Name:  Riya Kaneria 

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site: University System of Maryland

Position Title:  Economic Development Intern (Consultant)

Major or Program:  Information Systems

Current Class Level: Master's Student

Work Term: Summer 2022

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

 "My work as an intern was working on the early development of USM's early stage entrepreneurship program. The University System of Maryland’s Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Capital Program is based on providing funding for early-stage startups and is committed to support student , faculty, alum and community entrepreneurs who are connected to the institution. The program includes connecting and increasing accessibility for early-stage entrepreneurs to existing resources; providing mentorship and enhancing access to early capital. 

I assisted in developing the application, the rubric for analysis and other essential tasks in the program. I lead the lift-off track of this program which helped us stay on track with our deadlines. I also assisted in conducting the mock application round and was one of the reviewers for the applications. 

My day-to-day responsibilities differed at every stage in the program. It started with attending weekly meetings, planning and discussing the contents of applications. I had the chance to meet people from various venture capitals, collaborators, raised entreprenuers to discuss various aspects of our program. My work as an intern included providing a student's point of view at every stage in the program, conducting research for better decision making. "

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

I had an opportunity for this position through the UMBC career center. Earlier that term, I had taken a zero credit course PRAC 112, that I had taken under Annie Weinschenk through which I gained the knowledge and confidence to apply for this position. 

It was a broadcast email from the career center, which mentioned the position and the description for the same. I immediately emailed Christine Routzahn with my resume. It was Christine and the career center who recognized and considered my application. My application was sent to USM and I was given the opportunity for an interview with Lindsay Ryan ( Interim Executive Director of Economic Development) . The following week I was offered the position as their Economic Development Intern for Summer 2022. 

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

 The most amazing thing about my position was that my thoughts and ideas were always valued and considered. My opinion in the overall development process mattered a lot. I always felt welcomed and that is what motivated me to work harder everyday to make our ideas a reality.

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

I doubted myself when I first applied for this position that how can someone from an Information Systems background help in Economic Development of an organization. Slowly I realised how important a student's perspective is, in programs like these. It was a smooth transition for me.

I have the courage to speak up and share what I believed, which has made a great impact on our program in developing new ideas and fuel discussions. I have had the chance to network and build connections not only limited to the organization. These long term relationships will play a vital part to my career growth. I had the chance to make an impact on our young entreprenuers and our program is going to change many lives of many early stage entrepreneurs. 

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

The only advice I would give is to be open-minded and ready to learn. Always listen your instinct and have confidence. When is comes to seeking opportunities like these, always look out for emails or flyers that are sent. These are life changing opportunities and will always help you focus on your strengths . 

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

This experience has given me a sense of self realisation. I would have never got this opportunity if I had not replied to that email. I would just say : "Believe in yourself and seize every opportunity because one day you will look back to your career and be proud that you tried everything" 

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