5 Questions With Adam Morris, Assistant Director of Internships and Employment, UMBC
Adam joined the UMBC Career Center in 2023. His 15+ years of experience spans for-profit, nonprofit and academia. He is an AmeriCorps alum and previously guided the undergraduate Internship Program in the Department of Human Development & Family Sciences at the University of Delaware.
December 21, 2023
| This article is part of our 5 Questions With series, one of our ongoing People & Places Features. We love it because despite the consistent questioning, the answers are all unique. Be sure to FOLLOW us on LinkedIn to tell us what you think. |
1. What did you want to be when you grow up? How’d you get from there to here?
What didn’t I want to be? Beekeeper, pilot, farmer, baker, athlete. I wanted to be outside or work with my hands. I never wanted a conventional career working 9-5 inside on a computer but that’s exactly where I landed for 10 years after undergrad. Then through lots of reflection and self-discovery, I realized that I enjoyed working with people and I was good at being a resource for them and, in return, they brought me constant energy and excitement that I needed to show up to work every day. I quit my job, volunteered with AmeriCorps, and then landed a role in academia supporting undergraduate students, and have loved showing up to work every day since.
2. How are you helping to build a more connected community?
BioBuzz’s mission is simple: to be more connected. Our regionally-focused storytelling, programs, events, and experiences create, connect, and amplify impact across the life science workforce in growing hubs. We vibe with people who value community and connection like us. We’d love for you to share how you’re building a more connected community… and any support that you need from our community to continue to accomplish this mission.
Through learning, meeting new people, expanding my networking, and sharing resources with those around me. Reducing barriers to accessing information and support is paramount in this field so we’re constantly striving to be available for students and to get as much information as possible in their hands so they can run with it and create their own success stories.
3. What are you currently buzzing about? Anything and everything.
Dates – and not the Tinder variety. I’ve been eating many dates recently and it’s become a small obsession. I learned it used to take about 70 years for a farmer to harvest date fruits but now, through extensive science and research, it now takes about 3-5 years. I’ve been enjoying reading about how different cultures incorporate the fruit into their diets as well.
4. If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself?
Do more. Have more experiences – internships, job shadowing, informational interviews, networking. I learned by doing so it probably wouldn’t have taken me 10 years to figure out what I wanted to do with my life if I incorporated more experiential learning earlier in my career.
5. FUN question. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I hate spiders but I find them fascinating. Maybe one day I’ll work up the courage to hold a tarantula in my hand but not soon.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
BioBuzz is a community led, experience focused, biotech and life sciences media and events company. BioBuzz highlights regional breaking news, industry professionals, jobs, events, and resources for business and career growth. Their weekly newsletter is subscribed to by thousands in the BioHealth Capital Region and Greater Philadelphia as the go-to for industry updates.
