2010-11 Be What I Want To Be Magazine

a guide to lifeafter high school

YO

UR

SELF

CR

EA

volume 7 2010 - 2011

Careers Inside

BuildingAerospace

Law

Energy

Trades

Manufacturing

Space Science

Nonprofit

Education

IT

HealthFinance

222

Business

Government

Multimedia

Bioscience

Learn more at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com

or

contact Will Anderson at

[email protected].

Contents“When I grow up, I want to…”That’s the theme of a series of ads running on

television these days. But there’s a very interest-ing twist to these ads. The speakers are olderAmericans, not kids, and they are talking aboutwhat they want to do after they retire.

They’re not talking about sitting on theporch or playing golf either. They’re talkingabout learning new things, launching newcareers.

That’s because more and more, living intoday’s world is about lifelong learning.

Jobs are changing, technology is changing, careers arechanging. Our school systems, colleges and universities are racingto keep up.

It can be a confusing and challenging time to decide whatyou want to do. But it’s also an exciting time. The world is full ofopportunities, many of which didn’t exist a few years ago.

We hope this magazine will help you see the possibilities inyour present and the potential in your future. Check out these jobsand see what interests you. Find a mentor or a counselor to helpyou follow your dream.

Whatever you decide to do now, stay open to possibilities.Because the one thing you can count on is that the world will keepchanging and new opportunities will pop up every day. Be ready!

Tom Linthicum | Executive Editor, Vice President

TheDailyRecord.com

Be What I Want to Be is produced by The Daily Record for the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education.

www.mbrt.org

High SchoolCourses matter 4

After school 6

Countdown 8

CollegeSix degrees of education 12

Tuition 14

Paying 16

Campus 18

CareerCost to live 20

Resume 23

Cool jobs 24

50 employers 28

Students ask 30

MD Scholars 50

Profiles

How to reach us | TheDailyRecord.com

Subscriptions 1.800.296.8181 | News 410.752.3849 | Advertising 410.752.1717 | Reprints 410.752.3849

The Daily Record Staff

Contributing writers | Tania Anderson, Elizabeth Heubeck, Karen Nitkin, Barbara Pash

Christopher A.Eddings | Publisher

Suzanne E.Fischer-Huettner | Associate

Publisher,Vice President

Rebecca Snyder | General Manager,

Vice President

Tom Linthicum | Executive Editor,Vice President

Tracy Bumba | Circulation / Marketing Manager

Robert J.Terry | Managing Editor / Online & Special Publications

Hope Keller | Special Publications Editor

Wayne Countryman | Assistant Editor

Todd Zimmerman | Visual Presentation Editor

Erin V.Alexander | Senior Graphic Designer

Maximilian Franz | Senior Photographer

Rich Dennison | Photographer

Gail Clough | Director of Sales Development

Jordan Leber | Advertising Coordinator

AAddvveerrttiisseerr iinnddeexx

AAI Corporation ..................................................13Aberdeen Proving Ground FCU ......................28Baltimore County Department

of Economic Development ..............................7Bowie State University ......................................32Capitol College ....................................................29Citi............................................................................25College of Notre Dame ......................................22Community College of Baltimore County ......31Corporate Office Properties Trust ....................7The Daily Record....................Inside Back CoverEastern Shore Area Health Education Center ..15Johns Hopkins Medicine ..................................12Lockheed Martin..................................................10McCormick & Company Inc. ..........................30Morgan State University ..................Back CoverNorthrop Grumman ..........................................26Salisbury University ..........................................28Stevenson University ......................Inside FrontT. Rowe Price............................................................6CCBC Time Center ................................................9University of Baltimore ....................................21University of Maryland, Baltimore County ..6

58

78 42

70

74

80

7636 38

82

52 62 9492

56

64 54

90

88

40

68

48

86

84

6646

60HHiigghh SScchhoooollHHiigghh SScchhooooll

What you do in your four years of high school is important to having a successful future.

Colleges and employers ask for high school transcripts because they want to know:

• Are you prepared to do college work?

• Do you have the skills you need to be successful?

• Will you show up for class or work?

• Are you reliable?

• Would you be eager to take on a challenge?

• Did you take challenging courses?

You want your transcript to shout to all these questions.

SECONDARY SCHOOL PERFORMANCE DATA Accredited by Middle States Association

LAST SCHOOL ATTENDED (Optional) _________________________________ PARENT OR GUARDIAN (Optional) ___________________________________

Other Name ___________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________________

[Maryland Scholars courses are bolded]

Maryland High School Assessments–X When Passed

ENGLISH X ALGEBRA I X GOVERNMENT X BIOLOGY X SUBJECTS 9 10 11 12 TOT.English 1 1 1 1 4.0Social Studies 1 1 1 1 4.0Mathematics 0 1 1 1 3.0Science 1 1 1 1 4.0Foreign Lang. 1 1 1 1 4.0Bus. Ed.

Art 1 1 2.0Music

0Phys. Ed. 11.0Health

11.0Tech. Ed. 1 1 1 3.0Voc. Tech. Ed.

Home Econ.Spec. Ed. Reading

Comm. Serv. � � � �TOTAL

26.0

SUBJECTS INSTR LEVEL

FINAL CREDIT

EARNEDQUALITY POINTS

GRADEGr. 9

SCHOOL YEAR 2007 - 2008 English I

ST C 1.00 2.00Amer. Govt

ST B 1.00 3.00Algebra I

ST E 0.00 0.00

Biology ST D 1.00 1.00

Spanish IST C 1.00 2.00

Technology/Pers.Comp. ST A 1.00 4.00

PE FitnessST

C 1.00 2.00Present: 165.0

Absent: 15.06.00 14.00

SUBJECTS INSTR LEVEL

FINAL CREDIT

EARNEDQUALITY POINTS

GRADEGr. 10

SCHOOL YEAR 2008 – 2009English II

STD 1.00 1.00

World HistoryST

C 1.00 2.00Algebra I

STD 1.00 1.00

Environmental Science STC 1.00 2.00

Spanish IIST

C 1.00 2.00Health

STD 1.00 1.00

Graphic ArtsST

B 1.00 3.00Present: 162.0

Absent: 18.07.00 12.00

DIPLOMA � CERT. DATE SCHOOL Timbuktu High SchoolSCH. ADDRESS 10 Main StreetWaverly, MDSCH. PHONE # 410/555-4422ACTIVITIES

HONORS/AWARDS

GPA: 1.9 Weighted GPA: 1.9 MARYLAND SCHOLAR

�

DATE

PRINCIPAL’S SIGNATURE

Gr. 11SCHOOL YEAR 2009 - 2010

English IIIST D 1.00 1.00

U.S. History ST D 1.00 1.00

Geometry ST D 1.00 1.00

Oceanography ST

C 1.00 2.00Spanish III

ST C 1.00 2.00

Music ST

E 0.00 0.00Computer Aided Design I ST

A 1.00 4.00Present: 167.0

Absent: 13.06.00 11.0

Gr. 12

SCHOOL YEAR 2010 – 2011

English IVST

D 1.00 1.00World Cultures

STD 1.00 1.00

Consumer MathST

C 1.00 2.00Ecology

STC 1.00 2.00

Fundamentals of Art STD 1.00 1.00

Sign LanguageST

D 1.00 1.00Computer Aided Design II H

B 1.00 4.00Present: 160.0

Absent: 20.07.00 12.0

The grading system for all subjects is a five step scale…A, B, C, D and E.

Each grade is determined by achievement in relation to the objectives of the designated instructional level.

The definitions of the letters follow. A

OUTSTANDING B ABOVE AVERAGE C

AVERAGE DBELOW AVERAGE

EUNSATISFACTORY

INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL KEY GT GIFTED & TALENTED -Offered at a level appropriate for students identified as gifted and talented in this subject area.

H HONORS -Offered at a level appropriate for students identified as significantly exceeding accepted standards for the grade or subject.

ST STANDARD -Offered at a level appropriate for students able to meet or exceed accepted standards for the grade or subject.

SE SPECIAL EDUCATION -Offered at a level appropriate for students certified as needing special education in this subject area.QUALITY POINTS KEY

GIFTED & TALENTED A = 6 B = 5 C = 4 D = 1 E = 0 HONORS

A = 5 B = 4 C = 3 D = 1 E = 0

STANDARDA = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 E = 0

SPECIAL EDUCATION A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 E = 0

Legal Name Kelly Jones ID Number 111-22-3333 Birth Date 02/02/92


LAST SCHOOL ATTENDED (Optional) _________________________________

PARENT OR GUARDIAN (Optional) ___________________________________


[Maryland Scholars courses are bolded]

Maryland High School Assessments–

X When Passed

ENGLISH X ALGEBRA I

X

GOVERNMENT X BIOLOGY X

SUBJECTS 9 10 11 12 TOT.

English 1 1 1 1 4.0

Social Studies 1 1 1 .5 3.5

Mathematics 1 1 1 1 4.0

Science 1 1 1 3.0

Foreign Lang. 1 1 1 3.0

Bus. Ed.

Art 1 1 2 3 7.0

Music

Phys. Ed. 11.0

Health1 1.0

Tech. Ed. 1

1.0

Voc. Tech. Ed.

Home Econ.

Spec. Ed.

Reading

Comm. Serv. � � � �

TOTAL

27.5

SUBJECTSINSTR

LEVEL

FINAL CREDIT

EARNED

QUALITY

POINTS

GRADE


English I - Honors H A 1.00 5.00

Amer. Govt – Honors H B 1.00 4.00

Geometry – Honors H C 1.00 3.00

Biology – Honors H A 1.00 5.00

French IIST A 1.00 4.00

Foundations of Art GT C 1.00 4.00

PE Fitness ST

A 1.00 4.00

Present: 175.0Absent: 5.0

7.00 29.00

SUBJECTSINSTR

LEVEL

FINAL CREDIT

EARNED

QUALITY

POINTS

GRADE


English II – Honors HB 1.00 4.00

World History – Honors HA 1.00 5.00

Algebra IIST

B 1.00 3.00

Chemistry – Honors HB 1.00 4.00

French IIIST

A 1.00 4.00

Studio Drawing/Painting GTB 1.00 5.00

Technology/Pers.Comp. STB 1.00 3.00


7.00 28.00


English III - Honors H B 1.00 4.00

U.S. History – Honors H A 1.00 5.00

Pre-Calculus ST

B 1.00 3.00

PhysicsST C 1.00 2.00

Figure Drawing IGT

B 1.00 5.00

Health ST

B 1.00 3.00

Telemedia Design I GT B 1.00 5.00


7.00 27.0


English IV - Honors HA 1.00 5.00

Economics/Public Issues HB .50 2.00

College Algebra – Honors APB 1.00 5.00

Latin IST

A 1.00 4.00

Figure Drawing IIGT

A 1.00 6.00

PaintingGT

B 1.00 5.00

Telemedia Design II GTB 1.00 5.00


6.50 32.0



The definitions of the letters follow.

A

OUTSTANDING

B

ABOVE AVERAGE

C

AVERAGE

D

BELOW AVERAGE

E

UNSATISFACTORY

INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL KEY

GT GIFTED & TALENTED -Offered at a level appropriate for students identified as gifted and talented in this subject area.



SE SPECIAL EDUCATION -Offered at a level appropriate for students certified as needing special education in this subject area.

QUALITY POINTS KEY

GIFTED & TALENTED A = 6 B = 5 C = 4 D = 1 E = 0 HONORS

A = 5 B = 4 C = 3 D = 1 E = 0

STANDARDA = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 E = 0

SPECIAL EDUCATION A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 E = 0

DIPLOMA � CERT. DATE

SCHOOL Timbuktu High School

SCH. ADDRESS 10 Main Street

Waverly, MD

SCH. PHONE # 410/555-4422

ACTIVITIES Art Club 1/2/3/4, SGA 3/4,

JV Volleyball 1/2, Yearbook 4

HONORS/AWARDS Ty Gibson Award

GPA: 3.3Weighted GPA: 4.2

MARYLAND SCHOLAR�

DATE


Legal Name Pat Smith

ID Number 624-569-5799

Birth Date 01/01/92

CCoouurrsseess mmaatttteerr ......

CChhooiicceess mmaatttteerrCChhooiicceess mmaatttteerr


LAST SCHOOL ATTENDED (Optional) _________________________________

PARENT OR GUARDIAN (Optional) ___________________________________


*Denotes Maryland Scholars Course

Maryland High School Assessments–

X When Passed

ENGLISH ALGEBRA I

GOVERNMENT BIOLOGY

SUBJECTS 9 10 11 12 TOT.

English

Social Studies

Mathematics

Science

Foreign Lang.

Bus. Ed.

Art

Music

Phys. Ed.

Health

Tech. Ed.

Voc. Tech. Ed.

Home Econ.

Spec. Ed.

Reading

Comm. Serv.

TOTAL

SUBJECTSINSTR

LEVEL

FINAL CREDIT

EARNED

QUALITY

POINTSGRADE

Gr. 9 SCHOOL YEAR 2010 - 2011

Present: Absent:

SUBJECTSINSTR

LEVEL

FINAL CREDIT

EARNED

QUALITY

POINTSGRADE


Present: Absent:

DIPLOMA CERT. DATE

SCHOOL

SCH. ADDRESS

SCH. PHONE #

ACTIVITIES

HONORS/AWARDS

GPA: Weighted GPA:

MARYLAND SCHOLAR �

DATE



Present: Absent:


Present: Absent:



The definitions of the letters follow.

A

OUTSTANDING

B

ABOVE AVERAGE

C

AVERAGE

D

BELOW AVERAGE

E

UNSATISFACTORY

INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL KEY

GT GIFTED & TALENTED -Offered at a level appropriate for students identified as gifted and talented in this subject area.



SE SPECIAL EDUCATION -Offered at a level appropriate for students certified as needing special education in this subject area.

QUALITY POINTS KEY

GIFTED & TALENTED A = 6 B = 5 C = 4 D = 1 E = 0 HONORS A = 5 B = 4 C = 3 D = 1 E = 0

STANDARD A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 E = 0 SPECIAL EDUCATION A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 E = 0

Legal Name

ID Number

Birth Date Race Sex

Take the transcript challenge

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Transcript

“Im the one you want!”,“Im the one you want!”,

Who would you hire?Who would you hire?

YES!YES!This is what your transcript looks like at the beginning of high school. IItt’’ss aa cclleeaann ssllaattee..

YYoouu hhaavvee tthhee ppoowweerr ttoo mmaakkee iitt sshhiinnee.. As you complete courses, pass tests, accomplish tasksand earn awards, yyoouu aarree ccrreeaattiinngg aa ppiiccttuurree ooff yyoouurrsseellff that tells colleges and employers,

| 4 | BEWHATIWANTTOBE.COM BEWHATIWANTTOBE.COM| 5 |


LIVE MORE

www.umbc.edu | 1-800-UMBC-4U2

Are you curious and creative? Like doing things with friends? At UMBC, you can join in activities for every interest, from rec sports to more than 200 clubs, including sailing, Habitat for Humanityand Students for Environmental Awareness —plus come cheer on our Division I Retrievers!With students from more than 100 countries, you’ll make friends from all over the world! Want to see for yourself? Go to be.umbc.edu, created by and for UMBC students.

