The Career & Internship Fair on Wednesday, September 17, is your chance to meet recruiters, explore opportunities, and make meaningful connections that can launch your career. To stand out in a crowd of talented students and graduates, a little strategy goes a long way. Here are five creative tips to help you shine on the big day.

1. Research Employers Ahead of Time

Before the fair, browse the list of attending organizations in the Directory and look up job postings on Handshake and company websites of interest. Knowing which roles interest you before arriving at the Fair allows you to approach employers with specific questions and to see if there’s a specific team member to get in touch with. Demonstrate genuine interest when connecting with employers — recruiters always notice.

2. Have Your Information Ready

Because there will be a QR code at every employer booth for you to scan and share your information, make sure your Handshake profile is updated and complete. You also want to upload your latest resume to Handshake as well as keep a resume easily accessible on your phone. A more common practice at fairs in recent years is for employers to ask for a quick emailed resume or upload on their portal. Being ready with digital documentation shows professionalism and preparedness.

3. Gamify Your Goals

Turn your fair experience into a game to keep you motivated. Set specific goals before you arrive — like talking to at least five employers in your field or collecting three relevant business cards. See how you can make the most efficient route by looking up the map of employer booths in the Directory beforehand. This not only keeps you going but also helps you track your progress and stay focused.

4. Team Up with a Friend

Networking can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to go it alone. Partner with a friend to stay energized, practice your 30-second commercials with each other, and share leads on must-visit employers. Just remember to branch out so you each make your own connections and then reconnect to take breaks and compare notes. If you need another way to practice conversations prior to the Fair, check out the Big Interview platform.

5. Wear a Statement Piece

First impressions matter, and a subtle statement accessory — like a bold tie, a bright scarf, or a unique pin — can help you be remembered. Just make sure it complements your professional attire and reflects your personality while keeping things polished. There will be an opportunity to get a professional headshot taken at the Fair as well, so you want to look sharp.

Career Fair Ready!

The Career & Internship Fair is one of the best ways to connect with employers and land internships or full-time roles. Use these tips to get ready and stand out on September 17! We’ll see you there! 

At the start of a new academic year, many students arrive at UMBC hoping to land an on-campus job right away. These roles can be a great way to earn income, build experience, and connect with the campus community. But before getting too caught up in the excitement of applying, it’s important to understand the reality: on-campus jobs are limited and highly competitive.

Why On-Campus Jobs Are Limited

On-campus roles are in high demand at UMBC, and the number of positions is usually much smaller than the number of students who apply. Many jobs open only at certain times of year, and some positions prioritize students who are work-study eligible. For international students in particular who are typically only eligible to work on campus their first year, this means the competition is even tougher.

How to Stand Out as an Applicant

While you can’t control the number of jobs available, you can control how you present yourself:

• Polish Your Resume: Make sure it’s clear, concise, and highlights skills relevant to the position.
• Be Flexible: Consider a variety of roles across campus — from administrative offices to research roles to tutoring. The more flexible you are, the more opportunities you’ll find.
• Show Initiative: Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and a willingness to learn. Employers want students who will show up on time and contribute positively.
• Leverage Connections: Talk to peers, faculty, and staff who might know of openings. Sometimes opportunities are shared through word of mouth.

Other Ways to Gain Experience

If you don’t land an on-campus job right away, don’t lose hope. There are many other ways to build skills that employers value:

• Volunteer with campus organizations or community groups.
• Join student clubs to practice leadership and teamwork.
• Consider programs and initiatives at The Shriver Center that focuses on community-engaged, applied learning.
• Work on personal or research projects that showcase your talents.
• Explore short-term, project-based experiences like micro-internships from Parker Dewey. 

Remember: not having an on-campus job doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. Employers care about the skills and experiences you bring — not just where they came from.

Take the Next Step

Missed this week’s On-Campus & Part-Time Jobs Expo? It’s not too late to reach out to employers. Check out the Directory to see who’s hiring, and find their positions on Handshake. Ask questions and make connections along the way. Good luck, and reach out to the Career Center for more support as needed.  

Summer might feel like a time to slow down, but when it comes to your career, it’s actually the perfect season to build and maintain your professional network. Without the pressures of class schedules, midterms, and group projects, you have more flexibility — and let’s be honest, brain space — to invest in making meaningful connections that could help shape your future.

Here are a few simple (and stress-free) ways to stay professionally connected this summer:

1. Reach Out and Reconnect

Think about professors, classmates, or supervisors you haven’t talked to in a while. A quick message to say hi and share a brief update can go a long way in keeping your name fresh in their mind. Consider sharing an article or video that made you think of them. Networking isn’t just about asking for favors like a job — it’s about maintaining relationships over time.

