Name: Tanzila Malik
Pronouns: She/her
Semester of Internship: Spring 2026
Major: Gender and Women's Studies
Current Class Level: Senior
This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): District Office of Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03)
Location of the Organization (City, State): Columbia, MD
Title of position: Congressional Intern
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
As a Congressional Intern working in a district office, I deal a lot with constituents in Maryland District 3. Our district is home to many federal workers, military families, veterans, which are the people I tend to assist on a day-to-day basis. One of my main roles is intaking casework from our constituents, as we guide them through issues they're having with federal agencies. The cases we deal with are mostly related to the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of Personnel Management, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Veterans Affairs. The second key role I play, is answering opinion calls, emails, and letters. Our constituent base is very active in advocating for the issues that they are passionate about. For example, as of late, many calls have been about concerns over increased ICE presence in the district and across the country. When we receive these opinion calls, we log them into our system for our outreach person to follow up with the constituents. It also helps us track what issues constituents are concerned about, which the Congresswoman gets a report of to stay informed on constituents' views/opinions.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
In October 2025, I heard about this position through a newsletter from the UMBC Political Science department. My friend, Bianca Canales, who is an alumni of UMBC, also worked for Congresswoman Elfreth. I reached out to Bianca to ask for advice, and about her experience working in the district office. She spoke very highly about the job and the team, and encouraged me to apply. After taking some time to think it over, I decided to apply for the internship. With help from the UMBC Career Center, I updated my resume, and prepared for the interview. A few weeks later, I got a call saying I had been accepted for the job, and I began working in early January 2026.
What resources did you use to find your current experience?
Alumni Networking, UMBC Political Science email list
What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
I have enjoyed the camaraderie in the office, as I work with a team of wonderful people who are passionate about what they do. Because this is Congresswoman Elfreth's first term in office, there is a lot of opportunity to take on responsibilities as an intern, that may not have been possible otherwise. I feel like so much more than "just an intern" because the team trusts us to take on challenging tasks and make the most of this experience. The House Intern Resource Office has also been great in supporting and developing us interns as future public service leaders.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
Working in the district office means I work directly with constituents, whether it be through casework or opinion calls. Oftentimes, I have long phone conversations with people who have been dealing with difficult life circumstances. And while we can't guarantee a favorable outcome for their case, sometimes all they need is a listening ear. I feel the difference it makes for constituents, just having a real person to talk to, who genuinely cares about helping them, instead of turning them away. That is an incredible feeling for me, and is the thing that excites me to go to work everyday.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Don't compare yourself to others. You are worthy, capable, and bring your own unique experiences to the table. I often deal with imposter syndrome, feeling like I don't belong to certain spaces. I have to remind myself though, that regardless, I am still in space just like everyone else. Never forget, you worked hard to make it to where you are now. Be proud of yourself for that, and don't let anyone make you feel like you're not enough.
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
"I feel fulfilled by the work that I do, knowing that in some way, I am making a difference in someone's life."
Registration for Summer 2026 at UMBC begins TODAY, March 2nd.
Students can find out more about the Summer Session at UMBC here.
Advising/registration clearance is not required and all students can register today. Popular STEM courses tend to fill quickly!
Some natural science courses may require department or instructor approval. If this is the case, you will need to reach out to the professor on record directly for permission.
Be sure to discuss your summer plans with your assigned advisor during your regular advising session -- also starting this month.
This March, the Division of Institutional Equity has a full lineup of events and opportunities for the UMBC community. All events and opportunities across the division are open to full participation by all community members.
Here's how you can get involved!
Join us for the first session of this semester's Inclusive Excellence In Action series, "Skills for Cross-Cultural Mentoring". Participants will explore inclusive, effective, and human-centered mentoring practices and reflect on how to translate insight into action. This session will equip participants with practical tools, strategies, and key takeaways to strengthen inclusive leadership, relationship-centered engagement, and humanizing approaches that foster learning and beloved community across campus.
The Office of Community and Culture invites everyone to join the first conversation for this semester titled "Engaging Digital Spaces". Participants will explore what it takes to build genuine connection in digital environments that can feel fragmented or out of reach. Through a facilitated interactive conversation, participants will learn and leave with insights on how digital spaces can strengthen community, expand access, and support more affordable and inclusive engagement across campus.
Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for a guided tour of UMBC's "Campus on a Hill" on March 9 & 25. Accessibility is everyone's responsibility, and this is a great opportunity to learn about campus accessibility features, challenges, and how you can be an effective Accessibility Ally! Registration and additional information about the tours can be found here: [March 9] [March 25].
Join the Women's, Gender and Equity Center for a Women's History Month panel discussion. Attendees will engage in a conversation exploring the lived experiences of women with panelists: Dr. Carole McCann (GWST), Dr. Christina Sessoms (AMST), Dr. Thania Muñoz (Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Intercultural Communication), and Dr. Kathryn Kein (GWST).
The Center for Social Justice Dialogue kicks off its first session of the series "Pivoting Perspective: Fostering Curiosity and Wonder". This session invites participants to explore how loving accountability can spark curiosity and help reframe assumptions about ourselves and others. Through perspective-shifting practices, attendees will discover how approaching differences with wonder can foster deeper connection and understanding. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Office of Community and Culture invites faculty and staff to gather in facilitated spaces to build trust and understanding. These circles offer an opportunity to slow down, connect across roles and experiences, and practice being in community together. Event details: [March 11] [March 25].
SistaCare is a community care and dialogue group that provides a supportive space to explore the experiences of Black/Africana women and femmes on campus while fostering connection, reflection, and care. These sessions invite participants to learn, share, and build community, and are open to all individuals. Event details: [March 12] [March 26].
Join the Facilities Management and the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for a review and update of construction projects that enhance accessibility and improve the physical environment of UMBC. Learn about elevator upgrades, accessible renovation design, emergency planning, and upcoming projects. Campus community members—especially those with disabilities—are invited to share lived experiences and ideas that may help shape future accessibility initiatives.
Join the Women's, Gender, and Equity Center this month for weekly discussion group meetings! Connect, share, and grow through spaces such as Grad Connect, We Believe You, Rebuilding Manhood, Spectrum, Women of Color Collective, Women and Gender Minorities in STEM, Returning Adult Learners, Athletics Group, Between Femmes, and Head Space. Visit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter/events?mode=upcoming&page=1 for more information and schedules for each group.
March is Women's History Month. Stay tuned for our 'Read, Watch, Listen, Participate' post.
Pursuant to UMBC's Interim Policy on Sex Discrimination, Sex-Based Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, all faculty (including adjunct faculty), staff (regular and contingent), and student-employees (including teaching assistants and graduate assistants) are required to complete Title IX training each year. Employees who have not yet completed the training requirement must complete a series of three asynchronous modules by March 1, 2026. New employees should complete training within 60 days of hire.
April 21
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Book Fair
AOK Library Courtyard
5:00–6:30 p.m.
One Maryland, One Book Lunch Event (in partnership with Maryland Humanities)
University Center 302
April 23
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Library Advocacy Workshop
Location TBD
4:30–6:00 p.m.
Maryland State Library Agency Programming (details TBA)
Reception to follow
AOK Library Gallery