AAccaaddeemmiicc cclluubbssDebate teamFuture Business Leaders of AmericaForeign languages (like the Latin Club)Honor SocietyMath teamMock trialMESAFuture Educators of AmericaStudent governmentYearbook

AArrttss cclluubbssArtBandOrchestraDanceTheater and dramaPoetryChorus or choirFilm and videoPhotography

AAtthhlleettiicc tteeaammssCheerleading squadJROTCSports teamsStep squads

WWhhaatt ddoo yyoouu ddoo

aafftteerr sscchhooooll??aafftteerr sscchhooooll??

Joining a team or club can be a lot offun and a great way to make friends inhigh school. It can even help you getinto a great college — admission offi-cers like to see extracurricular activi-ties in addition to good grades. Hereare just a few examples of what youcan do after school:

VolunteeringAll Maryland high school studentsmust perform a certain number ofhours of community service to gradu-ate. Fulfill your Service LearningRequirement by doing something youenjoy, whether it’s helping animals,the elderly or the environment! To getstarted, talk to a teacher, call a localhospital or religious group, or checkout www.volunteermaryland.org. Hereare some of the ways you can volunteerand give back to your own community:

• Walk dogs or play with cats at an animal shelter

• Spend your summer building homes for Habitat for Humanity

• Work with children at a day care center or after-school program

• Assist your local library with community programs

• Collect bottles and cans to raise money for a group and help the environment

• Make get-well cards for hospital patients

• Sort clothes at a thrift store

• Spend time with elderly people at anursing home

• Tutor other students

• Collect food for your local food bank to help those in need

• Mentor children through the Boys and Girls Club

• Plant flowers and trees at the park

1111tthh ggrraaddee • Maintain good grades and work to your potential. Junior-year grades are especially important

for college admissions. But all four years count.• Take Honors and AP classes.• Register, study and take the SAT or ACT test. • Check out the colleges you are interested in — in person and online. Know their admissions

criteria.• Make sure you have passed all the High School Assessments. Get help if you haven’t.

1122tthhggrraaddee • Make the most of

your senior year.It is important! No time to ease up now.

• Take a rigorous math class so you’ll be ready forcollege entrance exams.

• Meet with your school counselor and review your transcript.

• Retake any standardized tests and send applications to top-pick colleges.

• Know and meet the deadlines to fill out applications, and start early to write essays and get teacher recommendations.

• Submit your college financial aid application (FAFSA) by March 1 — even if you think you don’t need or won’t qualify for financial aid.

• Search the Web and private groups for scholarships and apply.

• Be recognized as a Maryland Scholar. Celebrate!

Take the quiz and earn points

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/ScholarsPays


ttoo ccoolllleeggeeCCoouunnttddoowwnnCCoouunnttddoowwnn

A year-by-year outline to make sure you will be ready

A college degree can mean an extra $1 million in lifetime earnings.

Consider going to college and start planning early.

AAllll yyeeaarrss • Take challenging courses, like Maryland Scholars,

Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate.

• Prepare for and pass the High School Assessments: Algebra 1, English 2, Biology and Government.

• Get involved in extracurricular activities: Develop your talents, interests and leadership skills.

• Start saving now: Open a college savings accountand accept contributions from family/friends.

• Visit college campuses: Take a tour, attend sports and cultural events, or take a summer workshop.

• Explore careers: Create an account on www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com and complete activities.

88tthh ggrraaddee • Sign up for Maryland Scholars

courses in your high school plan.• Start thinking about colleges and

careers that interest you.• Try to complete Algebra 1 by the

end of 8th grade.• Work hard and study to get good

grades — it will make a difference in your options for high school.

• Join clubs, activities and sports.

Discover how you can be a Maryland Scholar!BeWhatIWantToBe.com/ScholarsPays

99tthh ggrraaddee • Know what you need to do to

graduate from high school and get into college.

• Meet with your school counselorregularly to discuss goals and plans.

• Study, study, study. Colleges lookat your transcript beginning with freshman grades.

• Ask for help when you need it.• Join and participate in clubs,

activities and sports that you enjoy.

1100tthh ggrraaddee • Check in with your school

counselor to make sure you’re on track with your coursework.

• Keep up with classes, assignments and grades.

• Continue extracurricular activities and take a leadership role if possible.

• Take PSAT or ACT PLAN tests to be prepared to take the SAT and ACT tests.

• Plan enrichment activities for the summer, like summer workshops, internships, apprenticeships and jobs.

CCoolllleeggeeCCoolllleeggee


What is required for a Certificate?• Completion of job training — can take a few weeks or up to two years• Awarded by community colleges and private career schools• Can even be earned in high school

What is required for an Associate’s Degree?• Two years of full-time college coursework – 60 credits• Offered by community colleges and other two-year colleges• Most common are: Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of

Science (A.S.)

What is required for a Bachelor’s Degree?• Four to five years of full-time college course of study – 120 credits• Most common are: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.)• Marks of excellence can be earned – cum laude (with honors),

magna cum laude (with high honors) or summa cum laude (with highest honors); generally based on grade point average

What is required for a Master’s Degree?• One to two years of coursework beyond bachelor’s degree –

30-60 credits• Can be earned part-time over several years• May require writing a thesis or dissertation

What is required for a Doctoral Degree?• Two to five years of coursework beyond master’s degree –

60-120 credits• Requires writing a thesis or dissertation• Requires passing oral and written examinations

What is required for a Professional Degree?• Two to five years of coursework beyond bachelor’s degree –

60-120 credits• Requires completing academic requirements to become licensed

in careers such as law, medicine or architecture• May require passing statewide examinations and/or serving an

internship

ooff eedduuccaattiioonn

SSiixx ddeeggrreeeessSSiixx ddeeggrreeeessAn academic degree is a title granted by a

college or university that usually signifies completion

of an established course of study.


Theres a lot more where these came fromFor schools not listed here, visit these sites on the Web

www.MDGo4It.org

www.collegeboard.com

www.petersons.com

www.princetonreview.com

www.search4colleges.com

www.usnews.com

Public colleges# of Yearly

Name Location Website undergrads tuition

Bowie State University Bowie www.bowiestate.edu 5,483 (fall 2008) $4,415

Coppin State University Baltimore www.coppin.edu 2,489 $3,633

Frostburg State University Frostburg www.frostburg.edu 4,755 $5,150

Morgan State University Baltimore www.morgan.edu 5,572 $4,408

Salisbury University Salisbury www.salisbury.edu 6,954 $4,960

Towson University Towson www.towson.edu 15,281 $5,336

University of Baltimore Baltimore www.ubalt.edu 3,004 $5,484

U. Maryland – Baltimore County Catonsville www.umbc.edu 9,947 $6,679

U. Maryland – College Park College Park www.umd.edu 24,583 $6,763

U. Maryland – Eastern Shore Princess Anne www.umes.edu 3,922 $4,235

U. Maryland – University College Adelphi www.umuc.edu 33,963 $5,688

Number of undergrads based upon fall 2009 unless otherwise stated

Private colleges# of Yearly

Name Location Website undergrads tuition

Baltimore International College Baltimore www.bic.edu 800+ $17,930

Capitol College Laurel www.capitol-college.edu 320 $20,000

College of Notre Dame of Maryland Baltimore www.ndm.edu 1,254 $27,600

Goucher College Towson www.goucher.edu 1,446 $34,326

Hood College Frederick www.hood.edu 1,432 $29,440

Johns Hopkins University Baltimore www.jhu.edu 4,954 $39,150

(2009-10 inc. fees)

Loyola University Baltimore www.loyola.edu 3,757 $37,950

Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore www.mica.edu 1,714 (2010-11) $34,550

McDaniel College Westminster www.mcdaniel.edu 1,700 $33,280

Mt. St. Mary’s University Emmitsburg www.msmary.edu 1,501 $28,420

(2009-10)

St. John’s College Annapolis www.stjohnscollege.edu 450-475 $41,792

St. Mary’s College of Maryland St. Mary’s City www.smcm.edu 1,994 $22,650

Stevenson University Stevenson www.stevenson.edu 2,600 $22,090

(inc. fees)

Washington College Chestertown www.washcoll.edu 1,205 $36,078

Number of undergrads based upon fall 2009 unless otherwise stated

Community colleges## ooff CCoosstt ppeerr

NNaammee LLooccaattiioonn WWeebbssiittee uunnddeerrggrraaddss ccrreeddiitt hhoouurr

Allegany College of Maryland Cumberland www.allegany.edu 4,085 $102

Anne Arundel Community College Arnold www.aacc.edu 16,741 $88

Baltimore City Community College Baltimore www.bccc.edu 6,953 $88

Carroll Community College Westminster www.carrollcc.edu 3,913 $99

Cecil College North East www.cecil.edu 2,389 $90

Chesapeake College Wye Mills www.chesapeake.edu 2,856 $99

LaPlata, Leonardtown,

College of Southern Maryland Prince Frederick www.csmd.edu 8,810 $100

Catonsville,

Community College of Baltimore County Dundalk, Essex www.ccbcmd.edu 23,584 $100

Frederick Community College Frederick www.frederick.edu 6,233 $103

Garrett College McHenry www.garrettcollege.edu 897 $90

Hagerstown Community College Hagerstown www.hagerstowncc.edu 4,453 $100

Harford Community College Bel Air www.harford.edu 6,656 $77

Howard Community College Columbia www.howardcc.edu 8,778 $116

Germantown, Rockville,

Montgomery College Silver Spring www.montgomerycollege.edu 26,147 $107

Prince George’s Community College Largo www.pgcc.edu 13,685 $96

Wor-Wic Community College Salisbury www.worwic.edu 4,045 $81

iinn MMaarryyllaannddCCoolllleeggee ttuuiittiioonnCCoolllleeggee ttuuiittiioonn

,

BEWHATIWANTTOBE.COM| 17 |

TThhee bbaassiiccss

It is possible for everyone to go to college.There are many ways to pay for school and toget help paying for it. There are three maintypes of financial aid students can get:

GGrraannttss aanndd sscchhoollaarrsshhiippss:: Grants usu-ally are given to students who qualify for finan-cial assistance. Scholarships generally aregiven to recognize a student’s academic suc-cess, athletic skill or other talent. Scholarshipsmay come with conditions, such as maintain-ing a certain major or GPA. Grants and scholar-ships typically do not need to be repaid.

SSttuuddeenntt llooaannss must be repaid, usuallywith interest, after the student graduates orstops going to school. Parents also may take outloans for their children’s education.

WWoorrkk--ssttuuddyy is a federal aid program runby colleges that allows students to work to earnmoney to help pay for school.

ffoorr ccoolllleeggee

SSoouurrcceess && ttyyppeess ooff aaiiddFFeeddeerraall aaiidd:: Pell Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant,SMART grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Work-Study, Direct Family Educational Loan Program, Perkins Loan.

SSttaattee aaiidd:: Guaranteed Access Grant and Education Assistance Grant.

CCoolllleeggeess aanndd uunniivveerrssiittiieess:: Schools have a variety of aidthat includes grants, scholarships, employment and loans.

PPrriivvaattee oorrggaanniizzaattiioonnss:: Many clubs, professional organiza-tions and community groups provide scholarships.

WWhhaatt iiss FFAAFFSSAA??FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Thedata on your FAFSA is used to determine if you are eligible forfinancial aid from federal and state aid programs and financial aidprograms offered by colleges and universities. There is no chargeto file the FAFSA, so PPLLEEAASSEE do not pay for assistance in com-pleting the form. If you cannot file an electronic FAFSA or needhelp in completing the form, contact your high school guidanceoffice and/or college financial aid office.

WWhhaatt ddoo II ddoo nnooww ttoo pprreeppaarree??• Consider your goals and what education you need

to reach them.• View the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s

Student Guide to Higher Education and Financial Aidin Maryland at www.mhec.state.md.us for informationon colleges and universities and programs offered.

• Enroll in high-level courses while in high school.College isn’t easy. The more you learn in highschool, the better you will do in college and themore college options you will have. Develop goodstudy habits. They’ll help you now and later.

• Get involved in school and volunteer activities.Many scholarship programs, especially privatescholarships, look for these activities when picking students for scholarships. Many clubs andother groups offer scholarships, some of whichyou can win years before your senior year of high school.

1100 ttiippss oonn ppaayyiinngg ffoorr ccoolllleeggee1. Start saving for college early.

2. Work with high school counselors to find scholarships or search the Internet on your own.

3. Make sure you know, and meet, deadlines for financial aid.

4. Earn college credit in high school by taking AP or parallel enrollment classes.

5. Lessen costs by starting at a nearby community college and living at home.

6. Earn your degree faster by taking summer courses.

7. At some colleges you can take 15 credit hours for the same price as the more typical 12 credit hours.

8. Get a part-time job on or off campus.

9. Many community groups and often your parents’ companies have scholarships available. But it’s up to you to find these sources of money.

10. If you have a scholarship, don’t blow it by getting bad grades or acting up.

MMoorree oonn sscchhoollaarrsshhiippssLiterally hundreds of thousands of scholar-

ships are available. More than $90 million ofscholarship money is available from the state ofMaryland alone. Other scholarships are offeredby individuals, corporations and foundationsand can be searched for on the Internet orresearched in your school’s guidance office orcollege center.

Many scholarships require you to write anessay and/or submit letters of recommendation.There are scholarships out there for everyone,including specific awards for:

• Women• Men• 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th graders• People with specific ethnic backgrounds• People going into specific areas of study• People with volunteer experience• People with disabilities• People involved in clubs• People with special talents• People whose parents hold certain jobs• People whose parents are in the military• Short people• Tall people• Left-handed people• People who never get scholarships

CChheecckk oouutt pp.. 1144 ttoo lleeaarrnn

wwhhaatt iitt ccoossttss ttoo ggoo ttoo

sscchhooooll iinn MMaarryyllaanndd!!

HHooww mmuucchh ddooeess ccoolllleeggee ccoosstt??

College is more than just tuition and fees. It also may include:• Food and housing• Health insurance• Lab fees for certain courses• Transportation expenses to go home on weekends

or holidays or to commute to campus• Books and other supplies like notebooks, folders,

computers and calculators• Other personal expenses such as laundry, groceries

and entertainment

GGoooodd wweebbssiitteess ttoo cchheecckk oouutt

www.mdgo4it.com www.fastweb.com

www.finaid.orgwww.studentaid.ed.gov www.mhec.state.md.uswww.collegeboard.com

www.fafsa.ed.govwww.collegeanswer.com

www.petersons.comwww.easfaa.org

www.supercollege.com www.waytogomaryland.org

PPaayyiinnggPPaayyiinngg

WWhheenn && hhooww ddoo II ffiillee tthhee FFAAFFSSAA??The FAFSA should be filed during the spring semester of your senior year between Jan. 1 and March 1. This will

ensure you are considered for most types of financial aid. To file online go to www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Both you and your par-ents must apply for a personal identification number (PIN) to sign your online FAFSA at

www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/appinstr.jsp. You will need federal income tax information for the last tax year for both you and your parents. Estimates can be

used at first; however, actual tax information must be turned in once tax returns are complete.

