Toby Rosenband '26 and Walton Staley '26 at First Fruits Farms
Senior Encounter
Senior Encounter for the 2026-2027 school year will run from Tuesday, May 18 – Tuesday, June 1, 2027.
Michael Jiang '26 with mentor Dr. Amol Narang '03
Messiah Jews '26 and Isaiah Trusty '26 meet Mayor Brandon Scott at Requity Foundation, Inc., hosted by mentor Michael Rosenband, P26
Drew Corbin '26 at Towson University Athletics (Mentored by Chris Smith General Manager, Towson Athletic Sponsorships)
Jacob Rody '26, Noah Lawrence '26, Joe Wise '26, Arjun Ramachandran '26, and Micah Loveland '26 with mentor Singleton Mathews '03
Billy Smyth '26 at McFadden Art Glass
Senior Encounter, the capstone experience of the senior year, enables each senior to explore a field of interest with an adult who works in that area. As seniors prepare to head to college in the fall, Senior Encounter aims to provide them with a broader perspective on a career field of interest while connecting with a mentor in that field.
During Encounter, seniors spend two weeks engaged in a full-time internship of their choosing under the supervision of a mentor. In the past, students have participated in internships in a wide range of fields, including medicine, business, education, technology, engineering, architecture, film, and environmental sustainability. The exact schedule of the internship can be flexible, but the student is expected to "work" for at least seven hours each weekday.
The contact and connection with the adult (mentor) are at the heart of the Encounter. This close working relationship is intended to provide the student with insight into the mentor's job and the broader field in which they work. In turn, seniors are eager to learn and to contribute their own talents and skills.
Due to a variety of circumstances, we recognize that some workplaces and/or mentors are not in a position to host seniors in person. We will therefore support Senior Encounter projects in three formats — fully in-person, fully virtual, and hybrid (though the expectation for seven-plus-hour days remains for virtual and hybrid internships).
This program has been in existence at Gilman for decades; many alumni report that their Encounters were formative experiences.
Two-week Encounter immediately after Senior Exams
Seven on-site or virtual work hours each day
Any occupation is open for Encounter
Student-designed, project-based experiences
How You Can Help
The Senior Encounter is a wonderful opportunity for alumni, parents, and friends to mentor a young adult and teach him about the work that you do.
If you, or someone within your organization, would be willing to supervise a senior for the two-week Encounter program, please complete the short form below.
If you have any questions, please contact Anna Follensbee, Director of the Encounter Program, at afollensbee@gilman.edu or 410-323-3800, ext. 439.
Required
WHAT SENIORS SAY ABOUT ENCOUNTER
Shot Tower Capital
My encounter with Shot Tower Capital definitely strengthened my desire to study Finance at IU Kelley, because I found it fascinating that you can take raw data and apply financial analysis to determine the value of a company or asset. Before the encounter, I knew I wanted to pursue investment banking as a career after college. Still, I had only a limited understanding of what investment bankers actually do day to day. Now, after working and learning from Rick and Rob, I have a better understanding of the profession and the skills needed to succeed. While I understand that investment banking involves long hours, high expectations, and a demanding workload, these past two weeks at Shot Tower Capital have shown me that the work is both challenging and rewarding, which is why I want to pursue a career in IB.MENTOR: Shot Tower Capital
First Fruits Farms
I learned a lot of valuable lessons by working on the farm, including the value of teamwork and collaboration, the benefit of efficiency, and the importance of a healthy and inclusive working environment.MENTOR: First Fruits Farms
Physical Therapist
My favorite part of this experience was observing the patients as they improved in their rehab programs. Seeing the ability of physical therapy to improve a patient’s quality of life and to allow them to return to the activities that they love is rewarding.MENTOR: Physical Therapist
U.S. District Judge
This encounter opportunity was incredibly transformative in my understanding of the law…With this experience, I learned information that is not typically offered in a classroom, such as the complex interpretations of legal concepts that Judge Gallagher coached me through back in her chambers.MENTOR: U.S. District Judge
Chief Justice of the Maryland Supreme Court
[O]ne of my favorite parts of working with Chief Justice Fader was learning about the different cases that he has been assigned. He walked me through the Judiciary system, how the District court deals with the lowest offenses, and cases make their way up until they reach his court. One of the interesting things in being in a court above the lowest level is that none of the cases that Chief Justice Fader has are open and shut, each has been appealed and there are compelling arguments to both sides.MENTOR: Chief Justice of the Maryland Supreme Court
Constellation Energy
Going into the experience, I was already somewhat interested in business and law, so seeing how a major energy company actually operates showed me a path I could potentially take in both fields. I had never really understood how large companies made decisions until I was able to sit in on meetings and observe behind the scenes. The experience made me much more interested in the energy sector overall. One of my favorite parts was being on the calls where I could follow what was happening and understand the discussion being made.
MENTOR: Constellation Energy
Johns Hopkins Hospital
My Encounter has given me the opportunity to see almost every facet of Johns Hopkins Hospital, like being in infectious disease policy meetings or watching brain surgery.
MENTOR: Johns Hopkins Hospital
Skill Capital Management
We have been learning about smart ways to make our money work for us. We felt it would be important to be financially literate no matter what our futures may hold.
MENTOR: Skill Capital Management
EAC Archaeology
I learned much about American history during my time transcribing oral interviews, and what I learned excited me. I was listening to an interview conducted with an almost 100-year-old man about what life was like when he was three years old. His memories extended back before 1927, and he remembers stories that bring information from even further back. The digs that we went on added to our knowledge of Catoctin Furnace, which smelted raw pig iron for the American Revolution and during the Civil War. I came into the archaeology firm not knowing what to expect, but I left having discovered a new interest. I will definitely keep Archaeology as an option for a future profession.
MENTOR: EAC Archaeology
Baltimore Ravens
I am so thankful for this opportunity working with Head Coach John Harbaugh and Assistant Coach Dan Parsons, and even though I may not go into football, I will certainly take what I learned in regards to leadership and team organization, which has always been a passion of mine and carry it with me moving forward.
MENTOR: Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Orioles
I loved working for the Orioles for my encounter because I have always loved sports and hope to pursue a career path that deals with a sports organization after college.
MENTOR: Baltimore Orioles