“An internship is a learning experience, so while it can also be where the rubber meets the road, I think the most important thing about this real-world experience is that it helps you figure out what kind of car you want to drive.”

Major: Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Internship Site: Governor’s Summer Internship Program: Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Academic Policy

Location: Baltimore, MD

Title: Intern

Position Description: In my position, I have to opportunity to observe and participate in many different aspects of the field of education. So far, in my time here, I’ve gotten to visit an academy that helps Biology teachers, look at the issue of racial bias in the SAT, review and catalog nominations for parent involvement, put together content for STEM materials, and participate in Maryland’s Race to the Top effort.

What are the benefits of participating in an internship, co-op, service-learning or research experience?

You really get the inside scoop for the fields you’re considering going into. I’ve found this to be extremely valuable in my time at UMBC, as it has been my internship experiences that have helped me to define what kind of impact I would like to make and where my passions lie.