WWhhaatt ttoo aasskk• What courses of study/majors do the colleges offer/special-

ize in?• What kinds of transition support services do they

offer freshmen?• How do you get help when you need it?• What’s the student-teacher ratio?

CCaarreeeerrCCaarreeeerr

After visiting a few schools, they may start to all

seem the same. Bring your camera to help you

remember the different experiences.

Picture yourself spending the

next four years in this place.

Is it the right school for you?

WWhhaatt ttoo sseeee• The dorms.

• How far is the walk to class?• Are the dorms co-ed?• Do they have study areas?• Is there a laundry room for students?

• The library. Is there computer access for student use?• The cafeteria. Is there a variety of food? What is the

student food plan? Try the food if you can.• The bookstore. • Take a peek at the arenas while on campus.

You may even be able to attend a game or concert.

WWhhaatt ttoo ddoo• Interview with an admissions officer. • Get information about financial aid and work

opportunities on campus.• Take a tour with a student guide. Ask students questions

about their experiences.• Why did they choose this college?• What is their major?• What do they do for fun?

• Read the student newspaper. What is happening on campus?• Venture off-campus. Is it a safe area? Are there movie

theaters and restaurants? Could you find an off-campus job? What kind of public transportation is available?

ccaammppuuss vviissiittccaammppuuss vviissiittWWhhaatt ttoo sseeee && ddoo oonn yyoouurr

Try to visit college campuses when school is in session, so you can really get a feel forwhat it’s like during a normal day. You can try to schedule your next visit on a highschool administrative day, when you have off but colleges are holding classes. You canalso use your spring break to visit out-of-state schools — some colleges will even letyou spend the night in one of their dorms. If visiting in person is not possible, be sureto take a virtual tour!

| 20 | BEWHATIWANTTOBE.COM

ttoo lliivvee??ttoo lliivvee??WWhhaatt ddooeess iitt ccoosstt HHeerree iiss wwhhaatt ssoommee MMaarryyllaanndd jjoobbss ppaayy

Projected Median Median Median Occupation Education openings in 2016 hourly wage monthly wage annual wage

Lawyer Bachelor’s degree and higher 4,230 $61.75 $10,700 $128,400Pediatrician Bachelor’s degree and higher 575 $61.75 $10,692 $128,300Veterinarian Bachelor’s degree and higher 1,470 $49.50 $8,560 $102,725Mechanical Engineer Bachelor’s degree and higher 1,310 $42.75 $7,419 $89,025Environmental Engineer Bachelor’s degree and higher 1,680 $42.00 $7,288 $87,450Zoologist Bachelor’s degree and higher 60 $41.00 $7,121 $85,450Biomedical Engineer Bachelor’s degree and higher 195 $40.50 $7,038 $84,450Nurse Bachelor’s degree and higher 25,700 $36.50 $6,317 $75,800Speech Language Pathologist Bachelor’s degree and higher 945 $36.00 $6,225 $74,700Accountant/ Auditor Bachelor’s degree and higher 9,015 $35.75 $6,200 $74,400Landscape Architect Bachelor’s degree and higher 220 $33.50 $5,808 $69,700Environmental Scientist Bachelor’s degree and higher 2,515 $33.50 $5,792 $69,500Real Estate Sales Agent Associate’s degree 3,045 $30.25 $5,229 $62,750Writer Bachelor’s degree and higher 675 $29.50 $5,121 $61,450Forensic Science Technician Bachelor’s degree and higher 115 $28.50 $4,950 $59,400Teacher Bachelor’s degree and higher 33,260 $27.75 $4,852 $58,225Police Officer High school 6,310 $27.50 $4,760 $57,125Graphic Designer Bachelor’s degree and higher 1,955 $25.25 $4,365 $52,375Plumber High school 5,170 $24.50 $4,254 $51,050Administrative Assistant High school 19,435 $23.75 $4,119 $49,425Carpenter High school 11,575 $20.75 $3,596 $43,150Emergency Medical Technician Associate’s degree 945 $20.50 $3,535 $42,425Dental Assistant High school 2,230 $17.00 $2,931 $35,175Fitness Trainer Associate’s degree 3,175 $15.25 $2,633 $31,600

For more occupations, visit www.dllr.state.md.us/lmi/ and see the Occupation listings. Or, visit www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com.

WWiillll yyoouu bbee aabbllee ttoo aaffffoorrdd iitt??Sample salaries (based on 40 hours per week) – minimum wage is $7.25/hour.

$7.25 hourly = $1,160 monthly – taxes = $789 monthly take-home pay$8.50 hourly = $1,360 monthly – taxes = $925 monthly take-home pay

$10.00 hourly = $1,600 monthly – taxes = $1,088 monthly take-home pay$20.00 hourly = $3,200 monthly – taxes = $2,176 monthly take-home pay

MMoonntthhllyy eexxppeennsseessApartment $800 Apartment $600Car payment 300 Bus fare 60Car insurance/gas/maintenance 450Gas/electricity 150 Gas/electricity 150Phone/Internet/Cable TV 150 Phone 50Food 350 Food 200Entertainment 200TToottaall $$22,,440000 TToottaall $$11,,006600


PPeerr wweeeekk

PPeerr mmoonntthhGross wages (x4 weeks)

$2,400.00

Taxes withheld-$408.00-$144.00-$144.00

Other deductions-$80

Net pay $1,624.00

What are you doing to prepare yourself to earn a good salary?

OORRYou could cut out a few things(such as a car, Internet, cableand entertainment). Do you

really need such a big apartment? What about

cooking instead of going to a restaurant?

PPaayy CChheecckk

Pay to theorder of JJaannee EEyyrree

FF oo uu rr -- hh uu nn dd rr ee dd ss ii xx dd oo ll ll aa rr ss aa nn dd zz ee rr oo cc ee nn tt ss

EEaarrnniinnggss RRaattee HHoouurrss TThhiiss PPeerriiooddRegular 15.00 40 600.00

GGrroossss PPaayy $$660000..0000

DDeedduuccttiioonnss SSttaattuuttoorryyFederal Income Tax -102.00State/Local Income Tax -36.00Social Security Tax -36.00

OOtthheerrHealth Insurance -20.00NNeett PPaayy $$440066..0000

Jane Eyre444 Main StreetEllicott City, MD [email protected]

EDUCATION Central High School, 9th grade GPA: 2.8/4.0Perfect attendance during first semesterMaryland Scholar

EMPLOYMENT Ellicott City Community Pool, lifeguard Summer 201016 hours of work every weekendTrained in CPR and first aidMaintained pool cleanliness and safety

ACTIVITIES J.V. Soccer, team captain 2009-2010Eight hours of practice and two games every weekLed team to 14-2 recordHighest goal percentage on teamWon Spirit Award at end-of-the-year banquet

Helping Hand Nursing Center, volunteer 2009-2010Four hours of volunteer work twice a monthTalked to residents, designed activities and assisted nursesRecruited two more volunteers

SKILLS Bilingual: Spanish and EnglishBasic computer skills, including word processing

(Microsoft Word and Word Perfect) and PowerPoint; excellent knowledge of Internet search engines

Responsibility learned through taking care of two siblings most evenings

Organizational skills learned through balancing school, sports and family obligations

Dedication and hard work proven through athletic success

INTERESTS Reading (novels and sports magazines), photography, spending time with family


Tips to get you that all-important interview

RReessuummeess tthhaatt

RROOCCKK!!RROOCCKK!!

Is your e-mail address something like [email protected]?Doesn’t sound too professional, does it? Make a new one for jobsearching using just your name or initials. There are a ton of free e-mail sites, such as gmail.com, hotmail.com and yahoo.com.

List can include awards, honors orother special classes or vocational programs. Tip: List your sculptureclass if you’re applying for an internship at a museum.

If your school givesyour grades as a per-centage, write “Avg:87.3%.” If yourgrades aren’t so hot,leave them out fornow and work onimproving them.

How long have youbeen involved orwere you involved?Employers like tosee commitment.

Include things youdo at school and inyour community, aswell as volunteeractivities. Writeabout your role inthe activity, whatyou do/did, whatskills you’ve gainedas a result, and anyachievements andhonors.

This is a good place to list things you do orlike, especially if they are related to the kindof job you want. For instance, if you want tobe a lifeguard, mention that you love swim-ming and exercising!

Key traits andskills that willimpress would-beemployers: respon-sibility, organiza-tion, dedication,hard work, multi-tasking, leadership,creativity, timemanagement.Think about howyou’ve learned orbeen able to usethese skills or traitsand describe theexperience.

IInn ggeenneerraall ......• Be sure the information you give is RELEVANT, TRUE and COMPLETE.• Make your resume easy to read (large-enough text) and attractive

(consistent formatting and good organization).• Check your spelling and grammar!

Most high school kids don’t have much work experience. Employers expect that. Still, they want to know what makes you stand out. Nothing reflects your skills and achievements better than your transcript or a great resume.

CCooooll jjoobbssCCooooll jjoobbssaanndd tthhee eedduuccaattiioonn yyoouu nneeeedd

Think about people you know or people you’ve read about or have seen on TV whohave cool jobs. Maybe you want to be a veterinarian, a website designer specializing inblogging or a fighter pilot.

Ask around to find out what you need to get those jobs … it might be college, gradschool, technical training or a personal connection with someone in that field.Friends, family, teachers and your school counselor are all great resources (and ofcourse, check out BeWhatIWantToBe.com). Think ahead to land your dream job

JJoobb CCllaasssseess iinn hhiigghh sscchhooooll AAfftteerr hhiigghh sscchhooooll ttrraaiinniinngg

Astronaut Trigonomety, chemistry, physics Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science

Blogger Computers, English, history Bachelor’s degree in English or journalism

Concert Promoter Computers, English Bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications

Fighter Pilot Computers, math, physical education, physics Specialized military training in aerial warfare

Food Critic English, science Bachelor’s degree in print or Web journalism

Forensic Scientist Chemisty, biology, calculus Bachelor’s degree in forensic science

Marine Biologist Chemistry, physics, geology Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marine biology

Photographer Art, photography Bachelor of fine arts degree

Ski Instructor Physical education Bachelor’s degree in physical education

Sports Broadcaster English, physical education Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism

Toy Designer Art, physics, technology Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Veterinarian Biology, chemistry, math Bachelor’s degree in biology or zoology Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree

Website designer Art, computers, math Bachelor’s degree in website development



AerospaceThe Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Lockheed Martin Corp.Lockheed Martin OperationsNorthrop Grumman Corp. EducationThe Johns Hopkins University FinanceBank of AmericaChevy Chase Bank Health careAdventist HealthCareAnne Arundel Medical Center Inc.CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Health InsuranceDimensions Health Corp.Greater Baltimore Medical CenterHeartland Employment Services Helix Health Inc.Holy Cross Hospital of Silver Spring Inc. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical CenterJohns Hopkins Health SystemsThe Johns Hopkins Hospital Kaiser Permanente Mercy Medical Center in BaltimorePeninsula Regional Medical Center Sinai Hospital St. Agnes HealthCare Inc.University of Maryland Medical SystemUpper Chesapeake Health SystemsInformation TechnologyScience Applications International Corp.RestaurantsDarden RestaurantsMcDonald’s Restaurants of Maryland OS Restaurant Services Inc.Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers RetailBest Buy Food Lion Giant Food Stores Home Depot Lowe’s Macy’s Rite Aid Corp.SearsSafeway Target Walmart/Sam’s Club TelecommunicationsCellco Partnership ComcastVerizon Maryland Inc.OtherAdministaff Inc.Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.Booz Allen & Hamilton Inc.Marriott International Administrative Services Southwest Airlines Co. UPS

Source: Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Division ofWorkforce Development and Adult Learning, March 2009.

55005500bbiiggggeesstt eemmppllooyyeerrssiinn MMaarryyllaanndd


SSttuuddeennttss aasskkSSttuuddeennttss aasskkoonn BBeeWWhhaattIIWWaannttTTooBBee..ccoomm HHeellpp mmee cchhoooossee

aa ccaarreeeerr!!I am an aspiring photographer. But I’m still a lit-tle bit worried. If I don’t make a living in photog-raphy I would want to become a lawyer or jour-nalist. So what do you think would be a betterchoice?— Damien N. in Wicomico County, Class of 2012

Dear Damien,I can’t tell you which is a better choice for you.Only you know that. Go meet someone in thatjob. Talk with them! The best thing you can donow is to take challenging courses and getinvolved in school activities (art, photo club,debate, mock trial, school newspaper or maga-zine) so that you have LOTS of experiences andoptions available to you.Good luck!

PPaayyiinngg ffoorr ccoolllleeggee —— wwiillll sscchhoollaarrsshhiippss ccoovveerr iitt??If I get a full athletic scholarship to a college, will that pay for ALL of my books and tuition and so on?— Mark T. in Charles County, Class of 2011

Dear Mark,Well, if you get a FULL scholarship, yes, it will probably pay for your books and expenses. But remember that there are aLOT of people trying to get a very small number of full scholarships — many people end up with partial scholarships. Gofor it! But you should be realistic. Remember that getting a football scholarship means you have to play football the wholetime. Injuries can really mess things up, so you need to have a BACKUP plan. (BeWhatIWantToBe.com features the storiesof pro athletes who created backup plans that are now paying off.) And check out NASA’s Noble: His backup plan paid offafter pro football. Did you know that even sports scholarships have academic/GPA requirements? Talk to your coach andschool counselor.Good luck!

WWhhaatt sshhoouulldd II ddoo??I think I want to own my own business.Should I pick an academic program because Iget good grades? Or should I take a separatecareer program in high school?— Angie B. In Baltimore City, Class of 2015

Dear Angie,Great question! Choosing your high school andthe courses you take really do matter. Talk toyour family and ask your guidance counselorabout the courses you will need to reach yourgoals. Aim high and challenge yourself. You canreach your goals if you work for them.

Have a question?Ask at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com

MMaarryyllaanndd SScchhoollaarrss iiss MMYY ttiicckkeett ——ccaann II ssttiillll bbee aa sscchhoollaarr??Do I have to get good grades all four years of highschool in order to be a Maryland Scholar?— Ashley S. in Baltimore City, Class of 2011

Dear Ashley,All four years of high school matter! But it is nottoo late to work hard, take the right courses and doyour best. Check with your counselor to make surerequired courses are on your schedule. You need toend up with a 2.5 GPA overall to be a MarylandScholar. So, if you had trouble in 9th or 10th gradeand CAN improve your grades, you could still be aMaryland Scholar. Check outBeWhatIWantToBe.com/ScholarsPays.We’ll look for you as a Maryland Scholar in 2011!

NEW BIOINFORMATICSPROGRAM

A new program is offered for

students who want to

pursue the Bachelor of

Science in Bioinformatics.

Designed as a multi-

disciplinary four-year

honors program, Bowie State’s

bioinformatics introduces students to

tools and methodologies for applying

computational approaches to facilitate

the understanding of various biological

processes.

Contact us today at 301-860-3415for more information about

Bioinformatics and other excitingprograms.

Achieve

your educational

and career goals during

fall,winter, spring

and summer sessions.

B o w i e , M a r y l a n d � b o w i e s t a t e . e d u

Schedules are located at

bulldogconnect.bowiestate.edu.

