Name: Ann Jeanette Santos

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: UMBC Department of Psychology - Behavior Analysis

Position Title: Research Assistant

Major(s)/Minor(s): Psychology

Current Class Level: Junior

Work Term: Summer 2020

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

This research opportunity allows me to work closely with one of the assistant professors at UMBC, Dr. Mirela Cengher, BCBA-D. In Dr. Cengher's lab, the goal is to research procedures that will enhance the learning of individuals with developmental disabilities, most notably, Autism-spectrum disorder. My current duties include reading up on current literature to become familiar to what is known about procedures already in place for behavior analysis, creating experimental materials, such as Institutional Review Board (IRB) documents and Qualtrics surveys, and taking interobserver agreement (IOA) data. Because Dr. Cengher has a special interest in learning about language development and skill acquisition, I have been reading about how individuals learn foreign languages and how individuals best learn new information. Most of my work during quarantine is in preparation for when we are able to return to engaging with participants face-to-face, or for finding online substitutes for projects. I was also graced with the opportunity to learn how to program online experiments using experimental software. Every week I meet virtually with my mentor/supervisor, Dr. Cengher, and we review what I have accomplished for the week and what my goals should be for the upcoming week. Since I work in a team of research assistants, I also meet with the other research assistants every week to two weeks to discuss what we have accomplished individually and as a team.

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

At the end of the Spring semester, my PSYC 210 (Psychology of Learning) professor posted an announcement about a research opportunity happening during the summertime. Since the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of my initial internship opportunity, I was excited to hear that this research opportunity would be held remotely in the comfort of my own home! To express my interest in joining Dr. Cengher's research team, I emailed Dr. Cengher in May and she sent me an Interview Form to complete. After I sent back my interview form, we scheduled a virtual interview a week later and she asked me questions to see if I would work fittingly in her lab. A week later, I was informed of her interest in working with me as her research assistant.

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

Working as a research assistant this summer has sparked an interest for pursuing behavior analysis as a career in the future and further ignited my passion for working with children with developmental disabilities in the future. In addition, I have been able to push myself out of my comfort zone to learn things I never thought I would learn how to do. For example, I have had zero experience in programming/coding, and although it was not an easy process, I am proud to say that I have learned a little bit about coding through putting together online research material. Dr. Cengher has also grown to be one of my greatest mentors as she talks me through applying for graduate school, learning more about Applied Behavior Analysis and allowing me to explore my own interests as her research assistant. Although there is work that I have to complete, I have full freedom to let my research mentor know what my areas of interests to study are, as well.

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

Through my work, I am helping to improve teaching procedures that will enhance learning for children with developmental disabilities, like Autism-spectrum disorder (ASD). Although there are procedures currently in place to treat children with ASD in Applied Behavior Analysis, much research needs to be done to continue to strengthen ways to teach children using empirical data. Some areas of research are the number of stimuli and order of stimuli concurrently taught within a session.

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

It takes just a few seconds of courage to discover your full capabilities by stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to new learning opportunities. That is what is ultimately going to prepare you for the professional field.

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Name: Nazily Zaza

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Northrop Grumman

Position Title: Technical Intern

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

Current Class Level: Senior

Work Term: Summer 2019

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

At Northrop Grumman, I worked as a technical intern doing software engineering work. I worked on a Northrop internal research project that included using skills that I never thought I would work on in a technical internship such as various types of code management and design, how to conduct technical research, and how to appropriately present my work findings. My day-to-day activities included code writing, review and editing, and helping out wherever needed in our lab. I also participated in intern activities that allowed me to learn about all the different aspects of the Northrop company. It was a very enlightening experience.

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

I was contacted by email by a Northrop recruiter who had cited that they had reviewed my resume from UMBCworks and wanted me to attend an interview session being held in the University Center. I got myself ready for the interview and when I attended I was welcomed by the recruiter and we talked about my projects, classes, what I enjoyed learning in school, and what I wanted to do with my degree. It was an experience that was different from the usual technical interview, and I was really able to shine and sell myself.

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

The thing I enjoyed most about my position were the individuals I got to work with every day. I was really afraid I wouldn't be able to do my best during my work but the people I got to work with over the summer were some of the nicest and most intelligent individuals I met. They helped me every step along the way and got me acquainted to the work that I'd be doing because it wasn't easy. They made my transition smooth and made my summer experience one I'll never forget.

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

Northrop Grumman is a company that makes and sells products, mainly to our government, that is used to protect our country every day, and I get the pleasure of knowing that the work I did may play a future role in making the lives of people easier. I wanted to become a software engineer so I could make something that would make a difference in the world, and I really do believe that I can do that at Northrop Grumman.

