Working and balancing classes is a common trait across UBalt’s student population, at the graduate and undergraduate level.
Through advising, events and resources, the University’s Career and Internship Center plays a key role in helping students find jobs and internships that help them put their academic skills to work. We asked some UBalt students how they found their summer internships and what they learned along the way. Here's what they said.
Take Chances
Anthony DeLeonibus was looking for a summer job and ended up gaining so much more.
DeLeonibus, a B.A. in Digital Communication major, spent his summer working with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration researching and reporting on the history of streetcars in the state.
The unique opportunity started with an email he received from Maryland Public Service Scholars. The program, which connects college juniors and seniors to government roles, was hosting an information session on campus.
DeLeonibus went, liked what he saw, and applied for a chance to participate. He ended up loving the work and everything that came with it—all thanks to an email and his initiative.
“MPSS has given me so many great experiences like meeting 29 other students from different colleges. This has led to many friendships and connections,” he said. “Through MDOT, I have gotten a chance to visit Poplar Island and the State Capital, and a tour of BWI Airport. Also, I had a visit to the Baltimore Streetcar Museum with my mentor. This was a great experience that I will always remember.”
Ask Questions
A new transfer student, Danay Hampton turned to her adviser to find some ways to get more involved at UBalt.
Her adviser recommended an internship opportunity at the Walters Art Museum, located just a few blocks south of The University of Baltimore. It seemed like a perfect opportunity for the English major.
Hampton spent the summer working as a student assistant within the development department. She recorded data from donors and about revenue, she helped organize events and learned about fundraising that supports the museum.
“A skill that I found to be valuable during this experience is being flexible with the many curve balls that may come with being in a new environment,” Hampton said. “I have learned to stay open-minded and to ask the hard questions. I now welcome all of the tasks that will come, because through a challenge, there is always more to learn.”
She encourages her peers to ask for guidance when they need it—that’s what pointed her in the right direction.
Also, Hampton added, “A few tips I would give is to set goals for yourself, network with those around you, make sure to manage your time, and don't be afraid to ask for feedback.”
Be Confident
Jigyasha Kunwar, a M.S. in Interaction Design and Information Architecture student, gained experience in content creation and management working for Let’s Eat, which is a mobile food pantry serving under-resourced communities in the Baltimore area.
She found the opportunity after reviewing an email from UBalt’s career center and applied.
“I think what really helped was the experience I brought from my past internships and projects they saw what I had done previously and believed I’d be a good fit for the role,” she said.
Kunwar gained a lot of skills that relate back to her program and forward toward her future. She got to lean into her creativity, practice new communication channels and think about user experience and interface.
The experience taught her that even a small impact brings value to an organization, and she encourages her fellow students to apply even if they don’t think they’re fully ready. An open mind and hard work can go a long way, she encouraged.
“Have that bold confidence, and back it up by putting in the work. You’ll be surprised how far that mindset can take you,” Kunwar said. “Ask questions. Pitch your ideas even if they sound silly in your head. It’s better to throw something out there than hold back. And be open to feedback; don’t take criticism personally. Use it as a learning tool, grow from it and move forward. That’s where the real growth happens.”
Immerse Yourself
Jermanna Hamilton, a B.S. in Business Administration major specializing in finance, also found her latest internship through the career center.
“They are there to help you learn about your
interests and find the correct program for you to challenge yourself while building your skillset,” she said of the center.
This summer, Hamilton worked with Charlene’s Circle of Support as a project manager and developed a plan for the donor stewardship program.
“Punctuality and organization have been two of the most valuable skills that have been strengthened through this internship,” she said. “Deadlines are important, so everything needs to be on time and in its place in order for everything to run smoothly.”
She also learned the value of asking for help, even if it feels intimidating.
“You get the most out of your experience by fully immersing yourself in it,” she said.
Start Early
Erin Savage, a senior in the B.A. in Psychology program, is used to balancing work and school. For the past two semesters, she’s worked with UBalt’s Office of Student Support as a peer mentor.
That balance paid off in an unexpected way this summer when she landed an internship with Enoch Pratt Free Library. She worked with a program called PrattPreneur, a six-week summer initiative designed to introduce Baltimore city students to the fundamentals of starting and running a business.
“The training and experience I gained in that role [with Student Support ] have helped me confidently identify resources and provide meaningful support to the teens I now work with,” she said. “In addition, I’ve been a hairstylist for 20 years, which has strengthened my active listening skills and ability to build trust through conversation.”
Savage didn’t apply directly to the role, but found support through the career center. She shared the type of internships she was interested in and her career coach made the connection, earning Savage an interview with Enoch Pratt.
“I began thinking about internships at the start of the year, even though most don’t begin accepting applications until February. While I didn’t apply before receiving an email about my current opportunity, having it on my mind early helped me get clear on what I was looking for,” she said.
Savage encourages students to see how the career center can support them and when
they land a job, too, she urges them to take initiative, seek feedback and be open
to learning.
“Building relationships is also key—connect with your mentors, peers, and anyone in
the organization who can offer insight or support,” she said. “The more engaged you
are, the more valuable the experience will be.”