CONTACT US TODAY: [email protected]

301-860-3415

�

�

TAKE A

LOOK AT

BOWIE STATE

UNIVERSITY

BE WHAT

I WANTTO BE .COM

BE WHAT

I WANTTO BE .COM

Want to learn more about anything you’ve read?

Learn how much game designers make on average

I work in Baltimore County

How would you like to

design games for a living? Find

out what you need to do

at BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Games.

Careerkind of games — card games and so on.Play a lot of games. Think about whatmakes a game good. And always keepyour mind active.

Typical day8 a.m.: Wake up.9 a.m.: Arrive at work, check e-mails.Meet with my team to discuss our goalsfor the day. Review specs for whateversystem I’m working on. Pull down thelatest code for the game. 12-1 p.m.: Go to lunch. Play pool, Ping-Pong or some video games like StreetFighter during lunch. The companyprovides these activities on-site as away for employees to unwind duringbreaks. 1 p.m.: The animators and I sit down

and go over what enemy we are work-ing on for the day. Animators and I willbrainstorm and review animations. Ithen go back to my desk to code/scriptbehaviors for enemies or whatevergame system I’m currently working on.4 p.m.: We’ll run a Daily Game, wherewe get someone from the company toplay through a small portion of thegame. We take notes on how we canimprove the play experience. Fromthese notes we’ll generate new tasks tostart working on the next day.5-6 p.m.: Get off work. Hang out andplay some more Street Fighter. Discussany improvements we’d like to messaround with in our off-hours time. 6-7 p.m.: Head home, watch some of myfavorite anime or TV shows and playwhatever game has recently come out.

Always keep your mind active.


PHOTOS BY MAXIMILIAN FRANZ

Who or what inspired meWhen I was 12, my grandfather helpedme write my first computer program.He showed me the potential I truly had.But I didn’t fully realize it at the time.Early on in high school, I didn’t see thepoint of it. I slept through a lot of myclasses and often didn’t do my home-work. It wasn’t until I took a computerprogramming class in my sophomoreyear that I found what I was truly pas-sionate about. In 10th grade, my com-puter programming teacher sat downwith me and helped me realize thepotential I had. After that, I buckleddown and started taking the rest of myclasses seriously. I bumped up mygrades from C’s to A’s.

Choices and key decisionsI started my freshman year of college as anengineering major at a prestigious university.Then in my second semester, I learned aboutthe Simulation and Digital Entertainment pro-gram at the Community College of BaltimoreCounty. It took a lot of guts to leave the presti-gious program I’d just started to chase mydreams. Every day I’m thankful I did.

What I doAs a game designer I work as part of a teamto make fantasy video games. I make reallycool monsters for the games and come upwith ideas for how the creature will act inthe game. Then I work closely with anima-tors who develop the characters and story

line. Once a draft of the game is complete, Iplay it and watch others play it. Then myteam members and I refine the charactersand polish the player experience.

Why I do what I doMy favorite part of the job is getting paid tocreate games I loved to play as a kid. Myleast favorite part of the job is handing overmy ideas to somebody else and letting themtake the reins. It requires a lot of trust in myteam members. And, since it’s a creativejob, getting ideas rejected can also be tough.

Advice to studentsMy advice to students who want a careerin game designing: Keep designing — any

DDaakkoottaa LL.. GGaammee DDeessiiggnneerr,, BBiigg HHuuggee GGaammeess;; AAlluummnnuuss,, CCCCBBCC


Learn about the perks of working for IBM

I work in Montgomery County

Get ideas for how to build your

confidence and discover your

interests through extracurricular

activities at BeWhatIWantToBe.com/IT.

Careersomewhere you’ve never been! My trav-el experiences completely changed myview of life. I’ve met people from allwalks of life — different ethnicities,religions and cultures.

Typical day6:30 a.m.: I’m still sleeping! My alarmclock is just starting to ring.9 a.m.: Read through my e-mails andbegin my first task. That may includewriting a brief, researching an upcomingproject or designing a Web page. 11 a.m.: Give a training class to govern-

ment employees about using Twitter orFacebook to help them in their jobs. 1 p.m.: After lunch (typically eaten at mydesk), meet with team members or theclient, where I present a PowerPoint pres-entation or take notes to distribute to therest of the team. 4 p.m.: Finish assigned tasks for the day.Join in a conference call with fellowIBMers to discuss current projects. Begindoing administrative tasks, like fillingout my expense report or time sheet.5-6 p.m.: Leave work.7 p.m.: Attend choir rehearsal or go to thegym.

I was inspired by thestrong and independent

women in my family.



Who or what inspired meGrowing up, I was inspired by the strong andindependent women in my family. Mymother, aunts and grandmothers grew up inworking-class neighborhoods, but they wereable to create opportunities for themselves.For example, my aunt became the firstAfrican-American from her high school tostudy abroad, in Belgium.

Choices and key decisionsBeing soft-spoken and shy in high schoolmade it difficult for me to meet new people.Getting involved in extracurricular activi-ties I felt passionate about helped my confi-dence grow. I joined choruses and choirs,went to French cultural events and men-

tored children from my neighborhood. I alsolooked for opportunities that would allowme to travel outside of my neighborhoodand outside of the United States. Lookingback on my high school years, I wish I hadtaken more time to hang out and enjoybeing a teenager. My ambition got me whereI am today, but I didn’t realize that there wasenough time to work hard and also enjoymyself.

What I doAs a consultant, I work with governmentclients — the Navy, the Department ofEnergy and the Department of Defense — tofigure out the best way for them to do theirjobs effectively and efficiently. I have to real-ly listen to my clients to understand what

they do, then interpret ways I can help themdo it better. As a Web 2.0 specialist, I takesocial networking systems like Facebookand Twitter, which are typically used for fun,and teach my clients how they can makethem applicable to the workplace.

Why I do what I doBeing a consultant means I can enjoy theflexibility of working from home or a coffeeshop instead of the traditional office. Plus,working for an international companyoffers many exciting projects and travelopportunities.

Advice to studentsDon’t be afraid to try something new or go

BBrriittttaannyy TT.. WWeebb 22..00 CCoonnssuullttaanntt,, IIBBMM



Read the stories of other professional astronomers

I work in Prince George’s County

Reach for the stars and you might land

on the moon. Start setting your goals

today at BeWhatIWantToBe.com/

SpaceScience.

Careerreally cool new technology like theWebb telescope. My field is called obser-vational cosmology. It answers the bigquestions — how the universe began,how it is changing — and I like that.

Advice to studentsMy advice is to find mentors at everystage of your education. Be proactive inseeking out opportunities like summerinternships. Coming from a placewhere it was so uncommon to study sci-ence and math, it is my feeling that youshould do what you want to do.

Typical dayI get up at 6:30 and do an hour of yoga. Iget to work about 8:30. I’m pretty muchin front of my computer most of thetime. One of the perks is I do lot of trav-eling all over the world to present myresearch at meetings. A couple ofmonths ago I was in Germany for a con-ference. I’m going to Venice in the fall.Another perk is that a lot of the world’sground-based telescopes are in beauti-ful places like Hawaii and Chile and I gothere, too. I leave work at about 6. I loveto cook; it’s my creative outlet. About10:30 I go to bed.

Seek out help andopportunities like

mentors and internships— throughout highschool and college.


Who or what inspired meI grew up in a small farming town inrural Arkansas, and the skies were beau-tifully dark at night. I got interested inthe stars and my parents encouraged myinterest in science. My parents werefarmers. We had a farm — cows, pigs, cat-tle, a vegetable garden, the whole nineyards. It was the stereotypical Southernfarm. In junior and high school, I got thebasic science courses, but there were noadvanced courses, no astronomy club. Idid have a junior high teacher whoencouraged my interest, but it was defi-nitely unusual — my peers felt I was sillyto want to be an astronomer. No one didthat sort of thing. No one leaves a smalltown like that.

Choices and key decisionsI had a passion for astronomy, so I did myown thing. I didn’t let [my peers’ attitude]bother me. And having parents as cheer-leaders was helpful. I am the first personin my family to go to college. In college Idid a summer research internship at a col-lege in Boston. That was my first time hav-ing a real research experience and the firsttime I was out of my home state for anextended period. It was an eye-opening inthe scientific and cultural senses.

What I doI study star-forming properties in galaxies.Different galaxies form stars in differentways and I study how and why that hap-

pens. I work mainly with data from theHubble Space Telescope, which is in orbitand the data is sent back to the SpaceTelescope Science Institute, which is locatedin Baltimore on the campus of JohnsHopkins University. I work specificallywith a group for NASA’s James Webb SpaceTelescope, the scientific successor to Hubblethat is currently being built and is due to belaunched in 2014. I’d say 75 percent of mytime is research and 25 percent is outreachfor the Webb telescope. I give talks at areaschools and attend science fairs.

Why I do what I doPeople ask me all the time why I do what Ido. I get to study the way the universeworks and that’s very cool. I get to work on

AAmmbbeerr SS.. SSppaaccee SScciieennttiisstt,, NNAASSAA


Find out how to get Nathan C.'s career

I work in Anne Arundel County

Set your goals today at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com! What

goals have you set up for yourself?

Careerto get where you want to go. But you’llnever get there without setting goalsand putting yourself out there.

Typical dayI get to work by 7:30 a.m. I may havemeetings. If not, I work at my desk on

projects. After lunch, the afternoonslook the same as the mornings. Everyday is different. The lack of monotonykeeps me engaged and on my toes. Eventhough I am now an engineer, I stilltake classes part-time. I know I canalways improve.

Ive learned that life isnt a

straight line.

,,



Who or what inspired meMy inspiration came from my father. Hewas an engineer who got to work on whatI thought was the coolest stuff. Because ofthis I have always been immersed in tech-nology.

Choices and key decisionsPerhaps my biggest struggle in school wasto stay motivated. Having a career seemedso far away. Through studying withfriends and keeping my eyes on the goal ofbeing an engineer, I was able to stayfocused. As a high school student, even ifyou’re not sure exactly where you want tobe, that’s OK. Just have some sort of goal toaim for. After obtaining my undergraduate

degree, I still wasn’t entirely sure what Iwanted to do with my life. All I knew wasI wanted to do engineering. I attendedgraduate school, a key decision. It redirect-ed me to systems engineering.

What I doCurrently I am working on a couple ofinternal projects to generate innovationwithin the company. That means trying toget others to think of new ideas so we cancreate new products and increase share-holder value.

Why I do what I doI do what I do because I love challenges.Also, since Northrop Grumman is a

defense contractor, I am happy to be work-ing for a company that is committed tomaking the world a better place.

Advice to studentsMy advice is to listen to what others haveto say. No matter who they are, you’ll havesomething to learn from them. Obtain asmuch schooling as you can. You’ll havechances to meet many new people. It wasn’t until I started work that I learnedhow truly intertwined different subjectsare. So take a class that might be a little bitout there for you. Who knows? You maylove it. I’ve been lucky to have parents toguide me as well as many mentors alongthe way. But what I’ve learned is that lifeisn’t a straight line. There are many ways

NNaatthhaann CC.. IInnnnoovvaattiioonn EEnnggiinneeeerr,, NNoorrtthhrroopp GGrruummmmaann


hheeaalltthhyy ppllaanneetthheeaalltthhyy ppllaanneettJJoobbss ffoorr aa

This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employmentand Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflectthe official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Energy Sector Partnership Granthttp://www.gwib.maryland.gov, 410-767-2017.

Just like doctors, nurses and therapists work to keep our bodies and minds

healthy, there are people who work to keep the planet healthy. Each one of us

needs our planet to be healthy to provide for us food, clean water, reliable energy

and fresh air, just to name the basics.

Many of the jobs that make our planet healthier are helping people save

water and energy and pollute less. These “green jobs” can be in many fields, such

as building, engineering, teaching and manufacturing. Many green careers also

are emerging in solar and wind power, exciting new fields that need scientists,

engineers, builders and entrepreneurs.

Meet some of these people with green careers in this magazine and of course

check out BeWhatIWantToBe.com to learn about green career opportunities and

what you need to get those jobs.

Look for for green careers

Learn what other greencareers are available

I work in Western Maryland

Want to learn about

other green jobs? Visit

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Green.

Careerance counselors. Be on the lookout forgreen technology jobs and internships.There is a green component in almostevery industry.

Typical dayI get up at 6:30 a.m. and go to work. Imight have a lunch meeting with a col-

league. My job involves a lot of strate-gizing, which means looking at ourobjectives and seeing how we are doing.I leave work around 5. I’m a fan of theoutdoors. My favorite activity is to grabmy bike or to go hiking. The trail is onlyone mile from my house and nice stateparks are nearby. I’m in bed by 10.

Believe in what you do.


PHOTOS BY RICH DENNISON

Who or what inspired meMy parents’ passion is environmental sus-tainability. They were living in EasternEurope during the Cold War, when short-ages were the norm. People had to be self-reliant. I was born in Poland and moved tothe United States when I was one year old.One of my earliest memories is of my moth-er planting vegetables in our family garden.I participated in an enviro-thon, a competi-tion among high schools on environmentalscience. I did science fair projects every year.I went to the regionals and won awards.

Choices and key decisionsOne of my most critical decisions was togo to college. When I was a junior in high

school, my plan was to go into the militaryand then afterwards go to college on a mil-itary scholarship. Very late, after highschool graduation, I got a merit scholar-ship that covered my freshman year in col-lege. I decided not to pass this up, so I can-celed my plans to go into the military.

What I doOne area of my job is sustainability andstrategic planning for Frostburg. I alsowrote a plan for climate action for almost700 higher education institutions. It entailsour institution’s pledge to reduce theirgreenhouse gas emissions. We are workingtoward zero emissions within a specifictime frame. For Frostburg, the goal is zeronet emissions by year 2030. The plan out-

lines long- and short-term objectives likeinstalling solar panels and buying electrici-ty from renewable sources.

Why I do what I doI believe in what I do. We are reaching outto college students who are the futureleaders of the world. I get to work withwonderful people. My work requires ahigh degree of collaboration with stu-dents, colleagues and activists. Worknever gets dull. I like the fact that it’salways different.

Advice to studentsMy advice is to take advantage of theresources in high school, such as the guid-

MMoonniikkaa UU.. RReesseeaarrcchh AAnnaallyysstt,, OOffffiiccee ooff PPllaannnniinngg aanndd AAnnaallyyssiiss,, LLiivviinngg GGrreeeenn LLeeaarrnniinngg GGrreeeenn IInniittiiaattiivvee,, FFrroossttbbuurrgg SSttaattee UUnniivveerrssiittyy


Find out more about solar careers

I work in Anne Arundel County

Visit BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Green

to learn how you can get a career in

the expanding solar industry.

Careersion of owning my own business. So Iam able to combine the two.

Advice to studentsMy advice is that if you really lovesomething, research ways that you canwork in it. Sometimes you find anaspect of doing what you love byresearch and by getting advice, talkingto people in the industry. Ninety per-cent of what I do is because of my edu-cation. I worked in commercial realestate out of college, and that enabled

me to figure out how to get into theenvironmental industry.

