Name: Keerthana Goskonda

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Summer 2024

Major: Chemical Engineering

Current Class Level: Master’s Student

This semester I completed a(n): Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Uplift Geosystems LLC

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

Title of Position: Process Engineering Intern

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

As a metal extraction-focused Process Engineering Intern at Uplift Geosystems LLC, I conducted experiments to optimize extraction techniques, involving detailed sample preparation, equipment setup, and consistent monitoring of reaction conditions. I participated in regular project reviews and team meetings to discuss obstacles and progress. My work included collecting and analyzing data to evaluate different methodologies, collaborating with my team to troubleshoot any challenges faced during testing. Keeping thorough records of all processes and outcomes was vital, and presenting my findings to the team provided constructive feedback. This hands-on experience emphasized the importance of teamwork in a research environment and deepened my understanding of metal extraction processes.

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

I discovered the Process Engineering Internship at a university career fair in early January and was immediately eager to apply. A week after the fair, I submitted my application, showcasing my previous undergraduate research on milling techniques. Following an interview where I presented my research ideas, I was offered the internship. During the internship, I continuously learned and contributed to the team, leading to a promotion to Process Engineering Intern, which expanded my responsibilities and expertise in metal extraction processes.

What resources did you use to find your current experience? 

UMBC Career Center, Handshake

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

The most enjoyable aspect of my role has been the hands-on practical lab work related to metal extraction. I found it incredibly rewarding to conduct experiments and observe real-time results. The process of analyzing and optimizing procedures was both challenging and exciting, as it allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in real-world scenarios. Additionally, I greatly valued the mentorship from my supervisor, which enriched my learning experience.

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

I believe I’ve made an impact by enhancing the efficiency of metal extraction processes, identifying areas of improvement, and recommending changes. My hands-on experimental work provided valuable data that contributed to better project outcomes. By actively engaging in team discussions, I helped foster a culture of continuous improvement and supported the achievement of our project objectives.

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

My advice for students looking for an internship is to start early and take the initiative in searching for opportunities. Utilize resources such as career fairs, professors’ recommendations, and professional networking. Ensure that your resume and CV highlight relevant skills and experiences, and be prepared to discuss specific projects or coursework during interviews. Most importantly, maintain curiosity and be open to learning new things.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center. 

“I loved the hands-on experience in the lab and the mentorship from my supervisor, which greatly enhanced my knowledge. The Career Center, especially the 'Shattuck Internship Program,' provided me with a strong starting point for my career journey.”

Did you have an internship and want to be featured as Intern of the Week? Fill out the form below for a chance to be our next featured intern!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4YeSa9PxTksR7kgIUTKIrx_FzEmd04j7rskRgNR6BLfpMLA/viewform?usp=sf_link

RAND is currently recruiting for our 2025 Summer Associate research internship for doctoral students. Please share the information below with current graduate students enrolled in doctoral or professional degree programs who may be interested in a paid summer internship that provides experience with policy research at a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institution. We welcome all applicants, including those who identify as part of historically marginalized groups.

RAND Summer Associate Paid Internship- https://www.rand.org/jobs/summer-associates.html

RAND provides a unique opportunity for graduate students to apply their research skills to important, policy-relevant research projects. Available positions encompass a wide variety of policy-relevant substantive areas (e.g., education, health, justice policy, social and economic policy, labor, national security, cyber policy, data science, etc.) and methodological skills (e.g., quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, machine learning, etc.).

Summer Associates are mentored by an experienced researcher, typically work in an interdisciplinary team, and engage in a wide range of activities to learn what it is like to work at RAND. The program is typically 12 weeks of full-time research; students receive a bi-weekly paycheck.
 
Application Information
Application Deadline: December 2, 2024
Please note: Our Summer Associate Program will be hybrid for summer 2025. Students will participate in-person at one of RAND's four U.S.-based offices or fully remote/virtual from where they live.
Positions will only be available for students residing in the U.S. (excluding U.S. territories) for the duration of the summer associate assignment.

Read more important details and FAQs →

About RAND
RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND's research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest.

Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that are under-researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial, equitable, and inclusive environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff.

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet

Are You Ready to Pave the Way for hackUMBC 2025?

Following the incredible success of hackUMBC 2024, we’re excited to keep the momentum going for an even more ambitious hackUMBC 2025—and we’re on the lookout for talented, driven individuals to help us make it happen! This is your opportunity to join the dynamic hackUMBC team, committed to creating UMBC’s flagship hackathon from the ground up.

Joining the hackUMBC team is more than just an experience; it’s a chance for personal and professional growth, where you’ll tackle challenges and gain invaluable skills along the way. You’ll become an essential part of one of our four core teams—Tech, Design, Marketing, or Sponsorship—contributing significantly to the event’s success. You can indicate your preferred team on the organizer form.

Ready to dive in? Apply here:https://hackumbc.typeform.com/to/zBg8SfON.

Interviews will begin on November 11th, so be sure to submit your application soon!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to hackumbc@umbc.edu.

Let’s face it — today’s competitive job market is TOUGH. That’s why utilizing as many tools, technologies, and resources at your disposal is so important, and can make a huge difference if integrated in your job search strategy.

One of these tools that cannot be ignored is AI. With the use of a single prompt you can have edits, content, and keyword suggestions all at your fingertips. Generative AI tools can help you work smarter, not harder. This applies to every aspect of the job search process, but can be especially helpful for resumes. Here are three  ways in particular that AI can enhance your resume: 

1.     Identifying Keywords. You can use AI to scan job descriptions of interest for the top keywords and skills that should be integrated into your resume. This process allows you to align your resume with the qualifications hiring managers and recruiters are looking for in an ideal candidate. Incorporating keywords also increases the likelihood that you’ll get past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and make it to the next round.

EXAMPLE PROMPT: What are the top 15 most important skill keywords for this job description? [PASTE JOB DESCRIPTION]

2.     Assisting with Format. AI can help you determine the best format for your resume to catch an employer’s eye. You can ask the tool for layout recommendations, and determine whether your font style is the most appropriate. You can also ask the AI to give feedback on how your resume should be structured based on the type of job you’re applying to. This strategy ensures that your most relevant (and impressive) experiences are being seen.

EXAMPLE PROMPT: How should I organize the sections of my resume [PASTE RESUME WITH PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION REMOVED] to best match the qualifications of this job description? [PASTE JOB DESCRIPTION]

3.     Suggesting Tone and Language. If you’re having trouble with the bullet points in your experience section in particular, AI can help by suggesting edits. You can ask the AI to craft language that is more results-driven or achievement-oriented, while incorporating the keywords you’ve identified. AI can also help your resume stay in active voice, and can help you trim down content if you’re finding yourself over the standard 1-2 pages. 

EXAMPLE PROMPT: Please rewrite this bullet point for my resume [PASTE BULLET POINT COPY] so that it is results-driven and incorporates keywords from this job description. [PASTE JOB DESCRIPTION]

Remember, the use of AI to improve your resume should be seen as a tool — something that you have complete control over to shape your narrative. The point of using these tools is to not let the technology completely take over but for it to be just one part of your overall job search strategy. By allowing AI to assist with this process, you’ll be able to more strategically align your skill sets to your career of choice, resulting in a resume with a fully competitive edge.

Want to know more about how AI can be used to beat the bot of the ATS in particular? Join us at the Keys to Success presentation on optimizing your resume to catch the attention of employers on Monday, November 4, at 12 PM in the Commons, room 331.