Princeton is hosting a GradFUTURES virtual webinar series! This series is aimed specifically at graduate students and forging deeper connections between students, faculty, staff, alumni, and leaders from a variety of fields. The series is from April 29th to May 1st and it is completely free for graduate students.

Follow this link to register for the any or all of the sessions below. https://gradfutures.princeton.edu/overview

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

12-1:30 PM Data Transparency, the Ph.D. Labor Market and Diverse Career Pathways

Join Matt Sigelman ’94, CEO of Burning Glass Technologies for an in-depth look at the Ph.D. labor market, the professional skills and competencies of high-value across diverse industries, and the potential impact of economic uncertainty related to COVID-19 on the landscape of opportunities. Introduction by Eva Kubu, Associate Dean and Director of Professional Development.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30

9-9:45 AM  Ali Nouri *06, President of FAS

Join Ali Nouri *06, President of the Federation of American Scientists for a conversation about his career journey, and the role of graduate education, public policy, and PhD-trained scientists in our current moment.

12-1:30 Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Graduate Education

Join Rodney Priestley, the inaugural Vice Dean of Innovation for an overview of his vision for ways graduate students across all divisions can transform their research into solutions for society via immersion in Princeton's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem as part of their professional development. Introduction by Sarah-Jane Leslie, Dean of the Graduate School.  From 1:00-1:30 pm, Dr. Priestley will be joined by Udit Batra *96, CEO of Millipore Sigma, for a fireside chat. They will discuss Dr. Batra's leadership of MilliporeSigma in finding a treatment for COVID-19, as well as his career journey, and advice for current graduate students.

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FRIDAY, MAY 1

12-1:15 PM Hi-Phi Nation Podcast with Barry Lam *06

Join Philosophy Ph.D. alumnus Barry Lam *06 for his Hi-Phi Nation podcast. Introduction by Sarah-Jane Leslie, Dean of the Graduate School.

1:30-2:30 PM Podcasting 101 Panel

Podcasting Panel (moderated by Wright Seneres, the host of Princeton Spark.) Join us for a discussion of how graduate students can translate research, commentary, and community-sourced narratives into podcast episodes.

Panelist include:

Barry Lam *06, host of Hi Phi Nation

Margaret Koval, Director of Special Projects, Office of Communications-- SheRoars, WeRoar

Tiger Gao '21, Host of Policy Punchline podcast

4- 5 PM Closing Keynote: Fireside Chat with Ann Kirschner *78 and Sree Sreenivasan

Introduction by Sarah-Jane Leslie, Dean of the Graduate School.  Two leading thinkers on the future of academia share their thoughts on what we’ve learned and where we go from here. Ann Kirschner is University Professor at The City University of New York, and Faculty Fellow at the Futures Initiative. She is a Princeton Trustee and co-chairs Dean’s Leadership Council for the Graduate School at Princeton University.  Sree Sreenivasan is Marshall R. Loeb Visiting Professor of Digital Innovation, Stony Brook School of Journalism and former Chief Digital Officer of New York City; The Metropolitan Museum of Art; and Columbia University.

Job search blues got you down? The Career Center can help with that!

The job search can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be.

It seems like everyone is looking for an entry level candidate with years of experience, but what recent graduate has years of experience?

Well, the Career Center can help you look like the best candidate, even without those years of experience under your belt. They can help you land that internship that will get you the experience you need!

Internships know you don’t have the experience to do the job without guidance, that’s why they’re internships! So a good way to open the door for your first job out of college is to start with internships. Check out my blog post about internships for more information.

Another fantastic way to get that first job in the field you’re studying is to network! LinkedIn is a great networking site that allows you to connect with recruiters and apply to jobs. The Career Center can help you build a great profile for your LinkedIn account, just make an appointment with a Career Adviser. If you’ve got a profile you’re happy with but don’t know how to use LinkedIn, there’s an appointment type for that too!

