Enjoy lunch with other UMBC commuters and get connected with on-campus resources! 

GAC will be hosted on November 18, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. It is complimentary with your Commuter Gold Card.

Gold Cards are a one-time per academic year purchase and are available to be purchased at every GMC and GAC with cash only.

Gold Cards at $5 for Commuters

$10 for Residential & Graduate Students

Name: Prajita Shrestha

Pronouns: She/ Her 

Semester of Internship: Summer 2025

Major: Computer Science

Current Class Level: Senior

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Location of the Organization (City, State): Laurel, MD

Title of position: Software Engineering Intern

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

I had the opportunity to intern for a group that developed and managed a data analytics software. Throughout my internship, I mainly worked on adding smaller features for the program. My main task was to create a summary tool to highlight the differences between data types to streamline workflow for analysts. My day-to-day mainly consisted of stand up meetings with the whole team, check-ins with my mentor, and coding. 

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

I learned about APL through the career fair hosted by UMBC. Initially, I applied to around 3 intern positions for APL, which did not work out. In December, I applied to another intern role at APL that I found on Handshake and got an email to schedule an interview in January. The interview was mainly behavioral questions, where I discussed my previous experience and skill level. 

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, Handshake

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

My favorite part about APL was the group's welcoming atmosphere and flexibility. As an intern, I was given the flexibility to choose from different tasks of varying difficulty and give my own input on features and tasks to work on. On Fridays, I was able to work from home and was given the flexibility to choose my times to come in and leave work. 

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

I believed that I made an impact by developing tools that made analyzation faster for analysts. My tool will save analysts significant time when they are comparing and creating new data types.

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

My main advice would be to not give up and keep searching for roles. A lot of internships come out during the fall season but it is not the end of the world if you do not land one then. My internship interview and offer came during an unexpected time. Make sure to look out for the various opportunities on campus such as teaching assistant and research assistant positions. I think the main reason I got my internship was because of my research experience. 

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

I loved how this internship gave me the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled professionals and grow my technical skills. The Career Center's resume review sessions and resources played a big role in helping me land my interview and internship.

Happy Wednesday! As we prepare for reading day and finals week, we wanted to share the adjusted hours of the Mosaic for December 11 - 17. 

Thursday, December 11: 10 am - 6 pm 

Friday, December 12: 10 am - 5 pm 

Monday, December 15: 10 am - 6 pm 

Tuesday, December 16: 10 am - 6 pm 

Wednesday, December 17: 10 am - 5 pm 

The Mosaic will close at 5pm on Wednesday, December 17 for Winter Break. We will re-open to our regular hours again on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10 am. 

We wish you all the best as you begin your finals! 

*Please note that space hours might shift based on staff availability, reservations, and event times. For more information, check out our myUMBC pages for each space below:

• The Mosaic Center for Cultural Diversity 
• The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity 
• The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being

Happy Friday! As we prepare for the upcoming extended weekend, we wanted to share the adjusted hours of the Mosaic for November 24- 28.

Monday, November 24: 10 am - 6 pm 

Tuesday, November 25: 10 am - 6 pm 

Wednesday, November 26: CLOSED

Thursday, November 27: CLOSED

Friday, November 28: CLOSED

The Mosaic will re-open to our regular hours again on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 10 am. 

As a reminder regular Fall hours will end the day before Study Day, Wednesday, 12/10. Final's Week (December 11-17/20) Hours will be posted by December 3. 

*Please note that space hours might shift based on staff availability, reservations, and event times. For more information, check out our myUMBC pages for each space below:

• The Mosaic Center for Cultural Diversity 
• The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity 
• The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being 

Landing a job offer is exciting — but before you accept, it's essential to understand what that offer really means. Salary negotiation isn't just about the number on your paycheck; it's about knowing your value, understanding industry standards, and ensuring you're being compensated fairly for your skills and experience.

1. Do Your Homework Before You Negotiate

Before discussing salary, research what professionals in your field typically earn. Use reliable sites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, PayScale, Vault, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook to find salary ranges based on job title, location, and experience level. Knowing these figures helps you confidently advocate for yourself during negotiations.

2. Consider the Whole Offer

While salary is important, it's only one part of your total compensation package. Benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and flexible work options can significantly impact your overall satisfaction and financial well-being. If you're interested in an advanced degree, tuition benefits are an option as well. Don't overlook these when comparing offers.

3. Be Strategic About Timing

The best time to discuss salary is after you've received an offer but before you've accepted it. Once an employer has decided you're their top choice, you're in the strongest position to negotiate. Approach the conversation with gratitude and professionalism, emphasizing your enthusiasm for the role while making your case for fair compensation.

4. Practice Makes Professional

Negotiating can feel intimidating, especially if it's your first job offer. Practice your talking points with a friend, mentor, or practice with the Big Interview training platform or through a Salary Negotiation appointment with a career advisor to build confidence. The goal is to sound informed, not demanding.

For example: "Based on my research and the market value for this position, I was expecting a salary closer to [X range]. Is there flexibility to adjust the offer?"

5. Get Support and Keep Learning

The more informed you are, the more confident you'll feel navigating offers and negotiations. The UMBC Career Center provides tools, resources, and one-on-one advising to help you make smart decisions about your future. In the meantime, check out our newest Career Guide for detailed tips on evaluating offers, researching salaries, and mastering the art of negotiation. You got this!