The Sociology Department at a Glance!

My Story: How an Internship Changed My Life

By Lance Brooks

Department of Sociology, Alumni

            After obtaining my B.A. in Sociology, I began working in the Office of the Registrar as the front desk coordinator. I also enrolled in the data analytics master’s program at the University of Maryland University College. After a few months, I quickly realized that I would need some experience if I expected to smoothly transition between higher education and data analytics.

My first thought was to reach out to people within my network to assess their need for a data

specialist. I framed my offerings as a way to support the needs of an organization at a lower cost than hiring an outside data specialist. I was first met with a few no’s, but I kept reaching out to others in my professional network. I utilized all mediums of communication: phone, email, LinkedIn, etc. At the same time, I was perfecting my sales pitch of what I had to offer as a data specialist looking for experience. After about one month of searching, I was able to land an internship within an office at the University of Maryland College Park. My work helped shed insight on the challenges facing retention efforts at UMD.

I was able to market my internship when I went on the job market later the same year. Within two weeks, I was offered a full-time position that used my data and sociology skills. During the interview, I answered questions by citing specific experiences during my internship. I can honestly say that my time as an intern changed the entire outlook of my career. Internships help students enter new industries by getting direct experience. Always be on the lookout for professional connections because you never know where your next opportunity may come from.