Name:
Muhammad Abid Mirza

Pronouns:
He

Semester of Internship:
Fall 2024

Major:
Health Information Technology

Current Class Level:
Master's Student

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

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

Location of the Organization (City, State):
Cottonwood Heights, Utah

Title of position:
Health Informatics & AI Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
As a Health Informatics & AI Intern at Storyline Health, I am working remotely with both the data science and business teams to develop and implement AI algorithms. My day-to-day responsibilities include conducting research on behavioral AI, optimizing AI models, and collaborating closely with team members to enhance the application of AI technologies within healthcare. Additionally, I work with the business team to align technical solutions with strategic goals, ensuring our AI initiatives support broader organizational objectives. This experience is providing me with hands-on exposure to the intersection of health informatics, artificial intelligence, and business strategy, allowing me to contribute to meaningful projects while honing my technical and collaborative skills in a real-world environment.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I discovered the Health Informatics & AI Intern position at Storyline Health through a LinkedIn post. The job caught my attention as it aligned perfectly with my background and interests in health informatics and artificial intelligence. The application process was straightforward — I utilized LinkedIn's Easy Apply feature to submit my application. Shortly after, I was offered the internship, providing me with an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative projects at the intersection of healthcare and AI.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
LinkedIn or other social media

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I enjoy most about my current role at StoryLine Health is the opportunity to work at the intersection of healthcare and cutting-edge technology. As part of a team focused on developing a behavioral AI application to diagnose Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates, I get to contribute to something truly impactful.

I find it incredibly rewarding to see how the application we're building—leveraging deep learning models and markerless pose estimation—could significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of HIE diagnosis. Working on a project with such potential to influence neonatal care has been both challenging and fulfilling.

Additionally, the chance to collaborate with a team that's dedicated to improving outcomes in the NICU and working toward reducing the need for costly and invasive procedures like ECMO is exciting. It feels like we’re at the forefront of transforming how healthcare can integrate AI for better patient care, and it’s motivating to be part of that journey.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
Through my work at StoryLine Health, I believe I’ve made a meaningful impact by contributing to the development of a behavioral AI application that could revolutionize the way we diagnose Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates. By integrating advanced technologies such as deep learning and markerless pose estimation, our team is working to make diagnoses faster, more accurate, and less invasive. This can potentially reduce the reliance on costly and invasive procedures like ECMO and Nitric Oxide administration in the NICU, improving both patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

I’m particularly proud of how our work could help clinicians make better, more timely decisions, especially when every second counts in neonatal care. The ability to detect subtle facial expressions in neonates and use that data for diagnostic purposes is an innovative approach that has the potential to change the standard of care for vulnerable infants. In a field where precision is crucial, I feel that my contribution helps bridge the gap between technology and healthcare to make a tangible difference in the lives of neonates and their families.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
If you're seeking an internship or similar experience, my advice would be to stay curious and proactive. Start by identifying the areas you're most passionate about, and align your search with those interests. Whether it’s healthcare, technology, or something else, having a clear sense of what excites you will help you focus your efforts.

Next, don’t be afraid to network. Reach out to professionals, attend industry events, and use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people in your field. Networking can open doors to opportunities you may not have found otherwise.

Also, be open to learning, even if the task feels outside of your comfort zone. Internships are all about gaining new skills and experience, so embrace challenges as learning opportunities. Don’t shy away from projects that push your boundaries—they can lead to the most valuable growth.

In addition, I strongly recommend pursuing relevant certifications. They not only enhance your resume but also give you the technical skills and knowledge that are often required in today’s competitive job market. Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and can set you apart from other candidates.

Finally, be patient and persistent. The process of finding the right internship may take time, but don’t get discouraged. Stay focused on your long-term goals, and remember that every experience is a stepping stone toward your future.

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’ve enjoyed most about my position is the opportunity to work on innovative projects that have the potential to transform healthcare through technology. The Career Center played a crucial role in helping me navigate my internship search, providing valuable resources, guidance, and connections that led me to this incredible opportunity. Their support made a significant difference in shaping my career path.

Building a robust professional network is essential for career advancement, providing opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and job prospects. To effectively network involves intentional relationship-building that aligns with your career goals. Here are key strategies to help you develop a meaningful and effective professional network:

1. Define Your Networking Objectives

Begin by identifying what you aim to achieve through networking. Whether it's exploring career paths, seeking mentorship, or discovering job opportunities, clear objectives will guide your efforts and help you connect with the right individuals.

2. Leverage Existing Connections

Start with your current network, including family, friends, professors, and classmates. These individuals can provide introductions to professionals in your desired field, expanding your network organically. Consider networking with people outside of your industry as well, so they can pass your name along to more relevant contacts. You can also give them permission to forward your resume to others.

3. Utilize Online Platforms

Platforms like LinkedIn and Retrievers Connect are invaluable for professional networking. Create a compelling profile that highlights your skills and experiences, along with information on what you’re looking for. Engage with content relevant to your industry, join professional associations, and connect with both alumni and industry professionals to broaden your reach.

4. Engage in Informational Interviews

Reach out to professionals in your field for informational interviews to gain insights into their career paths and industries. These conversations can provide valuable information and potentially lead to mentorship or job opportunities. If you’re not sure what questions to ask, take a look at our website and/or Career Guide for suggestions.

5. Attend Industry Events

Participating in industry events allows you to meet professionals and learn about current trends. Engaging in these settings demonstrates your commitment to your field and helps establish your presence within the professional community.

6. Offer Value to Your Network

Networking is a two-way street. Be willing to assist others by sharing information, offering support, or providing introductions. This reciprocity strengthens relationships and builds a supportive professional community.

7. Follow Up and Maintain Relationships

After initial meetings, send personalized follow-up messages expressing appreciation for the conversation and reiterating your interest in staying connected. Regularly engage with your contacts to maintain and strengthen these relationships over time.

Put it All into Practice

During Career Month, we are hosting events all month long that could provide you with an opportunity to practice your networking skills. These events include an Art & Industry event on April 16 and an Industry Fair in the Sciences on April 23. Register now for one (or both!) of these events and take a proactive step toward advancing your career through strategic networking.

Name:
Ameen Salih

Pronouns:
he/him

Semester of Internship:
Summer 2024

Major:
Mechanical Engineering

Current Class Level:
Junior

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name):
Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment

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

Title of position:
Mechanical Engineering Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
I am currently an intern at Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment, where I’ve worked for nine months. My day-to-day includes designing truck fixtures and upgrades using SolidWorks. I also assist with business operations—managing Excel sheets, handling customer emails, and communicating with clients. This role has strengthened my technical, communication, and leadership skills.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I applied for the internship during the Spring 2024 semester after finding the opportunity on Handshake. I quickly scheduled an interview, toured the facility, and received an offer shortly after.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
I used Handshake and the UMBC Career Center’s resume and interview prep resources.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I’ve enjoyed most is seeing my designs come to life and knowing they’re making a real impact for customers.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I’ve completed numerous tasks that directly contribute to product development. Seeing the final results of my designs being delivered to customers is very rewarding.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Start early and apply widely—even to roles where you don’t meet every requirement. Use multiple platforms like Handshake, LinkedIn, and company websites. Tailor your resume, prepare for interviews, and make the most of networking opportunities.

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’ve enjoyed most about my position at Dejana is seeing my designs come to life and knowing they’re making a real impact for customers. The Career Center played a key role in my journey by providing resources like Handshake, which helped me find this opportunity, and offering guidance on resume building and interview preparation.”