Graduating soon? Whether you’re wrapping up your undergraduate or graduate degree, the final semester isn’t just about finishing papers and projects — it’s also about preparing for what comes next. The good news is that you don’t have to wait until after commencement to start your job search or build your professional momentum. With the right strategy, you can step confidently into the workforce before you toss that cap in the air.
1. Start Early and Stay Organized
Employers often begin recruiting well before graduation dates. Create a system to track job postings, applications, and follow-ups, whether that’s through a platform like Huntr or just a good old spreadsheet. Treat your job search like another class — set deadlines, make checklists, and hold yourself accountable. Find an accountability buddy, if possible, who is also graduating.
2. Leverage Your Network
Your professors, advisors, classmates, and alumni are valuable connections. Share your career goals and ask for advice or introductions. Check out Retrievers Connect or LinkedIn for possible leads to request informational interviews. A single conversation could open doors to opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
3. Polish Your Professional Materials
Your resume and LinkedIn profile should reflect your most recent projects, internships, and accomplishments. Tailor each application to the role you want by emphasizing relevant skills and measurable outcomes. Quantify your achievements whenever you can, and don’t just reiterate your job description. Showcase the impact you’ve made on an organization.
4. Gain Exposure Beyond the Classroom
If you still have time before graduation, consider short-term opportunities like micro-internships, freelance projects, job simulations, or research assistant roles. These experiences show employers your initiative and ability to apply what you’ve learned.
5. Prepare for Interviews with Confidence
Practice common interview questions, prepare stories that highlight your strengths using the STAR technique, and rehearse your 30-second commercial. Confidence comes from preparation — so put in the time now to reduce nerves later. You can even practice by doing a mock interview through the Big Interview platform or by scheduling a Career Center appointment.
Put It All Into Action
Want more strategies to help you transition from student to professional? Join us for the Career Launch Conferenceon September 12 from 12:00-4:00 PM— an action-packed afternoon designed to give you the skills, strategies, and confidence to land your first post-grad role. You’ll learn how to leverage AI tools, impress employers, and make meaningful connections over a free networking lunch. We hope to see you there!
]]>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.
]]>Searching for a job takes more than just sending out resumes and hoping for the best. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, research, networking, and follow-up. Whether you’re searching for your first internship, your first full-time role, or a new opportunity, having a clear plan can make all the difference. Here’s how to make your job search more targeted and effective:
1. Know What You’re Looking For
Before diving into applications, take time to define your goals.
Having a clear focus will help you tailor your search and stay motivated.
2. Build a Strong Foundation
A polished resume, an updated LinkedIn profile, and a compelling 30-second commercial are all must-haves before you start applying. Make sure your materials highlight not only your experience but also your skills, accomplishments, and the value you bring to potential employers. You never know when an opportunity presents itself and you’re being asked to share your materials. Don’t be caught off guard and have all your materials ready.
3. Research Target Employers
Don't just apply to every open position you find. Research companies that align with your goals and values. Make sure that you can actually see yourself working there. Use resources like Buzzfile, that allow you to search for employers in Maryland by major, helping you identify companies you might not find through a basic online search. Or you can check out The Vault, where you can gain access to company rankings, industry guide books, career articles, tips, and more.
4. Use Data to Guide Your Search
Take advantage of platforms like Steppingblocks to explore where alumni from your major are working, what skills are in demand, and what career paths are most common. With Steppingblocks, you’re able to explore how professionals landed positions related to your interests, which can be helpful information as you prepare your applications. These insights can help you focus your search, schedule informational interviews, and prepare for job interviews with a clear understanding of market trends.
5. Network, Network, Network
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities. Connect with alumni, attend career fairs, participate in professional associations, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people for informational interviews. Many opportunities come from conversations, not job boards. Sign up for Retrievers Connect to gain access to alumni who are willing to help UMBC students.
6. Stay Organized and Persistent
Treat your job search like a project or course assignment. Keep track of applications, deadlines, follow-ups, and networking contacts. Consider using tools like Huntr to help you automatically organize your job search. Set weekly goals for how many jobs to apply for or how many new connections to make. Rejections will happen, but persistence is key. Keep going. You got this!
Take the Next Step!
Ready to take charge of your job search? Start exploring opportunities today by checking out our full list of job search tools. With a strong strategy and the right resources by your side, your next opportunity may be closer than you think!
Building a robust professional network is essential for career advancement, providing opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and job prospects. To effectively network involves intentional relationship-building that aligns with your career goals. Here are key strategies to help you develop a meaningful and effective professional network:
1. Define Your Networking Objectives
Begin by identifying what you aim to achieve through networking. Whether it's exploring career paths, seeking mentorship, or discovering job opportunities, clear objectives will guide your efforts and help you connect with the right individuals.
2. Leverage Existing Connections
Start with your current network, including family, friends, professors, and classmates. These individuals can provide introductions to professionals in your desired field, expanding your network organically. Consider networking with people outside of your industry as well, so they can pass your name along to more relevant contacts. You can also give them permission to forward your resume to others.
3. Utilize Online Platforms
Platforms like LinkedIn and Retrievers Connect are invaluable for professional networking. Create a compelling profile that highlights your skills and experiences, along with information on what you’re looking for. Engage with content relevant to your industry, join professional associations, and connect with both alumni and industry professionals to broaden your reach.
4. Engage in Informational Interviews
Reach out to professionals in your field for informational interviews to gain insights into their career paths and industries. These conversations can provide valuable information and potentially lead to mentorship or job opportunities. If you’re not sure what questions to ask, take a look at our website and/or Career Guide for suggestions.
5. Attend Industry Events
Participating in industry events allows you to meet professionals and learn about current trends. Engaging in these settings demonstrates your commitment to your field and helps establish your presence within the professional community.
6. Offer Value to Your Network
Networking is a two-way street. Be willing to assist others by sharing information, offering support, or providing introductions. This reciprocity strengthens relationships and builds a supportive professional community.
7. Follow Up and Maintain Relationships
After initial meetings, send personalized follow-up messages expressing appreciation for the conversation and reiterating your interest in staying connected. Regularly engage with your contacts to maintain and strengthen these relationships over time.
Put it All into Practice
During Career Month, we are hosting events all month long that could provide you with an opportunity to practice your networking skills. These events include an Art & Industry event on April 16 and an Industry Fair in the Sciences on April 23. Register now for one (or both!) of these events and take a proactive step toward advancing your career through strategic networking.
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