Typical dayI get to work about 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Ispend the morning on e-mails andworking on financial models. Duringthe day, I meet with clients and contrac-tors. I travel around the state a lot. Thetime I leave work varies. Sometimes it’s4 p.m., sometimes 4 a.m. I have dinner,watch TV, work on my website. I go tobed around midnight.

If you really love something, research

ways you can work in it.



Who or what inspired meMy father owned and operated a smallbusiness, and then he would sell it andstart another. I liked the freedom he had torun the business the way he wanted to. Iliked the idea of being an entrepreneur.Another influence was a professor in col-lege. I’m a big outdoors fan. He startedteaching me about environmental issues,about global warming and ways to helpthe environment.

Choices and key decisionsI really had to research a way to work in[this] industry and support myself. Somany people go straight out of college[into a job]. They may love cycling for

example, but they never do business in it. Idid the opposite. I found a way to work inthe environment. Being young in myindustry is a huge challenge. I formed mycompany in 2007 when I was 26 years old.I am dealing with multimillion-dollarequipment for these big projects, and youhave to go to someone and tell them thatyou have the ability, even though you’reyoung. I proved I could do the job by work-ing hard.

What I doI install and finance solar and renew-able systems like wind, biomass andbiodiesel. I work on private residences,businesses, government buildings andformer landfills. I go into a building and

figure out which technology will work.I help the customer get money for thesystem. There are federal, state andcounty grants and incentives. Then Iinstall the technology and make sure itoperates correctly. The key to any envi-ronmental system is not only putting itin but making sure that it is doing itsjob. My main client base involves com-mercial buildings, and a lot of theseguys — and you can’t blame them — arebottom-line driven. You have to educatethem. I use a two-pronged approach: Ishow them that the system works and Ishow them that they can save money.

Why I do what I doI love the environment and I love the pas-

TTeerriiss PP.. SSoollaarr EEnnttrreepprreenneeuurr,, SSeevveenn SSeeaass EEnneerrggyy



WWhhyy bbeeccoommee aa

MMAARRYYLLAANNDD SSCCHHOOLLAARR??MMAARRYYLLAANNDD SSCCHHOOLLAARR??

This is the key that will open doors for you

after high school.

Taking the right courses now will allow you to follow

any path you choose.

FAFSA

Being a Maryland Scholar helps you with financial aid.


HHooww ddoo II ssiiggnn uupp?? ...... iinn 22 eeaassyy sstteeppss

11.. TTaallkk wwiitthh yyoouurr ffaammiillyy ttoonniigghhtt.. Let them know of your goal to be a Maryland Scholar.

22.. TTaallkk wwiitthh yyoouurr sscchhooooll ccoouunnsseelloorr ttoommoorrrrooww.. Your counselor can help ensure the right

courses are on your schedule and keep you on track to be a Maryland Scholar.

MMaarryyllaanndd SScchhoollaarrss ccoouurrssee ooff ssttuuddyy

4 credits of English3 credits of math

algebra 1, geometry, aallggeebbrraa 223 credits of lab science

biology, cchheemmiissttrryy,, pphhyyssiiccss (preferred)3 credits of social science

U.S. history, world history, government22 ccrreeddiittss ooff tthhee ssaammee ffoorreeiiggnn llaanngguuaaggeeStudents must attain a 2.5 GPA to qualify.

Bolded courses are beyond state graduation requirements.

WWhhaatt ss iinn iitt ffoorr mmee??Being a Maryland Scholar will help you get:

a good jobinto collegescholarships/grants

You could earn money for college tuition:AAccaaddeemmiicc CCoommppeettiittiivveenneessss GGrraannttss

$750 for college freshmen$1,300 for college sophomores

SSMMAARRTT GGrraannttss$4,000 for juniors and seniors who major in math, science or certain foreign languages

,,

It is only 5 more credits ...

Why not?

Check out www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com to learn more and sign up for your free personal account!

WWhhoo ccaann bbee oonnee??

Any Maryland high school student whocompletes the required courses with anoverall 2.5 GPA is a Maryland Scholar.

Last year, 5,928Maryland college students

received more than

$6.4 million in

Academic Competitiveness

and SMART Grants.

Read the stories of others who have started

their own businesses


Love the latest technology and

problem solving? Learn about other

careers in the expanding field at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Entrepreneur.

Careeryou’d like to work in a field. Take anentrepreneurship course and followthe trends, and keep aware of what’shappening. Also, universities are bigon backing entrepreneurs, so usethose resources. Go to your profes-sors for help and advice.

Typical dayI get up at 7:30 a.m. and read my e-mails and tweak my website. I spend

the morning reading technology arti-cles, especially those about highschool and college students, and work-ing on documents, like profiling andevaluating other companies. In theafternoon I meet with my partner inthe company, who is a UMBC profes-sor, and then meet with studentswho’ve expressed an interest in myproject. Before going to bed around 2a.m., I check Facebook, text friends andtalk on the phone.

Go to your teachersfor help and advice.



Who or what inspired meAs a college student, I found that timemanagement was not my strongestability. I attended an academic successseminar in my sophomore year thatgave me an effective approach tostudying and managing my time. Nowa graduate student, I realized thatthere was no system in place that helpsstudents manage their time and keepsthem on track with their academicschedules. Capitalizing on this need, Ideveloped "Remind Me" -- an electronicplatform to empower students to per-form better academically and developreal-world organizational skills.

Choices and key decisionsAs a part of my master’s degree in sys-tems engineering, I decided to take anentrepreneurship course as an electivestudy. Through taking this course, I’velearned how to think creatively andturn an idea into a viable businessmodel.

What I doThrough the use of automated text mes-sages, I help to provide a service that aimsto help students make the connectionbetween what they’re doing and learningin school to what they need to succeed inlife after high school.

Why I do what I doMy goal is to find out what motivatesstudents to learn and how people canuse technology to accomplish their per-sonal goals. I am creating a better situa-tion for others. The more people I canmake things easier for, the more I canhelp them achieve their goals — thatand being a role model to others isrewarding in itself.

Advice to studentsI didn’t know exactly what I wanted todo, especially in high school. My adviceis to be open-minded and try a lot of dif-ferent things. At the college level,internships are huge. You can find out if

DDeehhyyuu SS.. UUMMBBCC GGrraadduuaattee SSttuuddeenntt,, CCoommppuutteerr SScciieennttiisstt IInntteerrnn,, LLoocckkhheeeedd MMaarrttiinn


Learn about the perks ofworking for T. Rowe Price

I work in Baltimore County & City

Curious about what kind of financial

careers are out there? Find out at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Finance.

222

Careerdon’t know about. I have family andfriends who call me with questions.

Advice to studentsYou have to believe in yourself and knowthat you can go back to school, apply your-self and find financial backing to go toschool. I went to a community college,applied myself and got a 3.8 GPA, then gotinto the college I wanted and into its busi-ness program. I earned a master’s degreewhile working at T. Rowe Price — theypaid for that. Even if you’ve made a fewmistakes, you can create your own destiny.

Typical dayI get up at 5:30 a.m. to go to the air-port — sometimes to the train station— to visit a client, who is usually outof state. When I get there, I meet withthe client about the company’s retire-ment plan. I advise them on theinvestments, services and productsfor their plans. I return to the airportat 2 p.m. for the return flight toBaltimore. I’m back in Baltimore by 5p.m., then I pick up my kids from daycare and make dinner for my familyby 7 p.m.

Even if youve made afew mistakes, you can

create your own destiny.

,



Who or what inspired meI grew up very poor, without money, and Iwanted to learn how to make money. Iwanted to be able to control the house Iwould live in and the clothes I could wear.Growing up, I had no control over thosethings. I can’t pinpoint an amazing con-versation that inspired me, but there werepeople I admired, like singer Pat Benatarand The Go-Go’s [an all-female rock band].I saw them as strong female role models.They showed how a successful femalecould create her own path, her own des-tiny.

Choices and key decisionsIn high school, I struggled to apply

myself and be the best student I could be.Friends and extracurricular activitiestook away my time. I got OK grades, grad-uating high school with a 2.7 grade pointaverage. I wasn’t thinking long term nordid I have any guidance. I wanted to be asinger and I didn’t think my high schoolgrades would be important. In my highschool of 500 students, I was one of thebest singers. But when you get out in thereal world, you are one of thousands ofgreat singers. The competition made merethink my future. It was important tome that I make enough money to sup-port myself comfortably. I needed some-thing more stable. I did not want to beconstantly struggling like my mother,who was a single mother.

What I doAt T. Rowe Price, I oversee companies’retirement plans. I oversee $1.6 billion inretirement assets for 18 companies and36,000 employees. I consult with clientsabout their plans’ strategy and invest-ments. It involves flying all over the coun-try to present my plans to the top execu-tives. When they accept a change in theirplan that benefits thousands of employ-ees, that makes me feel good.

Why I do what I doI like it when people ask me for adviceabout money. I like being known as anexpert in a field, investing and financialplanning, that the vast majority of people

LLaauurraa SS.. AAssssiissttaanntt VViiccee PPrreessiiddeenntt aanndd RReellaattiioonnsshhiipp MMaannaaggeerr,, TT.. RRoowwee PPrriiccee


Find out how to get your own internship in a lab

I work in Frederick County

Curious how you can get an inter-

nship in your area of interest that

might lead to your dream job? Visit

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Stevenson.

CareerTypical dayI like to get in at 7 a.m. The lab sched-ule is relaxed, though. I usually have alist of experiments that I need to dofor the week. Each one takes a couple of days, so I work on one

throughout the day. There’s a series ofprotocols for each one. Sometimesthey require overnight periods. I runexperiments from the time I get thereto the time I leave. I usually leavearound 3 p.m.

Go for what you want ... and be

the best you can be.



Who or what inspired meIt was 10th grade high school biology. Iwas in regular biology, but in the firstweek of class my teacher moved me to thehonors class. He got me hooked, so it washigh school biology that made me want todo science.

Choices and key decisionsI originally went to West VirginiaUniversity from high school and it wasjust too big. I came home after a fewweeks and went to a community college.In the spring semester I transferred toStevenson University. The first class wasgeneral chemistry, which was the hardestclass I had to take. I wasn’t doing so well

around midterms and the teacher told meto drop the class. I decided to suck it upand I passed. That was the wake-up call.You have to do well in your classes. Youcan do it if you put your mind to it.

What I doThis job started as an internship while Iwas in school and turned into a full-timejob when I graduated in May. I do researchon viruses and how they interact with thehuman immune system. We infect humancells with the virus and look at the pro-teins involved. We study viruses and howthey block the inflammatory response andhow viruses make you sick. The person incharge is the principal investigator andthen there are the postdoctorates and then

people like me, who are the lab techni-cians who run the experiments and givethe results to the people in charge so theycan make sense of them.

Why I do what I doWhen I was in high school I worked forone of my biology teachers. I set up exper-iments for his microbiology class and Ihad so much fun. I decided I wanted tokeep doing it. Then in college, I picked theproject at Fort Detrick.

Advice to studentsGo for what you want, and if you’re goingto go for it, go for it as hard as you can andbe the best you can be.

RRyyaann KK.. BBiioollooggiiccaall SScciieenncceess LLaabboorraattoorryy TTeecchhnniicciiaann,, UU..SS.. AArrmmyy MMeeddiiccaall RReesseeaarrcchh IInnssttiittuuttee ooff IInnffeeccttiioouuss DDiisseeaasseess;; AAlluummnnuuss,, SStteevveennssoonn UUnniivveerrssiittyy


Learn about scholarshipopportunities that will help

you pay for school


Check out other careers that help

people live their lives to the fullest

at BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Health.

Careeradvice to students, I would tell them toremember this: When you fall down —and you will — remember to get backup. And if you need help, don’t hesitateto ask for it.

Typical day7 a.m.: Report to work, complete mytime sheet, and review any e-mail ortraining updates. Once a week, I attenda staff meeting to discuss current workprogress and needs.9 a.m.-noon: Review service members’medical records to prepare to write acomplete evaluation of their mental

health to determine whether they’reable to remain in the military. Talkabout cases and also general life issueswith my officemates. Noon-1 p.m.: Take a lunch break withco-workers, sometimes go for a walk.Receive phone calls from friends andfamily.1 p.m.: Contact other facilities to obtainadditional information for my evalua-tions. Talk with my supervisor aboutcases. 4 p.m.: Finalize whatever project I hadbeen doing that day.6-8 p.m.: See clients at my private prac-tice, or shop, exercise or just relax.

If you need help, donthesitate to ask for it.

,



Who or what inspired meI didn’t figure out what I wanted to do pro-fessionally until my second year of college.I secured a part-time job working withautistic children and young adults, whichtaught me how much I enjoyed helpingothers. That experience inspired me topursue the helping field of psychology.

Choices and key decisionsI was 11 years old when I migrated to theUnited States from Cape Verde Island, offthe west coast of Africa. When I came tothis country, the language barrier made itdifficult for me to understand my teachersand relate to my peers. Consequently, Iwas placed in the third grade. In highschool, the most critical decision I made

was not to quit school, despite feeling frus-trated over the language barrier and subse-quent alienation. One of the hardest deci-sions I made was to move away fromProvidence, R.I., to pursue my educationand future. Although it was scary leavinghome on my own, I knew it was the onlyway to move forward and get to a positionwhere I could help my family financially.

What I doCurrently, I juggle two jobs. I’m a full-timepsychologist for the military, where I meetwith service members, review their med-ical records and write evaluations. Muchof my work involves assessing whetherservice members are mentally healthyenough to remain in the military or

change their job function. I also provideindividual therapy and, as a “surgeprovider,” I travel to different Army basesto counsel service members before andafter they deploy for duty. I also work part-time as a private practice psychologist,where I counsel patients — children, ado-lescents and sometimes entire families.

Why I do what I doThe best part of my job is talking with peo-ple and assessing how I can help them over-come personal obstacles that prevent themfrom functioning in their day-to-day lives.

Advice to studentsIf I had to offer one piece of professional

AAnnggeelliinnaa DD.. PPssyycchhoollooggiisstt,, WWaalltteerr RReeeedd AArrmmyy MMeeddiiccaall CCeenntteerr


Find out how Jeff B. saves his company money


Curious about how you could

become the one making

industries more sustainable? Visit


Careerconservation problem. The worst partis having to spend time on mundaneadministrative tasks, like writing pur-chase orders to buy equipment or fore-casting how much projects will cost.

Advice to studentsMy advice to students is this: Focus on acareer you are passionate about andeverything else will take care of itself.

Typical day6:30 a.m.: Wake up.9 a.m.: Check e-mail and voicemail,look at calendar for the day, prepare for

any meetings to either investigate proj-ect opportunities, meet with teams todiscuss project pros/cons or presentprojects to management for approval.1 p.m.: Meet with companies that canprovide equipment or services toMcCormick. Attend internal meetingsto discuss projects. Visit project sites tomeet with contractors that may be inthe process of installing equipment.4 p.m.: Recheck e-mail and voicemail,look at calendar for the next day.7 p.m.: Exercise, relax, socialize andattend professional networking eventsor seminars (several evenings permonth).

Focus on a career youare passionate about.