2. Use Steppingblocks to Explore Options

If you're not sure where to start, check out Steppingblocks — UMBC’s data-driven tool where you can research jobs and look at alumni career paths. Steppingblocks is able to provide you with a list of companies that you can research and connect with. You also can get a better sense of how alumni got to your career of choice, allowing you to craft a more informed series of questions for informational interviews.

3. Conduct Informational Interviews

Have some free afternoons? Use that time to learn more about your field of interest. Reach out to someone on LinkedIn or Retrievers Connect to set up a virtual coffee chat. Ask about their career path, day-to-day responsibilities, and any advice they have for students like you. If you’re not sure about what to ask, you can check out our sample questions here. And if you need to practice before making the ask, hop onto Big Interview and practice answering questions.

4. Attend Events or Join Groups Online

There are tons of webinars, virtual meetups, and discussion groups happening year-round. Summer is a great time to drop in on a professional association event or follow an industry panel on LinkedIn Live. You can also go to Handshake and search for events that are relevant to your interests and open to all students. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn.

5. Follow Up (Even If It’s Just to Say Thanks!)

Did someone review your resume or give you helpful advice during the semester? Circle back with a thank-you message and a quick update on what you’ve been doing. Comment specifically on how their act of kindness positively impacted your career exploration. Small gestures like this can turn a one-time interaction into a lasting professional connection.

This summer, let networking work for you. Even just one new connection can lead to inspiration, insight, or opportunity. Log into Retrievers Connect today and start building relationships that matter — one DM at a time. 

Summer break is the perfect time to recharge — but it’s also a golden opportunity to invest in yourself. Whether you’re a graduate student working through coursework or heading into your final year, using the summer months to build skills can help you feel more confident and career-ready when you return to campus.

Here are a few ways to use your summer wisely:

1. Learn Something New (at Your Own Pace)

Just because class is out doesn’t mean learning has to stop. Try taking a free or low-cost online course to explore a new skill or deepen one you already have.

• Interested in coding? Check out the UMBC Training Centers’ courses on programming and software development.
• Want to improve your data skills? Explore LinkedIn Learning or Coursera.
• Thinking about graduate school? Practice GRE vocabulary or sample problems.

Even committing just a few hours a week can make a noticeable difference.

2. Volunteer or Freelance

Giving back is a great way to gain real-world experience — plus, it looks great on a resume. Find a nonprofit, community group, or campus department where you can offer your help. You can also explore small freelance projects to build your portfolio — especially if you're in writing, design, or tech. Check out the Forage’s job simulations as another way to build skills that replicate real work in the field.

3. Work on a Personal Project

Have a passion you’ve been putting off? Now’s your time. Create a blog, design an app, start a podcast, or build something hands-on. Employers love to see initiative and creativity—especially when you can explain the “why” behind your work.

4. Update Your Materials

Use this time to refresh your resume, update your LinkedIn profile, and complete your Handshake profile. Add new experiences, clean up formatting, and make sure your materials reflect the kind of opportunities you want moving forward. Depending on the roles you are applying for, you may also want to consider create separate resumes to better match job positions.

5. Reflect and Plan

Summer is a great time to take a step back and reflect on your goals. What did you learn last semester? What kind of work excites you? Where do you want to grow? Journaling or creating a simple vision board can help you stay focused and intentional about the year ahead. And should something change during the academic year, it’s ok to continue to hone and revise your career plan as needed.

Looking for Summer Career Inspiration?

Check out the UMBC Career Center’s podcast, "UMBC Careers Unleashed — featuring real stories, tips, and advice from the Career Center’s staff and UMBC students. It’s perfect for a walk, commute, or summer chill session.

Listen here and get inspired to make this summer your most strategic one yet. And if you need help kicking off your plans, the Career Center is open during the summer with drop-ins and 1:1 virtual and in-person appointments.

You've got time — and you’ve got options. Let summer be your launchpad, and good luck!

If you’re a student looking for jobs, internships, or career connections, Handshake is your go-to platform. Whether you’re just starting your college journey or preparing to graduate, Handshake offers personalized job and internship recommendations, relevant employer events, and career-building tools tailored to your specific interests and goals. But are you using it to its full potential?

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Handshake account:

1. Complete Your Profile

The more information you include, the better your job and internship matches will be. Add your major, graduation year, interests, relevant experience, and skills. Handshake uses this information to recommend jobs and events that are aligned with your career goals.

2. Upload Your Resume

Having a resume uploaded to your profile allows you to more easily apply to opportunities. It also makes it easier for employers to find you during their own candidate searches.

3. Explore and Follow Employers

Handshake gives you access to thousands of employers, many of whom are specifically looking to recruit students from UMBC. Follow companies you’re interested in so you can stay updated on their events, job postings, and application deadlines. Go to the “Explore” tab on Handshake and follow the UMBC collections that are applicable to your interests.

