Career Exploration
What lies ahead after high school?
The types of jobs in a university setting might surprise you! These videos provide a glimpse of “A Day in the Life” of several interesting and engaging careers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). Learn about a typical day and the skills and/or education needed for positions like these at UMB or other universities.
A Day in the Life of a Security Officer
Follow a day in the life of UMB security officer Marques Smith. For Marques, being a public safety officer is more than just ensuring safety, it's an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to make sure everyone at UMB gets the help they need.
A Day in the Life of an Associate Director, Parking and Transportation Services
Follow a day in the life of Brian Simmons, Associate Director, Parking and Transportation Services at UMB. Brian and his team manage the parking and on-campus transportation for the more than 10,000 students and employees at UMB. Beyond that, Brian has transformed the facilities into an expression of the UMB mission by adding visual treatments and messaging to both elevate the experience and inform. His work combines innovation, such as a project to install solar panels on the garages, and logistics to ensure that the facilities are both welcoming and efficient.
A Day in the Life of a Photographer
Follow a day in the life of Matthew "Dag" D’Agostino lead photographer at UMB. Being a university photographer is not just about taking great pictures. While D’Agostino’s days are filled with meeting people across campus and witnessing and capturing the events and special moments that bring to life a visual story of our University, he also spends time planning and in post-production.
A Day in the Life of an Environmental Services Assistant Director
Follow a day in the life of Mark Drymala, MS, assistant director of environmental services at UMB. Drymala leads a wide variety of activities on campus — from recycling efforts, energy conservation, and maintaining cleanliness to planning pollinator gardens and enhancing UMB’s green spaces, his job is never dull.
A Day in the Life of the Positive Schools Center Director
Follow a day in the life of Shantay McKinily, MEd, director of the Positive Schools Center, a program aligned with the University of Maryland School of Social Work’s Social Work Community Outreach Service. McKinily and her team train and support principals, leadership teams, and school district staff to create nurturing, holistic, and racially equitable learning environments by using restorative approaches rather than punitive disciplinary actions.
A Day in the Life of a Nurse Practitioner
Follow a day in the life of Oluchi Ayichi, DNP, RN, CRNP, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON). In addition to teaching future health care providers at UMSON, Ayichi treats patients at University of Maryland Urgent Care facilities in the Baltimore area.
A Day in the Life of a Graphic Designer
Follow a day in the life of Kris Rifkin, manager of special projects at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). Rifkin designs print materials such as exhibits, posters, and invitations. One of her major current projects is redesigning the fifth-floor lobby in a UMSOM building.
A Day in the Life of a Physician Scientist
Follow a day in the life of Albert Zhou, an MD/PhD student at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Zhou researches malaria vaccines as part of the elite Medical Scientists Training Program in the University System of Maryland.
A Day in the Life of a Police Lieutenant
Follow a day in the life of Matthew Johnson, a police lieutenant who leads the Community Outreach and Support Team for UMB Police and Public Safety. Johnson views his work as an opportunity to be “the change you want to see in policing.”
