Intern of the Week: Ridwan Islam Sifat

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 11:25:16 -0400
aetp, intern, intern-of-the-week, internship, public-policy

Name: Ridwan Islam Sifat

Pronouns: he/him/his

Semester of Internship: Summer 2023

Major: Public Policy

Current Class Level: Doctoral Student

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Academic Engagement and Transition Programs (AETP), UMBC

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

Title of position: General Associate (Graduate Summer Intern)

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

As an intern within the Academic Engagement and Transition Programs (AETP) at UMBC, I had the privilege of undertaking a wide variety of responsibilities that were focused on enhancing the academic and transitional experiences of the incoming freshman class for Fall 2023. Working closely with the Program Coordinator, my active contribution to co-leading the Dawg Days: Jumpstart (Summer Bridge program) gave me an opportunity to guide a cohort comprising of more than 60 new students through a six-week journey consisting of rigorous academic coursework, invaluable career exploration sessions, fostering community building exercises, and engaging in enriching service-learning opportunities. On a weekly basis, my esteemed colleague and I were presented with new and exciting challenges as we embarked on the creation of innovative workshops designed to facilitate the academic transition of students. In addition to these endeavors, we also organized impactful co-curricular events, including social gatherings, field trips, and service-learning programs. The overarching goal of these initiatives was to foster personal growth and make a positive impact on the UMBC community.

Additionally, we made it our priority to establish an inclusive study hall environment within our university's library to ensure students felt supported throughout their individual educational journeys. I collaborated with faculty from various disciplines to coordinate class activities and ensure a cohesive academic experience. Furthermore, I helped peer mentors facilitate workshops for AETP. Another important aspect of my role was providing essential academic guidance to freshman students, helping them navigate their educational journey at UMBC. Through these efforts, I strive to create an inclusive and comprehensive learning environment that fosters growth and success for new students.

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

The AETP program coordinator emailed the graduate directors regarding the position with detailed information. I emailed my resume along with a brief expression of my interest and was selected for an interview. Following a successful in-person interview, I received an offer from the program coordinator to join the position.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.)

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

My ultimate goal is to become a faculty member in my area of expertise within academia. I have thoroughly enjoyed my current position and have had the privilege of working for the new student community. Working alongside the UMBC community has been a major accomplishment for me, especially in collaborating with those involved in AETP. This internship has provided valuable insight into my future endeavors with my degree.

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

Each day, I was engaged in conversations with summer bridge program students from various undergraduate majors, encouraging them to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the academic sphere. I helped freshmen become a part of the UMBC community. I am committed to creating a positive and impactful academic environment that fosters growth and success for all students through various initiatives such as research, academic success, and future job guidelines.

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

If you are looking for internships, my advice is to focus your research on your areas of expertise. You can start by checking a company's website for any open positions, or look on job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter. However, the most helpful resources are Handshake and the Career Center, which can connect you with companies and provide access to internship opportunities. Another great option is to search on Google with the keyword "Google Jobs" to find a variety of internship opportunities in your field of expertise, as well as your preferred location and date posted. By using these methods, you can effectively find internships that match your skills and interests.

Never lose hope!

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

If you're looking to create a CV or resume and an impactful cover letter, the Career Center is always here to help. The Career Center will offer guidance on how to present your unique strengths and experiences in a way that captures the attention of potential employers.

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