Making the Most of Summer
Employers are more interested than ever in hiring UMBC talent: this year, the Shriver Center coordinated and secured nearly 800 internship and co-op placements in over 360 organizations, an increase of over 20 percent in a two-year period, said Christine Routzahn, the Center’s associate director of professional practice.
These programs help students gain professional skills and insight into a specific industry and establish a network of contacts.
This summer, 210 UMBC students participated in internships or co-ops through the Shriver Center. In their own words, here are just a few of the students who made the most of their summer:
Henrietta Akintoye, biochemistry, Meyerhoff Scholar
Internship: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
“Wyeth is truly amazing! I am working on a project related to osteoporosis in the Women’s Health Research Institute. In addition to learning a variety of new skills, I am also gaining a fresh perspective and appreciation for research. Every time a drug gets placed on the market, I can see firsthand how research provides for many, new and innovative health solutions.
“I am also learning a great deal outside of the laboratory scene. I have been able to connect with many Wyeth employees, hear of how they have worked to succeed in the pharmaceutical industry, and also receive pertinent advice as to how I can reach and fulfill my personal goals.”
Jonathan Bratt and Eleanor Pittinger, emergency health services
Internship: London Ambulance Service (LAS), London, England
Bratt and Pittinger worked with the LAS about a month before the London bombings. “We were able to study and experience first-hand the deployment of LAS’ Emergency Medical Services System throughout London,” said Bratt. “We were also given the rare opportunity to ride with London’s Multi-Agency Initial Assessment Team (MAIAT), a specialized team of firefighters, paramedics and police officers that have been trained—around the world—in all types of disaster, WMD and rescue situations. It was an experience like no other, and was definitely one of the most interesting aspects of our trip.
“When we graduate, we will have an excellent resource in our toolbox: the ability to describe and possibly implement another way of organizing emergency services in the U.S,” Bratt added.
“Jon and I have a lot to take back to UMBC and to our respective emergency organizations,” said Pittinger. “The similarities between patients and providers in the U.S. and the U.K. are so hard to ignore that it makes sense for our countries to exchange ideas, theories and methods.”
Cora Morrison, political science, and Edward Warner, M.A. program in intercultural communication
Internship: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation, Annapolis, Maryland
“As a political science major, working with a government agency gives me a valuable experience for future employment,” said Morrison. “I learned several new skills, including cartography and oracle databases, which may also prove helpful. I know that this experience has prepared me for future opportunities in my career and even graduate school.”
“My future academic plans are to attend law school,” said Warner. “In addition, my professional goal is to use my foreign language skills and understanding of intercultural and legal issues to help the needy. In my summer internship I’ve seen how statutes, leadership and security are all connected….I’ve learned the importance of the agricultural industry for societal, political and economic success.”
(8/15/05)
