Maryland Public Service Scholars Programs offer paid internships/fellowships and leadership development opportunities for students of all majors to explore careers in government and nonprofits while making a difference in Maryland. Each program includes full-time placement at a nonprofit or government agency under senior-level mentorship, orientation, seminars to deepen understanding of public service, and networking events with Maryland leaders. Fellows also engage in social justice and equity reflection activities and collaborate on projects that apply their skills, culminating in presentations to stakeholders. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, grow as a leader, and create positive change in Maryland!

Programs Offered:

• Governor’s Summer Internship Program (GSIP)
• Sondheim Nonprofit Leadership Program (SNLP)
• Maryland Dept. of Transportation Fellows Program (MDOT)
• Sondheim Public Service Law Fellows (this application will open later in Spring 2025 for current law students)

Eligibility:

• GSIP/MDOT: be a rising junior/senior; SNLP: be a rising junior/senior or current graduate student
• Attending a Maryland institution OR a current Maryland resident attending an out-of-state institution

• GPA 2.7 or above
• Available May 27 – August 8,  Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Participation Includes:

• Internships at government/nonprofit agencies (hybrid, remote, or in-person)
• Seminars, reflection, and career exploration
• Networking events and mentorship opportunities
• Real-world projects and skill-building activities
• $5000 stipend for GSIP/MDOT/SNLP

To Apply and to Learn More:  publicservicescholars.umbc.edu

Deadline: March 1, 2025

For Questions: publicservicescholars@umbc.edu.

Follow: 
Instagram: @mdpublicservicescholars
LinkedIn/Facebook: Maryland's Public Service Scholars Programs

Name: Oluwasemilore Osinowo
Pronouns: She/Her
Semester of Internship: Summer 2024
Major: Biological Sciences
Current Class Level: Senior

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh—Circle Lab
Location of the Organization (City, State): Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Title of position: Research Assistant (Intern)

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

During my summer 2024 research internship at UPMC Children’s Hospital, I worked on a project that focused on how social media affects adolescent relationships and the role it plays in relationship violence. I helped recruit and interview teens about their experiences with social media and how it influences their relationships. We also spoke with caregivers of LGBTQ+ teens about how they talk to their children about healthy and unhealthy relationships.

A key part of the project involved the Engaging Together for Healthy Relationships (ETHR) model, which aims to prevent adolescent relationship abuse by building trust, empathy, healing, and resilience in families. The goal was to guide teens and their caregivers toward healthier relationship dynamics.

We conducted all interviews online, and we used AI to transcribe the interviews. I proofread and de-identified the transcripts to protect the participants’ privacy. I also used a software called Dedoose to code the interviews, helping us identify common themes and patterns in their responses.

In addition to working with teens and caregivers, I also interviewed doulas and community health workers (CHWs) about their experiences with clients who had faced intimate partner violence (IPV). These interviews shed light on the emotional challenges survivors face and how doulas and CHWs can better support them. We talked about ways to improve training for healthcare workers to help them provide better care for survivors, especially during pregnancy.

This experience gave me valuable skills in research and taught me more about the important role healthcare professionals play in supporting violence prevention and promoting healthy relationships.

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

I discovered the UPMC Children’s Hospital internship through Handshake in January 2024 and applied directly through the organization’s website. In April, I received confirmation that I had been selected for the position. A few months before my start date, I traveled to Pennsylvania to complete the necessary clearance requirements for onboarding. This process allowed me to be fully prepared for my role when the internship began.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
Handshake

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I enjoyed most about my position was the opportunity to meet people from various schools like Princeton, UPenn, Howard, etc. Learning about their diverse college experiences was really interesting and gave me new perspectives. I also loved talking to teenagers during the interviews. Since I was once a teenager myself, I found many of the topics we discussed relatable, which made the conversations more engaging. Additionally, I really appreciated the chance to shadow my PI, who is a pediatrician. It gave me valuable insight into the field of pediatrics, which is my passion.

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

I made an impact by creating a more engaging and comfortable environment for the teens during interviews, making it easier for them to open up and express themselves. As someone young who could relate to their experiences, I helped them feel understood and safe. In the specific lab I worked at, most researchers were young adults who weren’t very active on social media, so I was able to bridge the gap and bring a fresh perspective to our discussions about adolescent relationships and social media.

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

My advice for another student seeking an internship is to start early, be proactive, and make your application show how excited you are about the opportunity. After applying on the organization’s website, send a follow-up email to show your passion for the position. Use resources like Handshake to find internships, and don’t worry if you don’t meet every requirement. Focus on your strengths and what makes you a good fit. Also, talk to mentors or professors for advice and take advantage of networking to learn from others.

Most importantly, don’t give up. Keep applying, and if you face rejection, recognize what you can improve in your application. Remember, rejection is just redirection.

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 liked most about my position was the chance to connect with people from different schools and engage with teens in a meaningful way. I also really appreciated how the organization took great care of the interns’ well-being, making sure our meals, housing, and other needs were covered. The Career Center was instrumental in helping me find this opportunity through Handshake and guiding me through the application process.