Did you know that 70% of jobs are never posted? The way to find them is to network! Talk to the people you know, get connected through job fairs and other events the Career Center hosts, and utilize social media to your advantage.

The Career Center has resources for you to take advantage of, check out the Career Center website for more resources and services.

According to career specialists, 70-80 percent of jobs are never posted online. This means most jobs are filled through word of mouth or other private communication, otherwise known as a professional network. I don’t know about you, but whenever I’m faced with someone 10-15 years older than me wearing a power suit, I freeze. Everything interesting I’ve ever said or thought flies out of my head. It isn’t optimal. I’ve had to find resources to teach and prepare me for those awkward handshakes and first meetings. It is important to develop your own professional network while you’re in school so that you have contacts to reach out to when you begin looking for an internship and full-time job.

When to Network:

“Networking” sometimes sounds like a special skill that everyone seems to know except you. Actually, networking is pretty basic. It can happen with friends, family, or strangers,  at a career event, in the classroom, on the job, or anywhere you run into someone with an interesting career path, similar career interests, or skills you find interesting. Just be approachable, open, and willing to talk about your education, background, and career goals, and you’ll be networking in no time!

How to Network:

Again, networking isn’t a special skill you unlock after you obtain a secret adult card. It's just talking and connecting to people in your field. That being said, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the dreaded question: “So what do you want to do?” First, create a 30-second commercial. We have a guide here on on website. Next, remember that networking is a conversation. Have a few interesting questions to ask the other person about their work or career path. Finally, be yourself. People want to work with people who are friendly and competent at what they do. Show that you know what you’re talking about and how to work in a team, and you’ll be good to go!

Where to Network:

Whether you’re graduating and looking for a full-time position (congrats!) or looking for a summer internship, the time has arrived to begin the search. The benefits of internships are extensive. Some majors or programs require them, and even if they aren’t required, they’re a great way to gain experience, make contacts in your field, get a feel for different company cultures, and (maybe) earn some money. As for full-time positions, the answer is obvious. You’ve spent the last four(ish) years of your life earning this degree, and now you get to go out into the real world and put the degree to use!

So, how do you find these internships and job opportunities? There are two main ways:

In Person

The Career Center offers many events through the semester to facilitate connections between employers and students. You can check out all our coming events on our calendar, but I’ll highlight three types here:

1. On The Roads: These require you to sign up, but it’s definitely worth it. The Career Center takes you by bus to the company where you get to talk with employees and get a feel for the culture and workplace.

2. UMBC Connects: These events are hosted on campus, no RSVP required. Show up and chat one on one with company representatives.

3. Career Corner: The least formal of the three options. Stop by the table set up in the Commons and chat for a few minutes with recruiters.

If employer recruiters are feeling a little too intimidating for you at the moment, I’d highly suggest coming in and talking with the Career Center Internship and Employment team. You can make a 30 minute appointment through UMBCworks, and they’ll walk you through the process. When I was a freshman, I came into the Career Center with no idea where to begin or what to do. They helped me land the most amazing summer position. Also consider signing up for the Intern Success Conference on November 7th! There’ll be a panel, keynote speaker, and information sessions all to help you land that perfect internship.

Online

Over the last few years, online networking and job search tools have exploded in popularity. Check out a few of our favorites:

1. UMBCworks: Just for UMBC students and alumni! Find all types of jobs and on-campus interviews here.

2. Links by Major: These give you websites and resources exclusive to your major!

3. Vault: Find companies by types of programs, locations, and majors hired. Then check out reviews from current and past employees.

4. Linkedin: The classic. There's a reason everyone’s on Linkedin. One of the best ways to network online. Check out our guide here.

If you’re lacking inspiration or not sure what exactly you’d do at an internship, take a look at the Career Center’s Intern of the Week series. Once a week, we interview UMBC students who completed internships about their favorite parts of the job.

Next week, we’ll go over more tools the Career Center has to help you reach your career goals. Over the next few days, look out for events connecting you to Northrop Grumman, T. Rowe Price, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Also, be sure to sign up and attend our Diversity Recruitment event! You’ll get to network with recruiters and eat a free dinner. Good luck with your applications, and I’ll see you next week!