Who or what inspired meEver since middle school I’ve known I want-ed a career where I could help the environ-ment by reducing our use of fossil fuels. Solarenergy particularly interested me. Growingup in the 1970s during the energy crisis moti-vated me to pursue a career in energy conser-vation. As a kid, I was struck by PresidentJimmy Carter’s televised speech on how weneeded to get serious about the oil we import.Documentaries about protecting the rain-forest and reducing our impact on the envi-ronment also inspired me.

Choices and key decisionsMy three older brothers, all engineers, toldme that a career in energy production andconsumption would require a degree in

mechanical engineering. This meant takinga lot of tough classes in high school, like APmath and science. As a junior, I had to dou-ble up on math classes. I worked a lot harderin school than my friends did. In college Ifaced even more challenging courseworkthat, at times, was not very interesting to me.It was very theoretical and I had a hard timeseeing the connection between these classesand the real world. I could have switched toan easier major. But because I wanted to beinvolved in solar energy and energy efficien-cy, that would have been a mistake.

What I doIn my job, I look at ways to make McCormicka more environmentally friendly company— by reducing our use of fossil fuel energy,

our waste stream and water consumption,most of [these steps] save the companymoney by cutting down on waste of naturalresources. I also investigate new technolo-gies, like solar panels, that will allow thecompany to reduce its environmentalimpact. First I determine if the technologywill apply to McCormick. If the companydecides it’s a good fit, I oversee projects thatwill implement the energy-saving technolo-gy. That includes proposing funding, recom-mending needed materials and supervisinginstallation contractors for the project.

Why I do what I doThe best part of my job is the satisfactionthat comes after my team and I have devel-oped a solution to a challenging energy

JJeeffff BB.. SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee MMaannuuffaaccttuurriinngg MMaannaaggeerr,, MMccCCoorrmmiicckk && CCoommppaannyy


Find out more about MBRT's mission

I work all over Maryland

Get an account at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com, one

of MBRT's programs, and begin

tracking the path to your dreams today!

Careerexpect once they graduate from highschool and how to prepare for collegeand careers.

Advice to studentsMy advice is to always give more thanwhat’s expected of you. Don’t be afraidto try new things. Get involved in yourcommunity and you can discover yourgifts that way. I found my ability forthis job through volunteering. Figureout what you do well and what youenjoy doing, and that will dictate thepath you should follow. It took me along time to figure that out.

Typical dayI start and end the day with prayer. My

mornings are spent getting my childrenready for school and catching up on thelatest news. After I get to work at 9 a.m., Iprioritize my day. We have daily meetings.Our most valuable asset is our people, so Ikeep in touch with volunteers, with thecommunities and the school leaders. Imay do a training of business volunteersone day and speak with a group of stu-dents in their classroom the other. I leavethe office around 5:30 p.m., and then go toa community event or board meeting atleast 2 nights a week. I get home around 7p.m., cook dinner and get the kids readyfor the next day. I’m in a master’s of busi-ness administration program and, aftermy children are in bed, I study until 1 a.m.Right now, I’m a master at multi-tasking.

Always give more than whats expected of you.

,


PHOTOS BY CLARE PIET

Who or what inspired meI was inspired by my parents, specifical-ly my father. When my father says he’sgoing to do something, he gets it done.When he makes a commitment, he ful-fills it. Both of my parents taught me toalways give more than what’s expectedof me and stay true to myself. My choiceto go to college was inspired by my 11thgrade English teacher. She saw some-thing in me that not many had seen; thecommitment, dedication and hardwork. She was one of the reasons that Ipushed myself and took AdvancedPlacement classes and stayed active insports and extra curricular activities inschool.

Choices and key decisionsI’m from a military family. We stayed in aplace for a few years and then moved onbefore our extended stay in Hawaii. I wasalways the new kid on the block andfound it hard at times to connect withother kids. In elementary school, I wanteda best friend but the other children alreadyhad best friends. I made a decision to comeout of my shell. As a result, I am an outgo-ing person today.

What I doMBRT works to ensure that students areprepared for life after high school. Part ofwhat I do is to coordinate the organiza-tion’s outreach efforts in the public

schools around the state. Our 3,000 volun-teers talk to eighth and ninth gradersabout choices after high school, about thecourses they are taking and how that willimpact their life after high school. My jobis to recruit and train the volunteers and toget them into the classroom. I engage withleaders throughout the state to customizethe program for each school site.

Why I do what I doI got a job after college in accountingbecause it represented security. But I reallydidn’t like it. I found that communicatingand engaging with people is what Ienjoyed doing. I am very passionate aboutwhat I do now. Our 3,000 terrific volun-teers and I talk to students about what to

LLaaTTaarraa HH.. DDiirreeccttoorr —— PPaarrttnneerrsshhiippss aanndd OOuuttrreeaacchh,, MMaarryyllaanndd BBuussiinneessss RRoouunnddttaabbllee ffoorr EEdduuccaattiioonn ((MMBBRRTT))


Read more stories of thosewho serve our country

I work in Frederick County

Want a job like Major Victor’s that

involves traveling? Read about

other science careers on

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/STEM.

Careercare to the force. What I always likeddoing is being able to support thosewho are out there. I can help make thesurgeon general of the Army be success-ful so he can do his job.

Advice to studentsIt’s important that they challenge them-selves in high school. Even though theymay not have an interest in chemistry orcalculus per se, those science classeshelp you learn how to problem-solve.That’s a key to success. That’s whatemployers are looking for. If you’regoing to be a competitive athlete, if youwant to be at the top of the game, youhave to do drills. Taking more rigorouscourses is no different.

Typical dayThis particular job forces me to be veryadept at being able to work in all envi-ronments. We can set up a mobile officein a car, a hotel room. When we’re nottraveling, the surgeon general is verybusy with meetings in the Pentagon orhis office, or he’s called to testify on theHill or he is doing internal stuff atMEDCOM. My life during the day ispretty much what his schedule is. I’mexpected to be there for him for whatev-er he needs. If he’s in a meeting, and theexecutive assistant is not there, I’ll fillin and take notes. If I’m outside themeeting, I’m literally outside the doorof that office, planning ahead for ournext engagement or trip.

Science classeshelp you learn how to

problem-solve.



Who or what inspired meProbably the biggest single influence wasmy father, an Army officer who served inVietnam. Having lots of long talks withhim as a child made me interested inbecoming an Army officer. I had an inter-est in something to do with health care; Ijust didn’t know what it was. I was inhigh school when Desert Storm kickedoff in 1991. I saw that service memberswere out there, and I saw the Americanpublic support the military. That inspiredme as well. I wanted to serve somethingbigger than what I am. In college I wentthrough EMT [emergency medical techni-cian] training, and even though that wasinteresting, I wanted to do something ona larger scale.

Choices and key decisionsOne of the things that got me to where I amnow is an Air Force ROTC [Reserve Officers’Training Corps] class that I took my fresh-man year in high school. We learned thebasics of what the Air Force does. I got ascholarship to attend UCLA for the Army. Ichose the Army because it offered the mostflexibility to pick my career path. I did fouryears of ROTC at UCLA and majored in bio-logical anthropology, which led me to takeboth hard science and humanities classes.

What I doI am the aide-de-camp to the Army sur-geon general. My boss is a three-star gener-al and the commanding general of the U.S.

Army Medical Command (MEDCOM),which oversees Army treatment centersand research facilities all over the world. Iam his personal assistant. I help with anyof the duties that are time-consuming for ageneral officer, with a lot of focus on trav-el, security and scheduling. I do all the tripitineraries. I coordinate with the folks atthe far end. He’s invited to a variety ofengagements around the world, and I trav-el with him and make sure all his arrange-ments are taken care of. My job is to knowwho is picking us up, where we are stay-ing, the main purpose of the meetings andthe bios of the people we’re going to meet.

Why I do what I doWe’re the folks who help deliver health

MMaajjoorr VViiccttoorr SS.. AAiiddee--ddee--ccaammpp ttoo tthhee AArrmmyy SSuurrggeeoonn GGeenneerraall..WWiiffee KKaattee iiss aann AArrmmyy RReesseerrvvee MMaajjoorr..


Learn what Caitlin Y. knowsnow that she wished she had

known in high school


Think an apprenticeship program

might be for you? Learn more at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/CCBC.

Careerand share it. It’s amazing how manyolder people out there want to helpyoung people attain their dreams.

Typical day6:30 a.m.: Alarm goes off. Snooze buttoncontinues for another 15 minutes.7 a.m.: Get out of bed and get ready forthe day.7:30 a.m.: Leave the house and pray forlittle traffic.8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.: Arrive at my currentjob site in the city.9:30 a.m.: Get tools together to startpulling windows out. Work on extract-

ing windows. That includes prying offtrim, pulling windows out of the frame,cutting them loose from the chain,removing the pulleys to get cleaned up,carrying and packing up the windows,installing plywood so the room is notopen to the elements, and cleaning.Lots of cleaning. 5 p.m.: Leave work. 5:30 p.m.: Get home. Jump in the pool!It was hot and dirty work all day. Spendthe rest of the evening playing withcomputer/video games, doing craftythings or going to shows with friends.11 p.m.: In bed, so I can get enoughsleep to function the next day.

People want to help you attain yourdreams —let them



Who or what inspired meHalfway through my senior year of highschool, I wanted to quit. I didn’t see thepoint. But my mom always believed in me.She pushed me to complete school.

Choices and key decisionsAfter community college, I worked as anadministrative assistant in an office. Thework felt pointless to me. It made me thinklong and hard about what I wanted to dowith my life, because it definitely wasn’tthat. I wanted to see a physical product frommy hard work. I started strongly consider-ing carpentry because I’d been interested infurniture-making since middle school. Inthe fall of 2008, right before the recession

hit, I quit my job as an administrative assis-tant. I called every woodworker inBaltimore to see if they needed help, andthey all told me to call back in a year or two.Discovering an apprenticeship programcame at the perfect time. I knew what Iwanted and I didn’t want to mess aroundany more. The course taught me basic car-pentry skills, construction math, blueprintreading and safety regulations for construc-tion sites. It was run like a construction job,where we met every day from 8 a.m. to 3p.m. I finished at the top of my class.

What I doAlmost immediately after I completed theapprenticeship program, I was offered ajob with Chestnut Hill Windows, a com-

pany that restores historic windows. As anassistant, I take out the old windows andclean up the frames and the work site. Thecompany has plans for moving me up,which is awesome. My favorite part aboutthe job will be learning the ins and outs offixing the windows. My least favorite partis that my employers are located inPhiladelphia, which makes communica-tion challenging sometimes.

Why I do what I doIn six years, I’d like to own my own wood-working shop.

Advice to studentsThink about what will make you happy

CCaaiittlliinn YY.. RReessttoorraattiioonn AAssssiissttaanntt,, CChheessttnnuutt HHiillll WWiinnddoowwss;; SSttuuddeenntt,, CCCCBBCC


Learn what classes aspiring engineers should

take in high school


BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Aerospace.

Careerand flies, that’s part of the fulfill-ment, too.

Advice to studentsTake as many high-level math and sci-ence courses in high school as youcan. If you can get an internship at anengineering company, whether duringsummers in high school or college, it’sa big advantage. It helps you under-stand the job and gives you an insidetrack. We do extensive hiring of sum-mer interns.

Typical dayWhen I was an engineer, I worked onone project at a time with a small num-ber of people. Now I am in touch withpeople all over the company. After Iarrive at 7 a.m., I go through my e-mailsand plan for the day. I get projectupdates from my staff and address anynew issues that have come up. My jobrequires a great deal of focus on goals.The industry I’m in is state-of-the-art, soI keep current by attending workshopsand reading trade publications.

Take as many high level math and science

courses as you can.


PHOTOS COURTESY OF AAI CORP.

Who or what inspired meI was one of those kids who take thingsapart to find out how they work. My par-ents encouraged me. And I was alwaysgood at math and science in school.

Choices and key decisionsI attended a high school with 1,500 kidsin four grades. It was not cool to getgood grades and to be responsible and tothink about your future, especially forboys. I resisted that pressure to dumbmyself down and to not achieve. I keptfocused on my goals after high schooland I wasn’t very popular because ofthat. I reminded myself that once thosefour years were over, that part of my life

was behind me. In college, I was origi-nally in electrical engineering, but Irealized I really liked the computer partof that field. I changed my major to com-puter engineering. One of the coursesI’d taken in high school was computerprogramming, which was very primi-tive back then, but I remembered it.

What I doI’ve been at AAI for 27 years and for myfirst 23 years I was in engineering. I wasinvolved in building products. Then Imoved into quality assurance, which ismore of an oversight situation, makingsure that other engineers follow theprocess correctly. It better utilizes myexperience. I am able to help in all the

product areas. I enjoy interacting withpeople from all over the company.

Why I do what I doAt AAI, 95 percent of our business is indefense — engineering and producingcomplex systems to support the U.S.military. We make the Shadow aircraft,which is the biggest unmanned air vehi-cle — or drone — used by the U.S. Armyin Iraq and Afghanistan. The Shadowprovides information to the soldiers onthe ground, so they can understandwhat’s happening. It really does savelives. That’s fulfilling. And you are partof a team that takes something verycomplex and actually sees that it works.When the drone comes off the launcher

CCrraaiigg LL.. MMaannaaggeerr ooff PPrroocceessss aanndd SSooffttwwaarree QQuuaalliittyy AAssssuurraannccee,, AAAAII CCoorrpp..


Find out if health careers are for you

I work on the Eastern Shore

Learn more about how you can

score scholarships to help you

pursue your educational dreams at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/STEM.

CareerTypical dayAs a doctor, you never know whatmedical situation you might face. Buton a typical day, I’m up at 5:30 in themorning and I’m in the hospital by7:30 to make hospital rounds. Thatmeans I’m seeing patients who are in

the hospital. I do that until 9 a.m., andthen I’m in the office seeing patientsfrom 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I leave the officeat 4:30 p.m. If I have to go back to thehospital, I’m there from 4:30 to 6 p.m.If I make it home by 6 p.m. that’s anearly day.

Dont be afraid of failure or success and dont be afraid

to ask questions.

,

,



Who or what inspired meI wanted to be a doctor in middle school. Iused to patch up any stray animals thatwould come by my house. My father diedof lymphoma. He was healthy one day andvery sick the next. I could never under-stand that. So part of my quest to under-stand what happened to him is why I spe-cialize in cancer.

Choices and key decisionsAt the time that I was getting into medi-cine, not a lot of women did so — even inthe 1970s, when things were looking bet-ter for women. Being a minority femalemade it hard. My family was not able tofinancially contribute to my education, so

it was funded through loans and scholar-ships. Of all of the obstacles, the financialobstacle was the hardest.

What I doI am a medical oncologist, which is a spe-cialty field. It deals directly with takingcare of cancer patients. I meet with themwhen they’re first diagnosed. I work with ateam of other physicians and support peo-ple. I prescribe chemotherapy, which is apowerful medication to destroy cancercells. I really get to know the patients andtheir families very well.

Why I do what I doHelping people is the #1 reason I do what I

do. And science is constantly evolving.There is always something to help peoplelive better and longer. I really like the con-stant discovery of drugs and techniques.I’m also inspired by seeing the strengthand courage of people with cancer go onwith their day-to-day lives.

