Dylan Stone

He/Him/They
Class of 2027
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Minor: Project Management
Hometown: Mt. Airy, Maryland

What motivated you to become a ClarkLEADER?
I didn’t participated in ClarkLEAD as a freshman because I was a freshmen connection fall student who just missed the mark for admission into the LEP. Navigating the summer and fall semester of my freshmen year was filled with a lot of trial and error when it comes to navigating Clark School and everything it has to offer. I want to be there to help the next class of freshmen in their journey of figuring out what UMD engineering is and can be.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new Maryland Engineering Students?
Time management is the number one indicator of success I’ve seen, both in myself and with peers. It took some time to adjust to the college pace, especially once I added two on campus jobs. If you want to stand out as a student and get the most out of your education and time in college park, being able to effectively structure and use your time is key. Don’t forget to have fun though! A balanced life is a happy life.

What are some organizations or extracurricular activities you think new students should know about?
I think new students should know about how easy it can be to get an undergraduate research position. With resumes becoming equally if not more important than grades, finding a place to learn new skills that contribute towards your career goals outside of the classroom is very important. I landed my current researcher position simply by sending a short email and attaching my resume. Within a week I met with the professor and began onboarding. Research might not be your place, it could be in a club or at a teaching assistant position. No matter your choice, it never hurts to apply or reach out to faculty & clubs. You’d be surprised how easy it can be to find work you love as long as you take that first step.