The Fall Career & Internship Fair is tomorrow! Over 140 companies will descend on the RAC, looking to recruit students from UMBC for full time and internship opportunities. It's the biggest career event of the semester, and you can be a part of it by showing up tomorrow anywhere between 11:30 am and 3:30 pm. But Emily, you might ask, 140 companies in the RAC sounds very intimidating. Where do I begin? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Before the fair:

1. Research the companies. Check out the list of companies that will be there including what majors they are looking for, pick your top ten, and give them a google. Figure out what they do and what project you would like to be a part of. Preparation is the key to good networking!

2. Give your resume one final look over (this guide might help) and print out copies. Try to have at least at least ten copies, but bringing a few extras on top of that can’t hurt.

3. Pick out clean business professional clothes. Looking the part is very important. Picking out your clothes the night before can help you avoid unforeseen issues tomorrow morning. If you’re not sure what business professional looks like, check out this guide.

During the fair:

1. Bring everything you prepared the night before plus your student ID. Wear the clothes, keep the resumes protected from the rain, and remember your list of companies.

2. When you get to the fair, check your guide for a map or download the directory in advance. Find the companies you want to visit and make a game plan. Hundreds of students come to the fair, so having a plan of action can help you get through the crowds.

3. Visit your target companies. Network with recruiters. Give your 30-second commercial, discuss why you want to be a part of their company, and give them a copy of your resume. If they give you a card or contact information, keep it in a safe place!

After the fair:

1. Follow up. Reach out to those people who gave you their information. Tell them how nice it was to talk to them and reiterate your interest in their company. A thank you note or email goes a long way!

2. Take a break! Squeeze in a nap if you can fit it between classes and homework. You earned it.

There is an ancient riddle which has confused students since the beginning of time: How do I get experience when all experiences require experience? Figuring out how to break into the job market can feel like trying to jump on an already moving Ferris wheel. Confusing, intimidating, and not how you want to spend your weekends. But there is a way to round out your resume, gain leadership experience, and develop a professional network without snagging that elusive first job in your preferred field.

Campus involvement is a great alternative. Hopefully, you made it to Involvement Fest and have a few clubs you’re thinking about joining. If not, don’t worry! The full list of UMBC student organizations can be found here. It might seem intimidating at first, but taking a few minutes to look through the list is a great idea. There are professional societies, department groups, and recreational clubs. Find a couple that seem like fun, figure out what time they meet, and you’re good to go!

As a member of a club, you have the chance to do three things that help boost your chances of getting a job.

1. Leadership Opportunities. Clubs are a great way to take on responsibility in a relatively low-risk environment. Having a leadership position in a club gives you experience managing other people and their schedules, planning events, budgeting, and recruiting new members. These are great skills to highlight in a resume and provide great stories to talk about in interviews.

2. Networking. In a club, whether its related to your studies or not, you’re going to make friends with people who will be able to help your career down the road. Building connections in and out of your major is always a great idea, and clubs are great ways to get out, meet people, and create lasting friendships. It’s a stress-free way of beginning to cultivate a professional network.

3. The Human Element. Most employers aren’t looking for an emotionless robot to sit behind a desk and bang out reports day after day. And if they are, you probably don’t want to work for them anyways. Clubs and extracurriculars show your potential employer that you’re more than just a student. You have a breadth of knowledge and ideas that support and enhance your professional development. Having dedicated interests outside your field of study show that you commit to the things that you love, and you’ll commit to your new job too.

Spring has finally sprung, and Career Month is in full swing! There have already been so many fantastic events, like IBM-UMBC Day, and the CAHSS Careers Conference. There is another upcoming event I’d especially like to highlight: Arts with a Purpose! This event is made just for our creative majors, including visual arts, graphic design, cinematic arts, film/video, theatre, dance, music, MCS, and INDS. If you fit these majors, come to this event to gain advice from professionals and get a chance to network with them!

