My Maryland Public Service Scholars Internship Experience

This summer, I had the honor to complete the 8-week Maryland Department of Transportation Fellows Program in conjunction with the Maryland Public Service Scholars Program. Throughout the entirety of the program, I felt that I have become more aware of not just my own skills and talents, but also of the structure and operations of MDOT and its modes. These opportunities have given me insight into the financial and legislative processes that help the State Government and MDOT operate in tandem. This internship has afforded me ample opportunities for networking and working in a professional environment, especially when working with state officials and representatives. I was able to meet with many directors in The Secretary’s Office and improve upon my professional etiquette by giving presentations and policy briefs for the new transportation revenue commission. Thanks to my position at the Office of Finance, I had a unique and exclusive view of MDOT’s funding processes. I hope to utilize my experience in this internship to further pursue my career path in state government or finance. At the closing of the internship, I was given the honor to write the final closing speech. This next paragraph is taken directly from what I presented to MDOT mentors, interns, and executives alike:

My personal experience with the program has been nothing short of breathtaking. Working with Jaclyn Hartman, MPP and Anna Miller in the Office of Finance has not only rewarded me with learning about MDOT’s inner workings but has given me the opportunity to meet amazing individuals around the department. Doing research for the new Revenue Commission and helping set up the new BondLink website has reinforced the passion I have for research and my desire to serve the public. There were times when the workload seemed daunting, but with great communication and teamwork, everything was done in a timely manner. Jaclyn was always open to hearing our questions or concerns, and the amount of work she did behind the scenes to arrange the site visits was absolutely spectacular. The culture in the Office of Finance, and throughout the whole of MDOT, made me feel like I was not only part of something greater, but also part of a family. I’ll never forget the kindness that was shown throughout the agency, from the site visits to the lunches out on the town to the troubleshooting help in between. I will always cherish the memory of my second day in the office and hearing warnings coming from the Financial Planning office, followed by a rather compelling story of the ghost of Snoop Dogg haunting the systems. Everyone has been so kind and accepting of us, and I can happily say I would not have wanted to spend this summer anywhere else.

A special thanks to everyone at Maryland Department of Transportation , Maryland Public Service Scholars Programs , Hannah Schmitz , Lydia Sannella , and everyone involved with internship and event coordination! This summer would not be the same without you!