Name: Adam Bayoumi
Pronouns: He/Him
Semester of Internship: Spring 2026
Major: Public Health
Current Class Level: Senior
This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): The Maryland General Assembly
Location of the Organization (City, State): Annapolis, Maryland
Title of position: Health Policy Intern & Researcher
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
As a health policy intern working in state government during a period of rapid change in federal and state health policy, my day-to-day varies quite a bit. The Maryland General Assembly is part-time legislature, meeting for 90 calendar days between January and April to review over 3,000 pieces of filed legislation. I intern for Delegate Pam Guzzone, who as Chair of the Health Facilities Subcommittee introduces and reviews bills seeking to address health disparities in our State. In other words - it can be intensive, but incredibly rewarding. On a typical day, I review proposed pieces of legislation and interpret them as policy briefs for the Delegate and her staff. To provide data-driven insights on legislation, I conduct legislative research, interpret public data, and meet with advocacy groups who voice their support or opposition. Other common daily tasks for me include assisting with the delegation of Women's Caucus meetings, drafting research-based testimony in support of Delegate Guzzone's bills, and meeting with engaged community members of our district: District 13.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I first heard about the position from the program director of my major (public health) here at UMBC, Professor Katie Birger. The application process was not too difficult, and consisted of supplemental questions, a survey to capture my interests within policy, and then either a virtual or in-person meeting. When I first applied for the 2025 session, I received a few invitation requests from Delegates across different committees. Ultimately, I ended up picking Delegate Pam Guzzone of the Health Committee, who works with legislation most closely aligned with my interests. After I completed my internship in spring of 2025, I was asked if I could return this year to take on more challenging responsibilities within the office. Clearly, I did say yes, and I am extremely grateful that I did.
What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center, Faculty Connections, LinkedIn or other social media
What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
For me, the most enjoyable part of my internship has been meeting with advocacy groups and our inspiringly passionate constituents, because they are who have collectively taught me the most during my time here. Each person comes in sharing a diverse perspective with us, highlighting different struggles they face day-to-day. I can confidently say that I've picked up some new talking points just from spending a brief moment immersed in their passions, and I love bringing that back to the office.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
There is nothing more fulfilling to me than interacting face-to-face with the people directly impacted by different health disparities to hear their stories. I do my best to make sure they are heard and reflected during the legislative process, whether that be through advocating for their needs, or sharing their lived experiences with decision-makers. I also work my hardest to assist my Delegate pass her critical health-related bills that directly help the lives of Marylanders across the State.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Start talking directly to the people you want to learn from! Leaving an impression and "networking" can be as simple as just introducing yourself, and it can open remarkably unexpected doors. I'm a bit of an introverted person, and this scared me a bit at first, but it transformed into something exciting after I took those first initial leaps out of my comfort zone.
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
I love dedicating my time toward promoting the public health of my fellow Marylanders, and I have seen the positive effects of our team's combined efforts the past couple of legislative sessions. Each day brings a new lesson, and there is nothing more valuable than the constant growth that has supplied me. I owe plenty of thanks to the Career Center for providing invaluable resources and guidance supporting my continued development.