4. Attend Events and Fairs

Career fairs, information sessions, and workshops (in person and virtual) are all listed under the "Events” tab. Attending these not only helps you learn about industries and employers but also puts your name in front of recruiters. You can search and filter events by sponsor — for example, hosted by UMBC or by employers.

5. Use Filters and Keywords

Speaking of filters, you can customize your job search using filters such as location, job type, and industry. Save searches and favorite roles you’re interested in, so you can come back to them later or get alerts when similar ones are posted. This can help reduce the amount of time you spend searching for opportunities in order to fully take advantage of them.

6. Activate Your Profile

Make your profile public so employers can reach out to you with opportunities. You can also create a public profile link and create an email signature to further your reach. Taking these additional steps increases your visibility and could lead to an unexpected offer or new connection.

7. Make an Appointment with Us

Need help with all this and more? You can use Handshake to schedule a 1:1 appointment with the Career Center. Not only can we help you search for jobs and internships via Handshake and other platforms, but we can also help you build your resume, prepare for interviews, apply for graduate school, and explore careers and majors of interest.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t miss out on the tools and opportunities waiting for you. Sign up for a Handshake account today and start exploring the platform — your future career connections are just a few clicks away!

A career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) offers endless possibilities, from developing innovative technology to answering the world’s greatest questions. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for ways to advance toward your career, here are five key ways to prepare yourself for working in STEM:

1. Research Career Paths

STEM careers span a wide range of industries, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and data analytics. Take the time to explore different roles, required skills, and potential career trajectories and see what excites you most. Use resources like Steppingblocks and the Occupational Outlook Handbook that  provide valuable insights into job outlooks and salary expectations.

2. Gain Hands-On Experience

Internships, research projects, and co-op programs are excellent ways to gain real-world experience. Many companies offer STEM-focused internships that help students develop technical skills to build out a more competitive resume. Look for opportunities through Handshake by using the Jobs tab on the homepage, as well as on our Majors Resources pages.

3. Connect with Industry Professionals

Networking is crucial in any field, even in STEM. Follow the Career Center’s myUMBC page to get notified of upcoming events. Keep an eye on Handshake events as well. When you see something that seems relevant to you, attend these events to meet professionals and learn about job opportunities. You can also connect with UMBC alum through Retrievers Connect as well.

4. Develop Technical and Soft Skills

While technical skills like programming, data analysis, and engineering are important, employers also value soft skills. In fact, according to NACE, the top attributes employers seek are problem-solving skills, team work, and communication skills. Develop soft skills by taking online courses, joining student organizations, or working on personal projects to enhance these skill sets.

5. Stay Updated on Industry Trends

STEM fields evolve rapidly, so staying informed is key. Follow industry news, read research publications, and join professional associations related to your field of interest. Keeping up with trends in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity can help you stay competitive in the job market.

Take the Next Step

A career in STEM is full of opportunities, but preparation is key. Start building your network and explore your career paths today by attending the BEYA STEM DTX Career Fair and Conference. This event is an excellent way to connect with recruiters, learn about job openings and internship opportunities, and gain valuable industry insights. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your STEM career to the next level. Registration to travel with UMBC closes end-of-day on February 11^th, but you can also register on the BEYA website should you miss the deadline.

Good luck! 

Welcome back Retrievers! We hope you had a good winter break, but now it’s time to talk about something important — your future.

No matter where you are in your academic career, there is always the looming pressure of starting your career after graduation. Many students make the mistake of waiting too long to start their search, only to realize that opportunities have passed them by. Don’t be one of those students! Here are some steps you can take right now to set yourself up for success and launch your career.

1. Update Your Resume and Cover Letter
   Your resume should reflect your most relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. It should also align with the top skill-based keywords found in job descriptions of interest. Remember, a well-formatted resume that is optimized for the job is more likely to make it past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and into the hands of a hiring manager or recruiter. Make sure it’s in good shape!
2. Strengthen Your Online Presence
   Believe it or not, recruiters are now checking LinkedIn profiles before looking at resumes and reaching out to candidates. Make sure your LinkedIn is up-to-date with a professional photo, an engaging “About” section, and relevant experiences with skills attached. You can similarly update your Handshake profile and share your profile link publicly with employers. To learn more about how to set this up, check out this article.
3. Research and Apply to Jobs Early
   According to Talentworks, Inc., there is an 8 TIMES ADVANTAGE to applying within the first 96 hours of a job being posted. In fact, the start of the new year is a peak hiring period, so don’t wait until after graduation to start applying. Set aside time each week to browse job search sites, attend career fairs, and tap your network for leads.
4. Practice Your Interview Skills
   Confidence in interviews comes with preparation and practice. Explore the practice question sets in Big Interview, record responses in real time, and send your videos to the Career Center for feedback. Then, schedule a Practice Interview appointment with the Career Center to get comfortable answering common questions and to brainstorm questions to ask the interviewer.