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

My best advice is to keep working hard and take every chance you can at an opportunity because you never know when that will be the one that changes your future. Whether you get an internship late or early make sure your enthusiasm to learn and grow never diminishes!

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Name: Hafsa Shahzad

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Shady Grove Hospital

Position Title: Medical Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology Major, Psychology Minor, Pre-Medicine.

Current Class Level: Sophomore

Work Term: Summer 2019

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

My day to day responsibilities as an intern involved a variety of things. Some days would be packed, long and stressful while others stayed relatively calm. Some of my duties included having to check in patients and have them fill out questionnaires. Other times I would be asked to restock the supply closet, attend to patients, and assist patient families.

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

The process was relatively simple since I previously volunteered at the hospital. I had a good connection with my coordinator who landed me the position.

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

The position has not only given me experience but has also deepened my knowledge within the medical field which serves to be very beneficial since I am a Pre-Med student. Everyone at the hospital was willing to help and work with me allowing me to learn more.

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

I believe I allowed the staff at the hospital to be less overwhelmed when it came to dealing with patients and answering questions.

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

I would say it is best to call instead of email since most times emails are usually missed. Phone conversations can help you get your answer faster and allows you to directly communicate with the coordinator.

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Name: Brittany Coughlin

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship   

Position Title: Social Media Marketing Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Technology Administration

Current Class Level: Senior

Work Term: Fall 2019

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

This semester I have been working for the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship as their Social Media Marketing Intern. Each week, I create and post material on our Instagram, Twitter, and myUMBC groups. I am also responsible for updating/enhancing the website through WordPress. In addition, I attend all of our events and take photos of our guest speakers.

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

I heard of this position on UMBCworks last spring. Once I saw the application come out, I did not hesitate to apply because I knew this was going to be something I would really enjoy doing. Prior to applying, I went to the Career Center a few times to ensure that my resume was good to go and my interview skills were ready. Later, I heard back right away after applying and followed through with the process of obtaining my position through two more interviews before receiving the final offer.

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

I love working with my boss and having the freedom to create content on all social media platforms. The people I have met through this internship have inspired me to continue my career in this field. 

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

The content I have created has really helped our organization increase event attendance by spreading the word about entrepreneurship and has even influenced people to add our minor. More and more students have been more interested in the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, and I’m looking forward to the Spring semester.

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

Don't be afraid to create and work on something that you haven’t before. Prior to this internship, I thought that I would struggle using the software to update the website, but after some practice it actually became easy and now I have another skill to add to my resume. 

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Name: Aren Warner

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: AECOM

Position Title: GIS Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s): Geography and Environmental Systems

Current Class Level: Senior

Work Term: Spring 2020

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

As a GIS intern in the water division of AECOM, my main roles consist of collecting, editing, and mapping geospatial data for ongoing water infrastructure projects with clients in both the private and public sectors. These projects can be on the scale of a local city, county or across several states under a large corporation. This variety of work creates a diverse day-to-day workflow for me. I have been able to learn the submission process for data edits or newly created/updated maps to the client and how to receive and respond to any incoming feedback from these submissions. With newly edited or received data, I have also been able to use my skills in cartography to create maps for later use in online GIS services such as ArcGIS Enterprise. I also get the opportunity to go into the field for data collection using Collector for ArcGIS, a new and valuable tool for real-time geospatial data entry directly from a worksite.

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

I first heard about this internship from my advisor last fall. As my graduation is expected in May of 2020, I informed them that I was actively searching for upcoming job opportunities or internships that could extend into a full-time position after graduation. They connected me with a UMBC alum who would later become my supervisor. I filled out an application and was fortunate enough to be brought in for an interview where I was offered employment soon thereafter.

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

The work environment at AECOM Baltimore is incredibly friendly and tight knit. The team I work with relies on cooperation, so help is always available from other team members. I also feel incredibly valued as an intern for I have responsibilities that I never thought that I would be given. The fast-paced nature of my job and the ability to directly contribute to projects has been incredible.

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

One of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing my work making a difference in a project and watching it all come together. My impact is clear when my team thanks me for my input in a discussion or thoughts on a workflow. As we all submit our individual components to an ongoing task and mark it complete, I get a sense for just how important my work really is.

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

Connections are very important, but of those connections, the most important are those that know you the best. Someone who has detailed knowledge of your professional ambitions can personally find job opportunities in an environment of overwhelming possibilities. Before talking to my advisor, I felt like I had too many options to choose from and didn't know what the right choice would be. After they connected me to this internship, I have never been more positive on knowing what I want to do for a career. 

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