Intern of the Week: Thomas Hammond

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:36:07 -0400
graphic-design, graphic-designer, intern, intern-of-the-week, internship

Name: Thomas Hammond

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Semester of Internship: Summer 2023

Major: BFA in Graphic Design

Current Class Level: Junior

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): The Historical Society of Harford County

Location of the Organization (City, State): Bel Air, Maryland

Title of position: Intern Graphic Designer

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

As an intern for the Historical Society of Harford County, I have several responsibilities and tasks to complete throughout the week. On Wednesdays, I meet in person to discuss topics such as creating flyers and social media posts, new signage, and a wide range of other design-related tasks. During the meeting, I lay out a plan of action for what deliverables I will work on for the next 7 days. During this time, I will periodically send updates of designs virtually. After a week has passed, I attend the weekly Wednesday meeting to provide the final designs and proceed to discuss the upcoming week's plan of action.

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

I found this position through their website over my winter break. They posted that they needed interns, especially a design intern, and I decided to apply. I emailed the director and set up a time to come into their main building for an interview. The interview process was very smooth and I had the chance to provide my graphic design portfolio.

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 this position is the experience to practice professional skills and receive helpful feedback. I have had to take a lot of initiative in-order to schedule meetings, set personal deadlines and develop new creative ideas. Overall, this internship is a nice glance into what I will be doing with my degree in the future.

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

The biggest impact I've made through this experience is helping engage my community with my designs. The Historical Society of Harford County works to preserve records and artifacts and serves as a way for Harford County residents to learn more about local history. My designs help spread exposure of our resources to members of the community.

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

My advice for students seeking internships is to be proactive. Do research on what places nearby might need the help of an intern. Sometimes there will be a place on a company's website about open positions. LinkedIn, Handshake and the Career Center are great tools as well. Overall, do some digging to find an opportunity that is right for you.

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 has been a huge help with setting foundational guidelines to get the most out of your internship. Don't be afraid to reach out to the Career Center and the additional resources UMBC has to offer.

Do you want the chance to be the next Intern of the Week? Fill out this form to be considered!