The following umterps.com series will highlight stories from Brand U's career coaches program. This program provides student-athletes an opportunity to be paired with members of the athletic department staff who can further assist their personal and career exploration while building and advancing their personal skills and network. Career coaches provide an additional resource for student-athlete career interest and self-exploration, resume building, interview skills and professional network expansion.

This week, we recognize Marty Summa, Director of Social & Digital Media, and Julie Duncan, sophomore on the field hockey team. Since the beginning of the program, Marty and Julie have developed a positive relationship with their shared interests in digital design and digital media.  

"It has been great to work with Julie and see the impact I can make on her,” said Summa. “I am able to use my knowledge and experiences that seem like everyday happenings and teach her. It is something that I think we take for granted sometimes, but this has opened my eyes to the difference I can make.”

Marty brought Julie to a men's basketball game to shadow him throughout his game day routine. She was able to observe his routine on a typical game day and all the aspects that go into making thimgs run smoothly. Duncan assisted with the social media and graphic design tasks throughout the game

"This was such an amazing night and something I will remember,” said Duncan. "Working with Marty has really opened my eyes to what a marketing and digital media career entails. Being part of the career coaches program has been an awesome experience."

In addition, Marty has provided Julie with tips and assignments to further develop her skills in digital media. The small projects she has been working on will become part of her graphic portfolio in addition to her experience with Marty at Maryland's game vs. Stony Brook.

-Terps-