Advice to studentsI was pretty nerdy, so I didn’t get into toomuch trouble. But when I think about it,sometimes I struggled because I was afraidof asking questions and being successfuland what that would bring. I was alsoafraid of failure. But when I did make mis-takes, I always learned something. Myadvice is don’t be afraid of failure or suc-cess and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

MMaarryy DD.. DDooccttoorr,, DDiirreeccttoorr ooff TThhee UUnniivveerrssiittyy ooff MMaarryyllaanndd CCaanncceerr CClliinniiccaall TTrriiaallss,, SShhoorree HHeeaalltthh SSyysstteemm


SSTTEEMM

SSTTEEMM

cciieennccee

eecchhnnoollooggyy

nnggiinneeeerriinngg

aatthh

HHiigghh--lleevveell mmaatthh aanndd sscciieennccee wwiillll hheellpp yyoouu iinn aallmmoosstt eevveerryy ccaarreeeerr..

Want a career that pays well and is in high demand? Consider

STEM.

Professional and technical workers in the fields of science, tech-

nology, engineering and math are in high demand – and 72% of

those workers will need at least a bachelor’s degree.

The prospects for lucrative employment and rewarding careers

have never been better for Maryland graduates with strong profi-

ciency in science and math.

Maryland ranks 2nd in the nation in the percentage of its work-

force in professional and technical STEM careers.

What is a STEM career? One that focuses on and requires skills

in science, technology, engineering or math.

A world of opportunity

Here is a sampling of STEM careers:• Marine biologist

• Chemical engineer

• Forensic scientist

• Architect

• Computer programmer

• High school algebra teacher

• Clinical research technician

• Physicist

• Astronomer

• Software engineer

• Physical therapist

• College chemistry professor

• Aeronautical engineer

• Bioscientist

• Systems analyst

• Nurse practitioner

• Biological technician

• Industrial ecologist

• Climate change analyst

• Social science research assistant

• Automotive engineer

• Veterinarian

Learn how much engineersmake on average


Interested in how you can combine

your passion with a career? Start

exploring the possibilities at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Manufacturing.

Careersomething than say you wish you couldhave done it.

Typical dayThere are some weeks when school andraces are going on that I don’t sleep.

Generally, I’m pretty much busy until Igo to bed. But typically I spend an houror two on my photos and then anotherhour or two designing frames. I alsospend time e-mailing and calling peo-ple back.

Dont do anything thatyoure not proud of.

,

,


PHOTOS BY CLARE PIET

Who or what inspired meOne thing that pushed me through highschool was trying to compete with myfather. I had shadowed my dad in hishome-building business since I was 10. Hisexpectations were real high for me. Mydad pushed me and I ran for him. It’s oneof the best things that ever happened tome. After I became paralyzed from thechest down from a motorcycle race acci-dent, I met a guy who encouraged me towork in a machine shop he owned. I pur-sued it and eventually it turned into myinterest in engineering.

Choices and key decisionsI was getting A’s and B’s in high school but

I never really took school seriously. Junioryear, everything clicked for me. I got tallerand lost some weight and I was able tostart talking to people more. I realized atthat point that you only live once. Fromthere I pushed at whatever I did. There’smore to life than just messing around.

What I doI’m three-quarters of the way through anengineering program at the CommunityCollege of Baltimore County. Then I’lltransfer to Johns Hopkins University orthe University of Maryland, BaltimoreCounty. Right now is the peak time in mybusiness. I take pictures of motorcycleraces, design custom picture frames, fliersfor the races, trophies, awards and T-shirts.

I also write for Motorcycle Racing Actionmagazine.

Why I do what I doI need stability. I want a career that willalways be there. I also like progression. I’mnever satisfied with what’s going on. Ialways want to progress to something big-ger.

Advice to studentsDon’t do anything that you’re not proudof. Make sure you have good foresight soyou know it’s not going to hurt you in thefuture. I sat back for years and didn’t goout and race because my younger brotherbeat me once. It’s better to go out and do

RRyyaann HH.. EEnnggiinneeeerriinngg ssttuuddeenntt,, CCoommmmuunniittyy CCoolllleeggee ooff BBaallttiimmoorree CCoouunnttyyOOwwnneerr,, RRHH DDeessiiggnn 9955SS


Learn what classes aspiring astronomers

should take in high school

I work in Baltimore City

Learn about what classes you should

take in high school to prepare on

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/SpaceScience.

CareerIt’s important to understand points ofview and react to them. The people whodo hard science need the soft skills totalk to others.

Advice to studentsBeing persistent is very important. I’vehad students who were very skilled inmathematics but lacking in motivationand I’ve seen them fail, while otherswith decent skills but who were verymotivated to succeed had good careers.Motivation is as important as skill. Also,being able to communicate and writeclearly is more important than ever.

Typical dayI get into the office around 9. Twodays a week I have a lot of meetings.Generally I try to start every day bychecking messages and then going tothese meetings or teleconferencesfrom the office. The other days I workon the “issue of the week,” whichcould be writing papers, analyzingdata, doing calculations or doing peerreviews of other research. I usuallyhave lunch in the office and leavearound 5. Sometimes I work fromhome in the evenings or on week-ends.

Motivation is as important as skill.



Who or what inspired meI was 8 years old in July of 1969 when thefirst man set foot on the moon. I remem-ber watching it live, and that was a prettyimportant thing. I remember thinkingmaybe one day I’d work for NASA. I moreor less followed the direction, and now mysalary is paid by NASA.

Choices and key decisionsI grew up in Italy and attended publicschools. The most prestigious schools wereclassic style, with a focus on Latin andGreek. I was more interested in science andpicked the science-focused curriculum. Inhigh school I liked math, I liked astronomyand I liked physics and I wasn’t sure in

which direction to go. I wound up choosingphysics after high school. I went to theUniversity of Pisa. I would get nervous tak-ing tests and my grades suffered as a result.I decided to use a brute-force approach. Iasked my professor for all the past exams —and these are big tests that we had in Italy,like five hours. I would force myself to dothe old ones in two hours or three and thatmade me less nervous because I would havemore confidence. That was the technique Iused from that moment on.

What I doMy job is essentially to represent the scien-tific community here at the institute andto represent the institute within the scien-tific community. We are building a new,

expensive telescope and we are trying tomake it as easy as possible to makeastronomers aware of what we are doing. Iwrite a lot, reports and scientific papers. Iam also an astronomer, so normally for 50percent of my time I can do my ownresearch in the field of distant galaxies.

Why I do what I doI like astronomy, but I’m more of a gener-alist. I like to know something aboutmany things. By contributing to the con-struction and launch of the James Webbtelescope, I’m helping other scientists todo their research. It’s almost a communityservice. I think I’m good at seeing a con-nection between the parts of a project. I’malso pretty good at working with others.

MMaassssiimmoo SS.. JJaammeess WWeebbbb SSppaaccee TTeelleessccooppee PPrroojjeecctt SScciieennttiisstt,, SSppaaccee TTeelleessccooppee SScciieennccee IInnssttiittuuttee


You can go to college.

I work all over Maryland

Find out what it takes at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/

CollegeAccess.

CareerTypical dayMy workday starts around 9 a.m. Icheck e-mail and voicemail andrespond to questions from grantees,requests for grant extensions and othergeneral e-mail questions. Occasionally Ihave meetings in the morning and mid-day and I may also have site visits. Ifthere’s a request for an amendment to agrant, I have to review that. If it’s agrant cycle, then I’m reading grant

applications and touching base withproject directors to make revisions. Themiddle part of the day I’m doing a lot oftechnical assistance, meetings and pro-gram planning. Toward the end of myday I’m able to focus on writing reportsand budget overviews. Before I leave I’lltake a look at my to-do list and see whatI was able to get done and then plan forthe next day. I leave work around 6:30p.m.

Build a relationship with your teachers

because youre going toneed recommendations.

,



Who or what inspired meMy college psychology professor took aninterest in what I wanted to do with mypsychology degree. When I told him that Iwanted to go to graduate school, he askedme to work on a research project withhim. I presented it at the AmericanPsychological Association. Also, my par-ents, neither of whom had college degrees,encouraged me to go to school and do well.

Choices and key decisionsI hate public speaking. But a lot of what Ido for my job requires public speaking. Ihave to do lots of preparation in order toget over that fear. I drive people around mecrazy making sure I’m well prepared by

practicing often. As I’ve gotten older andbecome more sure of myself professional-ly, I’ve gotten more comfortable.

What I doI oversee the administration of the GEARUP grants program, which provides earlyintervention services for low-income stu-dents to prepare them to enter and succeedin college. I write requests for applicationsand I release those to institutions of high-er education. I also convene a review paneland then make determinations for proj-ects. I also provide technical assistance tograntees who have been awarded fundsand those who haven’t received awardsyet. I also write reports about what’s goingon with the program and oversee the pro-

gram’s budget.

Why I do what I doI really do believe in this work. It feelsgreat to be part of a program that will giveunderrepresented students support. Thereis a sense of satisfaction that they are ben-efiting and able to go to college because ofthe work I’m doing.

Advice to studentsStudents should take advantage of as manyopportunities as they can. Also, reallybuilding a relationship with their teachersis important because they’re going to needrecommendations. That is something thatreally helped me in high school and college.

TTaakkeeiiaa BB.. CCPPIIPP//GGEEAARR UUPP CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr,, MMaarryyllaanndd HHiigghheerr EEdduuccaattiioonn CCoommmmiissssiioonn,, OOffffiiccee ooff GGrraannttss


Find out how to become a nurse

I work in Baltimore City

Do you like to help others and think

Emily's job might be right for you?

Start taking the right classes now

and find out what those should

be at BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Health.

Careernurses, and research nursing is asmall branch on a large tree that isnursing. I would recommend to anyyoung person to consider nursing asa career. You’ll always have a job,and you can sleep at night. Youknow that you’re actually helpingpeople.

Typical dayI usually work from about 8 a.m. to 5p.m. I wear street clothes and a whitelab coat. I don’t wear scrubs. I have myown exam room, my own computerand a research assistant who sets up theappointments. We now have more than700 patients and want to get to 1,500.

Consider nursing as a career — you ll

always have a job, andyou can sleep at night.

,



Who or what inspired meI went to Dundalk High School andgraduated in 1990, then went to LoyolaCollege. My mother had high hopes forme. She really pushed me and helpedme fill out my financial aid forms. OnceI was at Loyola, I was able to travel. Ispent a year and a half studying inBelgium and Thailand. In Thailand, Isaw many people in dire situations and Ijust knew international work would bea part of my life.

Choices and key decisionsBack in the ’90s I was working as aresearch assistant with PlannedParenthood of Maryland. There was a

nurse practitioner there who was a rolemodel for me. She was able to touch thelives of so many patients. I had beenthinking about becoming a doctor, but Isaw that being a nurse practitioneropened more avenues.

What I doThe School of Public Health received agrant from the National CancerInstitute to study HPV (human papillo-mavirus) infections in women betweenthe ages of 35 and 60. I work primarilyin the outpatient center and am respon-sible for day-to-day operations and siteresponsibilities. I recruit participantsthat fit our criteria, and examinepatients and collect specimens and

track them during five visits over thecourse of two years. We are looking formarkers that could indicate the pres-ence of the virus that causes HPV. A sin-gle Pap smear in a lifetime can reducemortality rates.

Why I do what I doI love nursing because it provides somany opportunities. A few years ago, Iwas able to provide medical relief to thetsunami victims in Indonesia as a volun-teer from Hopkins. I also love to educateand empower women.

Advice to studentsThere is always going to be a need for

EEmmiillyy SS.. NNuurrssee,, JJoohhnnss HHooppkkiinnss HHoossppiittaall


Read about others in the legal profession


Do you want to be a lawyer?

Find out what it takes at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Law.

Careersee is that people feel empowered. Thewin is that they have a voice and somecontrol over their lives.

Advice to studentsMy first piece of advice would be that ifyou’re thinking you might want to be alawyer, do not take a pre-law track in col-lege. Earn an undergraduate degree insomething that speaks to your interest,such as art, science or humanities. Learnabout critical thinking and writingthrough that degree. But if there’s oneclass to take, it’s a math logic class. Whatmakes a good lawyer is someone who is

well-read and who can think critically.

Typical dayAbout half my time is spent directlyrepresenting clients and half is spentthinking globally about issues. I spendabout half my time on the phone orwith clients at a hearing, figuring outexactly what rights a client has or doinglegal research. The other half is spentdoing more critical research and writ-ing, thinking about bigger cases tobring, thinking about larger issuesaffecting clients and doing research onthose issues.

Earn an undergraduatedegree in something

that speaks to your interests.



Sarah R. Lawyer, Disability Law Center

Who or what inspired meI grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvaniaand was concerned about poverty. I did vol-unteer work in Philadelphia and in my com-munity. In high school, I was thinking moreglobally than locally, thinking about thePeace Corps and about volunteering in othercountries. I wasn’t thinking quite as locally asI am now. I went to Temple University, but Ididn’t think I would be a lawyer. I was think-ing about community justice and povertyissues. But I realized it was lawyers who wereguiding the work of community groups,thinking differently and critically about thepopulations I was concerned about.

Choices and key decisionsI did go to a rural, poor high school. There

weren’t a whole lot of college-track classes,so when I went to college the obstacle I hadto overcome was figuring out what I wasmissing. I had a lot of learning to catch upon. That was difficult because I went frombeing a big fish in a small pond to being asmall fish in a very big pond. It was a hum-bling experience. I had to take some entry-level college classes to catch up. Also,spelling has always been a huge problem forme and it continues to be a problem. That’ssomething I’m constantly working on.

What I doI just left a job at the Homeless PersonsRepresentation Project and now work atthe Disability Law Center. Both are non-profit, public-interest law offices. I cur-

rently focus mostly on representing home-less individuals who have been homelessfor a year or more and typically have men-tal health issues. I’m really interested inthe connection between the criminal jus-tice system and psychiatric institutions.

Why I do what I doEvery day I see the joy and the sorrow ofour society and that’s what keeps megoing to work. I see individuals who real-ly are struggling and often have hugebarriers to overcome. As a lawyer, I amable to help with only a small part ofsomeone’s struggle, but I am able to seefrom the start to the end of a case the dif-ference in someone’s life. Often, withindividuals who are homeless, the joy I

SSaarraahh RR.. LLaawwyyeerr,, DDiissaabbiilliittyy LLaaww CCeenntteerr



Having a back up plan for asports career is a great idea.

I work in Prince George’s County

Set your career plan at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com.

Careerfor the day. The tasks always vary. Theyusually range from design work, fabri-cation of one of my designs, or analysisand testing of something that I havedesigned. Often my tasks involveexchanging technical information withone of my colleagues in order to solve a

problem.1 p.m.: Return from lunch and continuemy morning activities or prepare for anafternoon meeting.4 p.m.: Begin to wind down my day andmake notes to prepare for the next day. 7 p.m.: Work at home or exercise.

Do not let anyone, including yourself, set limits on what you can achieve.


