My Summer as an MDOT Fellow

Overview of the Maryland Public Service Scholars Program

The Maryland Public Service Scholars Programs (MPSS) is a 10-week fellowship program administered through the Shriver Center at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The Shriver Center coordinates four sub-programs on behalf of the state of Maryland: the Governor’s Summer Internship Program, the Sondheim Nonprofit Leadership Program, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Fellows Program, and the Sondheim Public Service Law Fellows Program. These fellowships provide students across Maryland the opportunity to develop as future leaders in Maryland’s public and social sectors.

Each of the fellows were placed at a nonprofit organization or government agency, and worked under the mentorship of a senior-level professional. I was selected as an MDOT Fellow, and was placed in the Office of Planning and Capital Programming at The Secretary’s Office under the mentorship of Robert Ellery Loomis .

From June 1st to August 8th, I worked full-time at my internship site from Monday to Thursday, and participated in professional development seminars through UMBC on Fridays. My primary responsibilities in my internship included analyzing and visualizing capital budget data, with the goal of identifying historical trends to inform better business decisions.?

Highlights, lowlights, lessons learned

My summer at Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) was an incredible experience. Some of the highlights include taking on challenging data visualization projects using Power BI, building meaningful relationships with my mentor and other fellows, expanding my professional network, and learning about the critical role MDOT plays in connecting Marylanders to life’s opportunities.?

I can’t say there was much I disliked about this program, but my initial struggle with imposter syndrome could be considered a lowlight. However, I was impressed with how we immediately addressed this issue in one of our first seminars through the Shriver Center at UMBC. Through our discussions, I learned that the peers that I considered “more qualified” than myself shared my same worries, which was very validating and strengthened my sense of community.

During my internship, an important lesson I learned was the critical role of data storytelling. Organizations collect vast amounts of valuable information daily, but effectively communicating key trends and insights depends on how this data is presented. The assignments I worked on allowed me to explore various formats and visualization techniques that help decision-makers at MDOT understand how capital dollars have been spent historically, guiding better budget decisions in the future. I became proficient in Power BI—the primary tool we used for creating visuals—sharpened my Excel skills to manage budget data effectively, and studied SQL to gain a deeper understanding of database management and backend operations.

I also developed new confidence in my abilities and my desire to learn. When I first arrived at my internship site, I worried that I lacked the technical skills and experience to be an asset to my office. However, my mentor reassured me that I had been chosen for a reason, and that my eagerness to improve was a strength. Over time, my dedication to my projects and attention to detail enabled me to produce high-quality work, and the positive feedback I received from my colleagues helped me overcome self-doubt and embrace more responsibility in my role.

How has this influenced your career goals?

My experience with the Maryland Public Service Scholars Programs inspired me to explore ways to merge my commitment to serving others with my passion for computing and aspirations to work in the technology industry. This journey sparked my interest in the applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare, which solidified my interest in pursuing research and continuing my studies in graduate school.

Has your passion for public service changed??

Yes, it has increased! Before entering the program, I didn’t fully grasp the workings of state government or the true nature of public service. However, through the exercises we completed in our Friday seminars, I realized that prioritizing the needs of others has always brought meaning to my life. I gained a new appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to the greater good, and I recognize the sacrifice and genuine compassion it takes to set aside personal priorities for the benefit of others.

How has your understanding of, and/or commitment to equity and justice changed?

My understanding of equity and justice has deepened, especially in recognizing the importance of leveraging my privilege and access to opportunities to address local issues in Maryland. I now feel a strong responsibility as a Maryland resident to actively contribute to the well-being of my community, and to use my knowledge and skills to confront the challenges and injustices we face.

In what ways do you feel better prepared for your future?

I feel I have greatly improved my ability to network, and I have built meaningful connections with professionals at MDOT and other fellows in our cohort. The projects I completed for my internship diversified and strengthened my skill set, which will make me a more well-rounded candidate for future opportunities. Additionally, completing a policy paper on how Vision Zero strategies can be used to achieve zero pedestrian deaths in Maryland alongside group members Benjamin Kissinger and Lexie Zweifel Huber (you guys rock!) built confidence in my ability to work effectively as a member of a team. My experiences this summer have equipped me with many tools and relationships that will help me thrive in my future career.

What recommendations do you have for future students?

Ask questions, try new things, and take advantage of every opportunity that is available to you! Hannah Schmitz and the Maryland Public Service Scholars Programs work incredibly hard to provide access to resources that will further your professional development, and it is up to you to make the most out of your experience.

What advice to your future self do you have??

Continue to be curious and absorb as much as you can from every experience: there is always something new to learn or improve upon.

What do you want to remember most about this experience?

Having an experienced professional as a mentor who genuinely cares about your growth and development is invaluable. I will always remember how empowering, motivating, and rewarding it felt to be trusted and given the responsibility to tackle challenges independently. I hope to eventually become a mentor myself and inspire that same sense of value and confidence in someone else.