuable experiences! They’re great opportunities to gain experience in the real world and make connections with people specifically in your field. Your supervisors at an internship can offer an opinion on how you work in a workplace setting, not just an educational one.

Say you finish an internship in the summer and want to ask for a recommendation for an internship the following summer. There’s a large gap between that time, so make sure you continue to reach out to your supervisors! Shoot them a quick email every few months with something that reminded you of them, or asking for an update on a project you were helping out with while you were there, or just give them an update on what you’re doing!

LinkedIn is also a popular place to network. For me, I always feel a little weird using LinkedIn, just because I don’t  know these people. If you feel the same, my suggestion is to start by adding people you know that are your own age. People you went to high school or college with, or completed an internship with. Then move on to your direct supervisors and bosses. From those connections, you can find other people in your field that you might be interested in talking with.

I also find LinkedIn helpful because I can broaden my perspective of the professions offered in my field. I can look at a profile, see a job that person has held, and think “wow I never thought I could do that as a career.” For more information about LinkedIn, click here.

If you want to learn more about networking, on Wednesday, April 5, from 12PM-1PM in Commons 331, the Career Center is  hosting a “Build your Professional Network” Panel for students interested in how to get their  foot in the door.