You went to the career fair. You collected business cards. You had a few great conversations. Now what?

Making contacts is only the first step — what really matters is what you do after the introduction. Turning contacts into opportunities requires intention, follow-up, and a willingness to continue the conversation beyond the initial meeting.

Here's how to transform a quick interaction into something meaningful.

1. Follow Up Within 48 Hours

After meeting a recruiter or professional, send a short thank-you email or LinkedIn message. Mention:

• Where you met (e.g., the UMBC Career Fair)
• Something specific you discussed
• The role or opportunity that interests you

This small step helps them remember you — and signals professionalism.

2. Connect the Conversation to Action

If you discussed a specific position, apply soon after following up. In your application or message, reference your conversation. For example:

"I enjoyed speaking with you at the UMBC Career Fair about the XYZ position and have submitted my application."

This reinforces your interest and keeps your name top of mind.

3. Show Continued Interest

Opportunities don't always happen instantly. Stay engaged by attending events like employer info sessions, recruitment events, and workshops. Seeing you show up more than once demonstrates genuine interest and persistence.

4. Ask Smart, Specific Questions

If you attend a recruitment session, ask questions that show you've done your research. Instead of asking, "What do you do?" try:

• "What skills make someone successful in this role?"
• "What does the first year typically look like?"
• "What advice would you give someone preparing to apply?"

Thoughtful questions deepen the connection and leave a stronger impression.

5. Keep Building Momentum

Not every contact will lead to an immediate offer — but every interaction builds your network and strengthens your confidence. Networking is a long game. The more consistently you engage, the more opportunities will surface over time. Having an interconnected network across industries can become one of your greatest career assets. 

Take the Next Step

Ready to turn your connections into real opportunities? Join the IBM Z and Social Security Administration Recruitment Session to meet recruiters, learn about open roles, and continue building relationships that can move your career forward.

A single conversation can change your trajectory — but make sure you follow through.

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!