The Albin O. Kuhn (AOK) Library and Gallery is a prominent focal point on UMBC’s campus.
With comfy chairs and study rooms, a coffee/snack shop and sweeping campus views (check out the 7th floor!), the library is the perfect place to hunker down as you prepare for final exams and complete end of the semester assignments. Don’t believe us? Ask yourself some of the following questions:
Will your study sessions with classmates likely go into the late hours of the night? Not to worry! The Retriever Learning Center (RLC), located on the main floor of the library, includes a 24-hour group study space equipped with computers, comfortable seating and white boards.
Need some final pointers before your math final or editing suggestions on your last paper? The Math and Science Tutoring Center and Writing Center are also part of the RLC.
Prefer to study alone in a quieter setting? Fear not! The library has 17 open study rooms that are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
That horrible moment when your laptop dies days before your final paper is due? You're saved! The library has loaner laptops available at the circulation desk.
Need a book for a project or research that our library doesn’t have? The AOK Library is actually connected to a network of other university libraries. Librarians can request materials from another library and have them sent to you free of charge.
And what's studying without a little caffeine or snacks (sweet or savory - your preference)? The new Einstein Bagels is located in the main atrium and ready to serve you when you need a break!
As you prepare for finals week, make sure to check the library website for information on extended hours (select the Library Hours link halfway down the page).
]]>Name:Fayokemi Ojo
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Texas Instruments
Position Title: Automation Engineer
Major(s)/Minor(s):Computer Science
Work Term:Summer 2018
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
My official position title was Automation Engineer. However, I worked on web applications during my internship. I mainly programmed in Java, SQL, and Javascript using Spring Tool Suite (STS) to create web applications. I had two projects during my internship. The first project was independent and involved keeping track of parts. My responsibility was to add functionality to the existing application. The second project was in collaboration with two other interns and we created web pages from scratch to help managers get data faster. These web applications were used to increase efficiency and reduce errors.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
With the help of UMBC’s Center of Women in Technology (CWIT), I was able to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration for Women in Technology in September 2017. Prior to the start of the conference, I made sure my resume was reviewed by the Career Center and then I uploaded my resume to the Grace Hopper website. It was at that conference I met with recruiters for Texas Instruments and did two, on-site interviews with IT managers. About two days after the interview, I received an offer! I think I was hired because I really knew how to showcase my strengths and talk about how my contributions in groups or in the workplace are impactful. I also had prior knowledge about the company and talked about how many of the things I do in my free time align with their mission.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
My favorite part about coming to work everyday was my co-workers, especially the other interns and new employees. They are smart, driven and fun to work with and we became a squad very early on. We watched a movie every Tuesday, and went to the gym or had lunch during lunch breaks!
I also enjoyed that the IT group at Texas Instruments had events interns to meet upper management, including the Chief Information Officer (CIO). I was able to connect with interns outside of my team and have meaningful conversations with employees that have been there for years.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I worked in Information Technology (IT). At Texas Instruments, IT is a business support entity. Everything done within IT is to support the business at large. So the projects I was assigned had very relevant and important benefits. Specifically, they saved the company time and money. I received a return offer, so they must have liked something about me and my work!
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Please take advantage of the Career Center! Attend Career Fairs, at UMBC and other places. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and start applying NOW! Feel free to send me an email (fkme@umbc.edu) if you have questions!
Like the Career Center on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
#UMBCintern
Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!
]]>Although you are officially a part of our #RetrieverNation, we understand that transfer students bring a whole set of experiences and needs for support in their transition to UMBC.
Your voices have been heard, and we are here to help! The following four offices are ready to assist you in developing the skills and relationships needed to make the most out of your UMBC experience.
OCSS coordinates the Transfer Student Network (TSN). TSN hosts events throughout the semester and is a great place to connect with other transfer students. The OCSS staff are great resources for helping you get involved in leadership roles across campus!
AETP is a great office to connect with if you want to ensure that you are on an Academic Pathway that works for you, or are trying to figure out a plan to make the most of your UMBC experience. AETP staff members enjoy hearing transfer students’ individual stories and learning about their goals and priorities. If you are a first-year transfer student, you may want to consider taking a Transfer Student Seminar (TRS) specifically designed to assist in your transition to the UMBC Community.
If you would like to get involved with undergraduate research, or want to learn more about prestigious scholarship such as the Rhodes, Truman and Marshall scholarships, stop by the Office of Undergraduate Research. Workshops are available to all students who need getting started with their research.
The Career Center is the place to go if you would like to connect with internship opportunities (many of which connect to our 70,000-strong global alumni community). The Career Center can assist you in putting together or refining your resume to start your internship search. They can also help you find an on-campus job, a summer position, or a permanent job after graduation.