Graduation is an incredible accomplishment, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter filled with many opportunities and decisions. Here’s how to set yourself up for success in the post-grad world:

1. Polish Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Make sure your resume highlights your skills, education, internships, and work experiences. Tailor it for the jobs you’re targeting, focusing on measurable, quantifiable achievements. Update your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, an engaging About section, and relevant keywords to increase visibility to recruiters. Don’t forget to showcase your coursework, course projects, certifications, and volunteer experience to further demonstrate your experience.

2. Tap Into Your Network

Your network is one of your strongest assets that can get you a job faster than it takes on average. Reconnect with professors, peers, and mentors who can provide guidance and potentially open doors for you. Leverage LinkedIn to find UMBC alumni in your field and initiate conversations. Reach out to alumni who graduated with your major on Retrievers Connect. Start with a polite, personalized message asking for insights into their career paths or industry trends. If you need help crafting what to say, check out our examples in our Career Guide. Just remember — networking isn’t about simply asking for a job — it’s about building meaningful professional relationships.

3. Explore Career Resources

Take full advantage of resources offered by UMBC’s Career Center. From workshops to one-on-one counseling sessions, these tools can help refine your career trajectory. Follow the Career Center’s myUMBC group to stay informed about upcoming events, blog posts, and helpful resources. Log into Handshake to check out events of interest and set up a job alerts to be informed of the latest openings in your field. And check out our podcast, UMBC Careers Unleashed, to learn more about career topics ranging from the resume to imposter syndrome.

4. Continue Learning

Graduation doesn’t mean the end of learning. Upskilling through certifications, online courses, or professional development workshops can give you an edge in the competitive job market. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Skillshare offer flexible ways to enhance skills that align with your career goals. Whether it’s coding, project management, or public speaking, showing a commitment to growth demonstrates your adaptability to employers. It’s also a way to stay up to date with relevant industry trends while you’re job searching.

5. Set Clear Goals

Take time to reflect on what you want in your career. Is it working in a specific industry, contributing to a social cause, or continuing your education? Define both short-term and long-term goals and create an actionable plan to achieve them. Break down your objectives into smaller, manageable steps, such as applying to a set number of jobs weekly or attending networking events monthly. Goal setting not only helps you stay focused but also boosts motivation and confidence while navigating an uncertain job market.

Commencement is just the beginning of a journey filled with limitless potential. With these steps, you can transition smoothly into the professional world and take control of your future. Remember, you’re not alone—UMBC’s Career Center is here to support you every step of the way! In case you weren’t aware, you can still schedule appointments with us after you’ve graduated. Just check out our alumni policy and book a session on Handshake. Stay connected by following UMBC Careers on LinkedIn and continue to invest in your growth and network. The best is yet to come!

The job search can feel overwhelming, with uncertainty and rejection often taking a toll on mental health. Stress is a natural response, but it’s important to manage it effectively to maintain focus and resilience. Here are some strategies to help: 

1. Stay Active 

Stress can escalate and get out of control when you neglect your physical and emotional health. Build in time for activities like yoga, meditation, or hobbies that bring joy. Check out a free group fitness class at the RAC.  According to the American Psychological Association (1), self-care practices such as regular exercise and mindfulness can significantly improve mood and focus. Even a 10-minute walk in between applications can reset your mind and keep stress at bay.

2. Establish a Routine

Structure can be a powerful antidote to the chaos of job searching. Set daily goals for yourself, such as researching companies, reviewing job search alerts, optimizing resumes, or connecting with industry professionals at networking events, via informational interviews, or through LinkedIn. For instance, spending just two focused hours a day on applications can be more effective than an unstructured eight-hour grind. Routines can improve productivity while fostering a sense of accomplishment, leading to reduced stress.

3. Seek Connection 

Job hunting can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Share your experiences with friends, family, or mentors who can understand and listen to your challenges. The UMBC Career Center is another valuable resource for both practical advice and emotional support. Making connections with those who “get it” can help reduce feelings of isolation.

4. Reframe Setbacks 

Rejection is a natural part of the job search. However, it doesn’t need to define your worth or potential. Harvard Business Review (2) suggests reframing rejection as an opportunity for growth or a step closer to the right job fit. For example, rather than thinking, “I wasn’t good enough,” remind yourself, “This wasn’t the right role for me, but the right one is out there.”

5. Use Available Resources

Take advantage of available resources to make the entire job hunt seem less daunting. Retriever Integrated Health, for example, offers counseling services, workshops, and free online resources for students in need of mental health support. The UMBC Career Center also provides workshops, resources, and 1:1 appointments to help students navigate the job search process. 

Stress during a job search is normal, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Implementing these strategies can help you regain control and approach your search with confidence. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your career aspirations. Handle both with care.

(1)   https://www.apa.org/topics/stress

(2)   https://hbr.org/2022/10/job-rejection-doesnt-have-to-sting

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