Make the library your one-stop shop during crunch time this semester-- and make sure you relax and refuel with us before you hunker down at your favorite study spot. 

When: Wednesday, December 11th from 11am-2pm 

Where: AOK Library Atrium & Gallery

At StudyCon you will find things both fun and practical to help you prep for finals:

• Giveaways

• Snacks

• Drop-in course tutoring

• Computing Success tutoring 

• Advising resources

• Study tips

• Crafts

This event is brought to you by the AOK Library, Academic Success Center, Office of Health Promotion, Baltimore County Public Library, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Sorrento of Arbutus, Retriever Essentials, CNMS and Erickson School Advising, and UMBC Bookstore

Visit the original event post 

December 3 is the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, honoring the United Nation's commitment for promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities - more than 1 billion people worldwide are in this demographic, the world's largest minority. The day raises awareness of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of disability that affects people around the world. 

The theme for 2024 is: Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.  The theme the important role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world for all. It also emphasizes the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives. More information about the UN In-Person New York Commemoration event is from 10-11a.  The event will be streamed online from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. You can watch it live at the following link: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1w/k1wej4fsjh.

Name: Brian Temu

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Summer 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): University of Maryland, Baltimore - Institute of Genome Science

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

Title of position: Laboratory Assistant/Data Science Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
During my internship as a Laboratory Assistant at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, I was deeply involved in research focused on bacterial vaginosis (BV). My day-to-day responsibilities included a variety of tasks integral to the ongoing research efforts. One of my key roles was learning and utilizing a bioinformatics tool called antiSMASH, which was used to analyze biosynthesis gene clusters from various patient samples. This involved inputting genetic data, running analyses, and interpreting the output to identify potential biosynthetic pathways contributing to bacterial activity in BV cases.

Beyond mastering antiSMASH, I expanded my knowledge through reading bio-research papers, which helped me understand the broader context of our work and stay updated on recent scientific findings relevant to bacterial genomics and microbial interactions. I also learned to navigate and utilize the Grid, a computational framework that supported complex data analysis tasks, enhancing the efficiency of our research process.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I first learned about the opportunity during the Spring Career Fair 2024, where I had the chance to meet the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) team. During our conversation, I inquired about any current open positions within their department. The team was very informative and encouraged me to express my interest via email. They provided detailed guidance on whom to contact and what information to include in my application.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, LinkedIn, or other social media platforms.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
I have enjoyed the collaborative environment. I was able to work with highly knowledgeable professionals in the field, and I took the opportunity to learn from their expertise.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I made an impact through my work as a Laboratory Assistant by contributing to critical research on bacterial vaginosis (BV). My use of the antiSMASH tool for analyzing biosynthesis gene clusters provided valuable insights that supported the team's understanding of BV. Learning and applying new tools like the Grid improved data processing, making our workflow more efficient.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
I would advise students to prepare as early as possible and start networking with targeted companies or organizations they wish to join. Additionally, don't be afraid to send cold emails—they can open doors to valuable opportunities.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center:
I enjoyed applying bioinformatics tools and learning lab techniques that enriched my understanding of microbial genetics. The Career Center’s guidance at the Spring Career Fair helped me secure this valuable opportunity.

LinkedIn is a game-changer for networking in today’s job market. With over 1 billion users from 200 countries (1), it provides the perfect space to showcase your expertise, connect with industry leaders, and discover exciting career paths. Yet, many students find themselves unsure of how to leverage the platform effectively. Don’t worry — here are some actionable tips to help you succeed on LinkedIn.

Optimize Your Profile: First impressions matter, and your profile is the gateway to connecting with potential employers and collaborators. Craft a headline and summary that highlight your goals and unique strengths — avoid generic titles like “Graduate Student.” Choose a professional photo, and include detailed work experience that aligns with your desired industry. Add relevant skills tied to each position and incorporate industry keywords to enhance your visibility in recruiter searches.

Engage with Intent: Networking on LinkedIn is more than sending connection requests. Personalize each invitation by mentioning shared interests, mutual connections, or why you admire someone’s work. Unsure how to phrase it? Tools like ChatGPT can help you craft thoughtful messages. Stay active by commenting on posts, sharing insights, and joining conversations. Consistent engagement positions you as a proactive professional and keeps you on your network’s radar.

Use Advanced Tools: LinkedIn’s “Alumni Tool” is invaluable for finding UMBC alumni in your target industries. Reach out for informational interviews — many professionals are happy to share advice. If someone doesn’t respond, don’t be discouraged; move on to the next connection. Joining professional groups and participating in discussions is another great way to expand your reach and connect with like-minded individuals.

Tailor Your Outreach: Networking is about relationship-building, not immediate job offers. Avoid directly asking for a job in your first message. Instead, focus on establishing trust and rapport. Share value, offer help when possible, and become a reliable presence in your network. Over time, this approach can position you as someone they think of when opportunities arise.

With consistency and strategy, LinkedIn can be your gateway to a strong professional network and fulfilling career opportunities. If you need help to get started, sign up for a LinkedIn appointment with the Career Center. Otherwise, check out the UMBC Alumni page on LinkedIn today and start networking.

(1)   https://www.socialpilot.co/blog/linkedin-statistics

The Office of Health Promotion (OHP) will be closed Thursday, November 28, 2024 and Friday, November 29, 2024 in observance of university Thanksgiving closure. On November 27, 2024, OHP staff will operate virtually. If you need to contact staff members on November 27, 2024, please contact staff members via email or Webex as needed. 

All Mind Spa locations will be closed from Wednesday, November 27-Friday, November 29, 2024.

For questions, please contact ohp@umbc.edu

Residential Life is currently seeking Paraprofessional Applicants for the 2025-2026 academic year.