The Shriver Center can connect you with Service Learning experiences throughout the Baltimore area. Volunteering is an important way to give back, but also can be a great achievement to highlight on a resume.
THREE HELPFUL TIPS
1. Start connecting with UMBC faculty, staff, and fellow students. Create your UMBC network.
2. Think about how you can build on the activities and experiences you participated in at your previous institution.
3. Be open to fellow students who want to connect and network with you to learn about your experiences.
BONUS INFORMATION
If you have completed 15 or more credits at community college and have not completed your Associate’s degree, we encourage you to explore our Credit When It’s Due Initiative to learn more about the reverse awarding of the Associate’s degree:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS AT UMBC
CAMPUS VOTE PROJECT
One of the biggest barriers for students to register and vote is the lack of understanding of registration deadlines, where to register (their home or school address), ID requirements, and other information on voting. The Campus Vote Project has developed state-specific guides to help students understand their rights and how to register and cast a ballot in their school or home community.
Providing references is often a required step in a job or internship application. Asking someone to vouch for you and your work can be intimidating. A lot of times we feel like there isn’t anyone we can ask. However, developing references isn’t as hard as you think it is! Refer to the quick guide below to help you figure out who you can ask for references.
Professional
This is usually the most obvious choice. A previous or current boss always looks great as a reference, provided they have good things to say about you (this is one of many many reasons you should be a team player and avoid alienating bosses during the job or after you leave it). They can speak to your professional ethic and quality of work. But Emily, you might ask, how am I supposed to get a reference from my boss if I’ve never had a boss before? No problem! Just keep reading.
Academic
Most (if not all) professors on campus are happy to write letters of recommendations for students they have worked with. This means that in class, you should be participating. After class, go to office hours with meaningful questions. And of course, do well on their assignments and exams. If you’re working with a professor on their research project, they are also a great person to ask to be a reference. Don’t just think of professors as talking heads standing at the front of a lecture hall and reciting a 100 slide powerpoint. They are professionals in your field of interest with years and years of experience. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know them and expand your network.
Personal
Ideally, your references would come from a person who knows you in an academic or professional setting. However, sometimes that’s not possible. After you exhaust those two options, turn to personal references. These can be from an organization you volunteered with (if it relates to your major, that is even better) or a mentor you’ve worked with through extracurricular activities. Just be sure they can speak about your work ethic and your professional capabilities and growth.
When listing someone as a reference, always make sure to ask them first! It's never a good thing when your recommender is blindsided by a phone call or email. Check out our new 2018-2019 Career Guide for more information (page 36 will be especially helpful).
Name:Chyna Ayres
Internship, Co-op or Research Site:Columbia Academy Thunder Hill Preschool
Position Title: Preschool Teacher Aid
Major(s)/Minor(s):Psychology/English
Work Term:Spring 2018
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
A typical day starts off with greeting the children and their parents as they are getting settled into the classroom. Once the parents leave, we interact with the children as they participate in activities with their classmates until breakfast time. During breakfast time, me and another co-teacher, help the children clean up and set the tables for breakfast. Once breakfast is over, one teacher helps with potty training and the other teacher helps with cleaning the tables and making sure the children have had enough to eat and drink. Throughout the day, we do art, we do circle time where we introduce new material and concepts to the children in creative ways, we take them outside to play when the weather is nice, we dance and sing to music, then we prepare for lunch and more potty training takes place. After lunch, the children take a nap that lasts up to two hours. After nap time, the children use the bathroom and prepare for snack time. And after snack time, aftercare takes place.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I heard about an career event on campus and I decided to apply to the job because it was exactly in my career interests. I had to apply online with an attachment of a resume and a cover letter. I went to the Career Center to have someone help me create a cover letter and look over my resume. I found the service very helpful and helped me land this job. No more than a day later, I received a phone call from the company and they wanted me to come in for an interview and was hired soon after.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
I have enjoyed the learning process of entering the career as a preschool teacher. Through the company, I have been able to gain training and receive certificates relating to child development in Maryland. I was even able to attend a conference this year as well. I also love the caring and supporting atmosphere I receive from the preschool center. I can't wait to see what will happen as I grow into my career and I find my niche working with children and parents.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe that I've been able to create an impact at my job by being a great team player when it comes to creating and participating in developmental activities with the children. I also help to create an impact on the children's lives and empowering them to become comfortable in their skills and abilities.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
If you love working with children, just know that you have to be skilled in working with the children's families as well. Also, having a lot of patience is key.
Like the Career Center on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
#UMBCintern
Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!
]]>