Don't let your job search become a last-minute scramble. Use your time wisely by being proactive and strategic. Whether it’s fine-tuning your resume, networking with industry professionals, or practicing interviews, every step you take now brings you closer to securing a job you love.

To get more personalized support, attend Resume Rescue on February 4 from 10 AM to 4 PM and get feedback on your materials. 

Graduation is an incredible accomplishment, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter filled with many opportunities and decisions. Here’s how to set yourself up for success in the post-grad world:

1. Polish Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Make sure your resume highlights your skills, education, internships, and work experiences. Tailor it for the jobs you’re targeting, focusing on measurable, quantifiable achievements. Update your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, an engaging About section, and relevant keywords to increase visibility to recruiters. Don’t forget to showcase your coursework, course projects, certifications, and volunteer experience to further demonstrate your experience.

2. Tap Into Your Network

Your network is one of your strongest assets that can get you a job faster than it takes on average. Reconnect with professors, peers, and mentors who can provide guidance and potentially open doors for you. Leverage LinkedIn to find UMBC alumni in your field and initiate conversations. Reach out to alumni who graduated with your major on Retrievers Connect. Start with a polite, personalized message asking for insights into their career paths or industry trends. If you need help crafting what to say, check out our examples in our Career Guide. Just remember — networking isn’t about simply asking for a job — it’s about building meaningful professional relationships.

3. Explore Career Resources

Take full advantage of resources offered by UMBC’s Career Center. From workshops to one-on-one counseling sessions, these tools can help refine your career trajectory. Follow the Career Center’s myUMBC group to stay informed about upcoming events, blog posts, and helpful resources. Log into Handshake to check out events of interest and set up a job alerts to be informed of the latest openings in your field. And check out our podcast, UMBC Careers Unleashed, to learn more about career topics ranging from the resume to imposter syndrome.

4. Continue Learning

Graduation doesn’t mean the end of learning. Upskilling through certifications, online courses, or professional development workshops can give you an edge in the competitive job market. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Skillshare offer flexible ways to enhance skills that align with your career goals. Whether it’s coding, project management, or public speaking, showing a commitment to growth demonstrates your adaptability to employers. It’s also a way to stay up to date with relevant industry trends while you’re job searching.

5. Set Clear Goals

Take time to reflect on what you want in your career. Is it working in a specific industry, contributing to a social cause, or continuing your education? Define both short-term and long-term goals and create an actionable plan to achieve them. Break down your objectives into smaller, manageable steps, such as applying to a set number of jobs weekly or attending networking events monthly. Goal setting not only helps you stay focused but also boosts motivation and confidence while navigating an uncertain job market.

Commencement is just the beginning of a journey filled with limitless potential. With these steps, you can transition smoothly into the professional world and take control of your future. Remember, you’re not alone—UMBC’s Career Center is here to support you every step of the way! In case you weren’t aware, you can still schedule appointments with us after you’ve graduated. Just check out our alumni policy and book a session on Handshake. Stay connected by following UMBC Careers on LinkedIn and continue to invest in your growth and network. The best is yet to come!

Activate your Handshake account today!

Dear UMBC Community,

We are excited to announce the Career Center's transition to Handshake, which has become the number one place employers recruit college students and recent graduates. More than 1,400 colleges and universities now partner with Handshake, making it the top platform among career centers across the nation.

This platform is now live and will replace the university's current system, UMBCworks.

There are a number of reasons we are making this change. Below are just a few:

• We will be able to seamlessly connect with new employers that may have otherwise been unreachable. More than 550,000 employers, including 100 percent of the Fortune 500 companies, use Handshake to post their open positions. We expect to triple the number of internships and full-time position postings.
• Students and alumni will receive personalized job and internship recommendations, connect with employers and peers working at organizations that interest them, and get an inside look at organizations with thousands of student reviews.
• Handshake's mobile app lets users explore events and position postings, review interview schedules, and access resources while on the go!

Colleges, divisions, departments, and units across campus are highly encouraged to start posting open student positions for both undergraduate and graduate students as soon as possible. New student enrollment is in full swing and our Retrievers are now logging into Handshake seeking jobs for the upcoming academic year. Please also be sure to update your webpages to reflect this change.

Students have started completing their profiles on Handshake and making appointments with our career specialists. Existing users of UMBCworks are encouraged to move any current documents--including resumes and cover letters--to Handshake.

The Shriver Center and Career Center are also working together to transition enrollment and evaluation processes for applied learning experiences, including internships, co-ops, research, and service-learning, for the start of the fall semester.

Although we still have more to do to make this transition a success, we know it will be the best career management tool for our UMBC community.

Learn more about Handshake and other services offered through the Career Center and Shriver Center.

Questions regarding Handshake?
Attend one of our Open Training and Q&A Sessions
Or email us at careers@umbc.edu

Christine Routzahn, Career Center Director