Who or what inspired meMy grandmother inspired me growing up.She had an unbelievably strong work ethicand an even stronger spiritual foundation.I am very certain that my childhood sum-mers spent working with her on the farmhave helped to shape me into the person Iam today. I’ve always had an interest inengineering and my parents nurtured thatinterest. They helped to plant the seeds ofengineering in my life.

Choices and key decisionsI chose to participate in an engineeringsummer internship program my final twoyears of college instead of the summerstrength and conditioning program for

football. I knew that there was a biggerpicture to life than football and I needed tomake the right decisions to ensure a brightfuture. During my senior year, at the con-clusion of my summer internship withNASA, I was offered a job to come back forfull-time employment.

What I doI enjoy working with cutting-edge tech-nology and am proud to work with suchtalented people. But the thing I enjoy themost about my job is the feeling of accom-plishment I get in knowing that the fruitsof my labor have helped to advancemankind’s knowledge of the universe andmankind’s place in the universe.

Advice to studentsDo not succumb to peer pressure. I’vegrown to learn that there is no such thingas peer pressure if you don’t allow some-one else’s perception of you to affect youractions. If you find that your peers influ-ence you to do things against your moraljudgment or cause you to not achieve yourgoals, then you need to remove those peersfrom your life. Do not let anyone, includ-ing yourself, set limits on what you canachieve.

Typical day7 a.m.: Wake up, shower and eat breakfast.9 a.m.: Check my e-mail or voicemail andprioritize what tasks need to be completed

NNoobbllee JJ.. AAeerroossppaaccee EEnnggiinneeeerr,, NNAASSAA GGooddddaarrdd SSppaaccee FFlliigghhtt CCeenntteerr


Learn more about how greencareers help the environment

I work in counties that

surround the Bay

Learn about professional opportuni-

ties that might be right for you and

help you discover your passion at


Careereven in the bitter cold or swelteringheat, we’re still working outside.

Typical day6 a.m.: Wake up, get to work. Check e-mail, gather and check field equipment.7 a.m.: Travel to our stations via vanand/or boat and begin collecting watersamples.1 p.m.: Continue collecting water sam-

ples. Explain what we are lookingfor/finding to citizens. Eat lunchbetween collecting samples.4 p.m.: Arrive back at the office and putaway equipment and samples. Prepareequipment needed for the next day inthe field.7 p.m.: Go to volleyball/softball game,gym or park. Fix dinner and watch TVor read.

Its OK to be wrongsometimes, as

long as you learn from your mistakes.

,



Who or what inspired meMy professors inspired me to become a sci-entist. Their passion about their researchdrew me into loving fieldwork and theproblem-solving nature of research.

Choices and key decisionsI’ve always done well in school, but I wasso introverted as a child that I wouldn’traise my hand for fear of being wrong andembarrassed. I eventually learned it’s OKto be wrong sometimes as long as youlearn from your mistakes. Schoolworkalways came pretty easily to me, until col-lege. Then I had a tough time balancingmy coursework with other obligations. Ihad to maintain a 3.5 GPA to keep my

scholarships while taking very demand-ing biology classes. In addition, I workedlong days doing fieldwork and had to findtime to work in the laboratory. Jumpingon professional opportunities proved criti-cal to my career. During college, I appliedfor a job with the St. Mary’s River Project, ajob that entailed hiking through streamsand boating to sample water quality.When I got called for an interview, I wason my way home for spring break. I imme-diately turned around, interviewed andlanded the job. Pursuing that experiencedefinitely helped me get the job I havenow.

What I doI am a scientist for the Maryland

Department of Natural Resources. Myoffice monitors water quality throughoutMaryland, testing the health of theChesapeake Bay, its tributaries, coastalbays and streams. I help prepare equip-ment used to take water-quality readings,obtain and process water samples and ana-lyze water-quality data.

Why I do what I doI’m lucky to have a job that allows me tocombine my passion of helping to restorethe health of the Chesapeake Bay with mylove of the outdoors. I’m much happierout in the field than sitting in an office.The best part of my job is the time I spendon gorgeous sunny days collecting watersamples. The worst part of my job is that

SStteepphhaanniiee TT.. NNaattuurraall RReessoouurrcceess BBiioollooggiisstt,, MMaarryyllaanndd DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff NNaattuurraall RReessoouurrcceess


Find out how to get Juliette R.'s job

I work in Montgomery

& Prince Georges’s counties

Explore opportunities for your education

at BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Education.

Careerwith all the body image issues and liv-ing with a disability. But I had to over-come all of that. I had to identify mygifts and talents. Realize that it’s up tous as individuals to advocate for our-selves. It’s your ability that matters, notyour disability.

Typical dayToday I got up at 6 a.m., had breakfastand by 7 a.m. I was at a big nationalconvention center setting up for atrade show. I was meeting and greet-

ing the public by 9 a.m. Lunch issometimes at 2 or 3 in the afternoon.Throughout the day I’m making tele-phone calls to headquarters and toevent coordinators across the nationto keep the momentum going and tocoordinate all the moving parts. Bythe end of the day we’re doingdebriefings, tearing down of eventsand exhibits and doing a wrap-up. By8 or 9 at night we’re getting on thenext plane, train or automobile to getto the next event.

Its up to us as individuals to advocatefor ourselves. Its yourability that matters, not your disability.

,

,



Who or what inspired meI grew up with disabilities. I aspired todo a lot of things, but I ran into obsta-cles. I wanted to be a doctor or lawyer,but I couldn’t participate in a lot ofthings. During my transition from highschool to college I had this bright ideato be a journalist. My greatest mentorarrived when I was in college as I wastrying to pass a typing test. I was hav-ing trouble because of my arthritis. Heasked me to come into the journalismdepartment even though I couldn’tpass the test. He believed in me and wasmy greatest mentor — and he did notlessen or lower expectations for me. Iended up being a very good one-fingertypist.

Choices and key decisionsI had to realize that the three differentdiagnoses that I had were not a death sen-tence. I had to change my philosophy fromliving to die to dying to live. Once I flippedthat switch I realized that anything waspossible.

What I doI’m a public servant at the U.S. Departmentof Education. I oversee the development,management and implementation of astrategic national outreach program thatexplains and promotes the education poli-cies and initiatives of the education secre-tary and the president; I also educate thepublic about education opportunities. In

addition, I direct the U.S. Department ofEducation’s agency outreach team, whosemission is to ensure that everyone acrossthe department is informed of the depart-ment’s current message.

Why I do what I doMy job gives me an opportunity to sharewhat I’ve learned about education withthe public, including young people withdisabilities. Each day affords me theopportunity to change someone’s life byoffering them the opportunity of an edu-cation.

Advice to studentsIt was hard for me to believe in myself

JJuulliieettttee RR.. DDiirreeccttoorr,, EExxhhiibbiittss aanndd AAggeennccyy--WWiiddee OOuuttrreeaacchh,, UU..SS.. DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff EEdduuccaattiioonn


Discover strategies for how to graduate at the

top of your class

I work in Baltimore City & County

What does it take to become

a pediatrician? Find out at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Health.

CareerThe other thing that I really enjoy isthe interaction I have with thepatients. There’s no feeling betterthan seeing someone who came insick get better.

Advice to studentsBe happy in what you do. The way wegain happiness is feeling good aboutourselves. The way we do that is byhelping others. The job could be any jobbut the goal is to help others.

Typical dayIt varies. Some days I go into the ER at 7a.m. and some days I go in at 7 p.m. Ineither case I work 12 hours from thetime I start. On days that I’m in the ER,my day is filled with nonstop action.The teaching days are much more laid-back. I spend more time sitting down,explaining things, going over lectures.And then there are days that I’m doingadministrative stuff, working on a pro-posal and spending a lot of time typing.

Be happy in what you do.



Who or what inspired meI had a fantastic advisor when I was incollege. I didn’t know what I wanted todo in high school, but my college advi-sor felt that I had a good understandingof science. He thought I should pursuea career in health. At first I was timid,but his encouragement helped me pur-sue it.

Choices and key decisionsI came to the United States at 14. My fami-ly and I left Iran to escape religious perse-cution. It took us two years to get herewhile we waited for the paperwork to becompleted to come to the United States.During that time I skipped seventh andeighth grades. When I got here I was auto-

matically put into ninth grade. For two orthree years I struggled with the language. Iused a dictionary and a prayer book to getthrough the difficult time in my life. I start-ed off in English as a Second Language inninth grade and moved to regular Englishin 10th grade. Then I ended up in honorsEnglish. I spent four hours every day afterschool studying. In Iran, there’s an expres-sion: From your cradle until your grave,always seek knowledge. That was one ofmy goals even as a high school student. Iwas able to graduate from high school asvaledictorian and then I went to collegewith a full scholarship.

What I doI’m an attending physician for pediatric

patients at Saint Agnes Hospital, whereI also work in the ER. In addition, I aman instructor of pediatrics teaching resi-dents for Johns Hopkins Hospital. I givelectures, and I supervise them as theytake care of pediatric patients. A smallerpart of my job is organizing weekly lec-tures for the other physicians. I alsoteach the pediatric residents to be bettercommunicators.

Why I do what I doIt’s very fulfilling to educate other peo-ple. It’s very gratifying to see someoneelse learn the things I’ve worked hard tolearn and master. I really enjoy teachingmedical students who are just learningto be doctors to be good communicators.

SShheeiillaa HH.. PPeeddiiaattrriicciiaann,, SSaaiinntt AAggnneess HHoossppiittaall;; IInnssttrruuccttoorr,, JJoohhnnss HHooppkkiinnss UUnniivveerrssiittyy


Learn about scholarshipopportunities that will

help you pay for school


Start setting your goals, declaring your

dreams and figuring out the steps at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Education.

CareerHrabowski often tells us to dreambig, and then write down the steps todo it. I think that’s the issue.Students know what they want to dobut they don’t know the steps to doit. I really think that solving theproblems of education and solvingthe achievement gap will solve manyother societal problems. I think itwill help America come back on topagain.

Advice to studentsHave a plan and ask yourself how youare going to do it. Never forget that you

should always be giving back to yourcommunity, and always think aboutyour character. Your character is whoyou are, what you do when nobody elseis watching. It’s your character that willdetermine if you get a scholarship orjob.

Typical dayRight now I’m lifeguarding and work-ing as a consultant for the BaltimoreCounty public schools in the Office ofEquity and Assurance. My day starts at5:45 a.m. I normally go for a run in themorning.

Im not content watching life pass me by.

,



Who or what inspired meIt’s always been my family. We all have apassion for education. Everyone is ateacher. When I was in high school, Iapplied for and became a student memberof the Baltimore County Board ofEducation.

Choices and key decisionsI graduated from UMBC as a political sci-ence major. I had received a WalterSondheim Public Affairs Scholarship for afull ride. I will be attending the KennedySchool of Government at HarvardUniversity in the fall, for a two-year degreein public policy. Part of the Sondheimscholarship was doing a year of service

learning. I worked with students in WestBaltimore Middle School and North BendElementary. I also received a scholarship toattend the Ford School of Public Policy atthe University of Michigan the summerafter my junior year. I took three semestersof graduate-level microeconomics andthree semesters’ worth of calculus in sevenweeks. We visited Flint and Detroit, whichwere really transformative experiences,seeing the poverty there. I realized that Iwanted to come back to Maryland when Ifinished school and be the person to findthe education solution for Baltimore, tofind a concept that could be replicated.

What I doI proposed to Baltimore County schools

superintendent Dr. Joe Hairston that wevisit underperforming high schools in thecounty to talk to average students aboutwhat motivates them and what holdsthem back. Just the two of us visited 10schools. It was really powerful to hear stu-dents say that they knew they could besuccessful in an honors class but that theywere content to sit in a standard classbecause they didn’t want to do their home-work. After our meetings we would sitwith the principals and Dr. Hairstonwould discuss what courses could be elim-inated. Actual changes were made.

Why I do what I doI’m not content watching life pass meby. UMBC President Dr. Freeman

GGaabbrriieellllee WW.. EEdduuccaattoorr,, UUMMBBCC GGrraadduuaattee,, HHaarrvvaarrdd SSttuuddeenntt


Learn how much forensicaccountants make


Find out more about the money

mysteries accountants solve at

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Finance.

Careerabout what you want to do. When I hada fear of public speaking, I was openabout it to my teachers. In my heart, Iwanted to overcome this fear.

Typical dayI get up at 6:30 a.m. and read the news-papers, so I am up to date with the latestfraud investigations. I handle two tothree cases at a time, with one to 20 peo-

ple working on each case. At the office,I meet with the project manager of eachcase. I talk to my clients every day,telling them what work has been doneand getting instructions about whatthey need. I meet with the staff andwrite reports to give to the client.Everything is precise and well-docu-mented. If there is a legal process, Isometimes help to interview people onmatters related to fraud.

Talk to your parents and teachers about

what you want to do.



Who or what inspired meI was inspired by my sister’s father-in-law,a chartered accountant in India and anexample of excellence and achievement.The other person who inspired me is apartner from my office with whom I’veworked for 10 years. He is dedicated to hiswork, to completing the job properly. Inschool, I had a real fear of public speaking.I explained my fear to my teachers, whogave me assignments to overcome it. Nowin business, I have to deal with the staff, Ihave to give presentations to clients.

Choices and key decisionsInitially, I wanted to be a physician. I com-pleted one year and I did not like it. I spoke

to several people who knew me — rela-tives, friends, teachers — about what Iliked and didn’t like. I came to the conclu-sion to go into accounting. You have to bemath-minded. You have to be precise andlove numbers, and you have to love busi-ness, the commercial world.

What I doI was working as an auditor when I wasgiven a special assignment involving aninvestigation. I loved it. Forensic account-ants try to find accounting fraud, and theytry to resolve disputes over business transac-tions. It’s like being a detective and the num-bers are the clues. Things are supposed tomake sense but they don’t. My job is to findthe missing clues. There are no require-

ments for this specialty, no formal training.You need to work for someone who works asa forensic accountant and learn on the job.

Why I do what I doForensic accounting is not a mainstreamfield — 95 percent of the time, things areright. It’s only when they aren’t that I getinvolved. Either someone has done some-thing wrong and tries to hide it or theydon’t have enough resources and end upbeing sloppy. I find it fulfilling to use myability to solve complex problems and toresolve disputes.

Advice to studentsMy advice is to talk to parents and teachers

SSaacchhiinn VV.. FFoorreennssiicc AAccccoouunnttaanntt,, DDeellooiittttee FFiinnaanncciiaall AAddvviissoorryy SSeerrvviicceess LLLLPP


BE WHAT

I WANTTO BE .COM

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.— Helen Keller

Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.

— Jawaharlal Nehru

Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.— William B. Sprague

Knowing is not enough; we must apply.Willing is not enough; we must do.

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The ability to concentrate and to use your time well is everything if you want to succeed in business—or almost anywhere else for that matter.— Lee Iacocca

BE WHAT

I WANTTO BE .COM

Don't bunt. Aim out of the ballpark.— David Ogilvy

GET BREAKING NEWS

Text TDR to 444888(Standard text rates apply.)

ON YOURCELL PHONE!

GET BREAKING NEWS

ON YOUR CELL PHONE!

Text TDR to 444888

Documents

2010-11 Be What I Want To Be Magazine