UMBC has a strong undergraduate liberal arts foundation, but it’s no secret that there is a pretty strong STEM presence here. Biology is the largest department on campus, and it seems like employers are only looking for students with lab experience or tech experience. I understand that trying to pursue your passion in the arts can be disheartening at times, but here at the Career Center we want to ensure you that your career goals are valid and you will achieve them!

Arts with a Purpose is an event that Career Center has held for several years now, and it is not only a place to hear the stories of people who have succeeded in making a living creating things they are passionate about, it is also a great opportunity to network and make connections with those people. Personal networking is one of the best way to find jobs AND land jobs. This event will have 20 employers, including several offices here at UMBC looking to hire students in the arts. How can you best be prepared?

• Make a 30-second commercial: this should be a clear and concise tool to communicate the skills you have and the goals for your future. Make sure you practice it so you can convey yourself with confidence!

• Do some research on the employers: we have a full list of the employers attending, so check out who you might be interested in so that you go in with a game plan.

• Have your resume and/or portfolio ready to go: Bring plenty of copies of your resume to give to employers, and you can even sign up for a 15-minute portfolio review! All students in relevant majors will be sent an email about the event that includes a sign-up for the portfolio reviews.

• Be ready to listen: We are bringing in some great panelists that have endless advice to give, so make sure you are taking it all in - and take notes!

We want ALL students at UMBC to feel they have a chance at success, so this event is designed for all of our creative majors to have that chance. Keep a lookout for all the other great events happening this month as part of Career Month!

You hear it all the time: “The best way to find a job is through networking.” The word networking gets thrown around a lot, but not everyone is really sure how it works, or what the benefits are. The idea is that you have to have connections; you have to “know people”. Personally, I don’t know any “people”, so how am I supposed to network and get a good job? The Career Center is your networking connection. We bring employers to you, and we even bus you to employers! There are constantly networking events going on on-campus, which is why the best plan is to look at our calendar of events and plan out when your next networking adventure will be!

The truth is: you do know people. Even your relatives count, so when you’re at the thanksgiving table, you should be networking! And that doesn’t mean outright asking them for a job, but rather asking if they know people who work in your desired field. Personally, as a psychology major, my family members tell me about their friends who own their own counseling practice, and are totally willing to answer my questions. I’ve even been given internship offers from these friends of relatives. A lot of introverts might be reading this and thinking the idea of approaching someone to ask about connections is a horrible idea, but there are also opportunities for you. Introverts can be great observers and great listeners, which can still help you pick up details about where to find connections. Remember: everyone has connections, and YOU have the means of finding them!

There are several types of networking events available to UMBC students. The biggest and most popular event is the big Career and Internship Fair held each semester. It’s like speed-dating for jobs! But there are many others that students aren’t aware of. For example: we have information sessions where you can meet directly with employers like the CIA this week or Northwestern Mutual Financial Network a few days later. This is an easy and effective way to meet with recruiters and get your name on their good list. We also have our On the Road series, where the Career Center provides transportation to places like T. Rowe Price, the Space Telescope Science Institute, Exelon, and tons more. The series is done for this semester, but it picks right up again in February with a trip to Cisco Systems where students will get a tour of the facilities, as well as an inside scoop on internship and career opportunities.

Even with all of these free and easy events to connect you directly to employers, you might be wondering what to do with yourself once you actually get there. A great place to start before actually meeting people in person is the website LinkedIn. UMBC has several networking pages on LinkedIn including the UMBC Alumni-Student Networking Group that connects you directly to UMBC alumni in your desired field. Also, the Career Center website has a list of Top 10 Networking Tips to help you get started, as well as tools to develop your 30-second commercial. One effective networking strategy - especially if you are still exploring your career interests - is the Informational Interview, where YOU get to interview a professional in your desired field about what it’s like to do what they do, and how you could become successful in the field. Now networking doesn’t seem so scary, right? So get there and get networking!