Sue Plitt

Role at the UMBC Career Center: Connecting Employers to UMBC Students

 Q: Where have you earned your college degrees?

A: University of Maryland, University College - Adelphia, MD

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?

A: History for undergraduate followed by a Master of Business Administration. I chose to study History as I have always been a History buff and at the time I was pursuing the degree, my three children were in K-8 programs...a lot of my research projects included family trips to historical sites! The MBA program was chosen as it gave me the opportunity to become familiar with the mechanics involved in running an organization in both the private industry and government sectors.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. 

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A: Because believe it or not, we know what we are talking about AND work very hard to offer services, programs and events that will help lead you to a successful career!

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A: To sleep in a yurt at the side of a cliff in Big Sur, CA

Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?

A: The many, many, many historical sites and museums that are in the area.

Want to connect with Sue or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/

Role at the UMBC Career Center: Director

Q: Where have you earned your college degrees?

A: Graduate Degree

Harvard University- Cambridge, MA

Undergraduate Degree

Georgetown University- Washington, DC

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?

A: M.Ed. in Human Development and Psychology

B.A. in Psychology

Personally, I struggled with deciding on a major flipping between biology (pre-med) and psychology. However, I always knew I wanted a career where I could personally make a difference. I decided on psychology as I was drawn to learning about human development and began to see myself in academia as a career.

Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?

A: I worked throughout college- research, intern, volunteer, work study, part-time job- you name it and I did it. Each of these experiences developed my strong work ethic and passion for helping others. My favorite positions included interning at a Women's Shelter and conducting research in artificial intelligence and alien abduction (long story here).

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: Your community does not define you.

You are in control of your destiny.

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A:  While in college, it's important dream about the possibilities. However, the Career Center will help connect you to those possibilities via internships, networking functions, on campus interviews, trips to companies, etc.

Let us help you discover and achieve your dreams.

Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

A:  I greatly value my UMBC experience, which spans over 15 years. UMBC is not only a place that supports innovation but also is a community that cares about people.

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A:  Within the next five years, I would like to take my husband and boys to Poland. Both of my parents immigrated to the US in their 20s and remain very active in the Polish community. In fact, they still only speak to me in Polish. I want my kids to experience Polish culture and customs first hand. This would mean a lot to me.

Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?

A:  My husband and I lived in Baltimore City (Federal Hill and Canton) for ten years. We love going into the city to meet up with friends- relive our younger years.

Want to connect with Christine or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/

Susan Hindle

Role at the UMBC Career Center: I help students majoring in life sciences make themselves competitive candidates for jobs and internships.

 Q: Where have you earned your college degrees?

A: I hold a M.S. from Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. from University of Maryland.

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?

A: I majored in Elementary Education as an undergraduate.   My roommate who was studying to be a teacher and knew I was unhappy with my major, said to me one day, “Have you ever considered being a teacher?”  It was the one major I had not considered!  My journey back then mirrors that of many others with whom I’ve worked with over the years – finding their way through trial and error.   It never occurred to me to seek guidance from a professional! 

I later decided to pursue my master’s degree but, unlike my undergraduate degree where I stumbled onto my major, I sought the guidance of a career counselor.  That experience was through an interesting twist of fate, I was offered a full-time position at JHU’s Career Center while pursing my counseling degree.  Upon the completion of my degree, I transitioned into the role of career counselor.

Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?

A: UMD had established relationships with local counties so it was easy to find a placement for my student teaching internship. Upon graduation, UMD held a job consortium for education majors where representatives from various counties came to interview students.

For my master’s, I participated in an internship at a family counseling center in Catonsville, MD.  Once again, JHU had established relationships with various counseling centers in the Baltimore region, which made finding a placement easy.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: I can’t say there is one best piece of advice I have received.  My greatest lessons have come from life experiences.  One thing I’ve learned over the years is that, while you may not be able to change your circumstances or what happens to you, you have control over how you respond.  I believe how we choose to think about and respond to events shapes our destiny more than any other factor. 

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A: I view one’s career as a journey, not a destination -- an ever-changing canvas that one must continually adapt to.  The Career Center's mission is to help people navigate their way – much like a compass to a traveler.  While you may find your way without our guidance, much like I did early on in my career -- through trial and error -- there is an easier way!  And no matter where you are along your career path, the Career Center can provide the guidance you need when you need it.

Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

A: UMBC is such a dynamic place to work, it’s difficult to choose one thing. But one thing that stands out is that it is a place where ideas are welcome and where collaboration is encouraged – at all levels.

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A: After seeing "Riverdance", I fell in love with Irish dancing.  I would love to learn how to Irish dance!

Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?

A: Our family enjoys spending time visiting historic sites and museums in Baltimore and DC.  We also love hiking Patapsco Valley State Park.  The park is in our back yard and we hike there year-round.

Want to connect with Susan or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/

Joan Allen

Role at the UMBC Career Center: I coordinate employer recruiting activities.

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?

A: Business.  I enjoyed detailed work.

Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?

A: I participated in a work study program in which I had the opportunity to work at an insurance company in Baltimore.  I was able to not learn many business and administrative processes but was also able to realize that I thrived in this type of environment.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: It is your attitude, not your aptitude.

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A: There are a hundred reasons the least of which is to receive the service or advice personalized for you.

Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

A: Supportive, positive, community vibe. 

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A: Castle tour in Europe.

Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?

A: Downtown Baltimore restaurants and DC museums.

Want to connect with Joan or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/

Dustin Eby

Role at the UMBC Career Center: Graphic Design, Web Development, Photography, Data Management, Technology

 Q: Where have you earned your college degrees?

A: I got my B.S. in Digital Media from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?

A: Growing up I was always drawing, creating, and interested in figuring out how things worked. I took art class every year and two television production classes in high school.
I started my college career wanting to do 3D animation and special effects, but became much more interested in the graphic design and programming aspects of web design and user interface development.

Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?

A: Drexel is a co-op school, so everyone had to do co-op to graduate. If your major was a 4-year program (like mine), your sophomore year consisted of 6-months classes and 6-months on co-op work experience, then junior year was a full year of class. I also took an internship position the summer between my freshman and sophomore year, which I found through a friend of my father's. (Networking is key.)

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: "Never stop learning."

Since graduating from undergrad, I have kept my skills current by taking classes through UMBC, UMUC, and Teamtreehouse.com and attended D2WC (Designer, Developer and Workflow Conference) and edUi Conference.

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A: I visited my Career Center in college only when I had to in order to get credit for my Co-op, but not when I was graduating and looking for a full-time job. That was a mistake. Looking back and knowing what I know now after having worked in the Career Center at UMBC for years, is that I should have started earlier to look for a post graduation job, and sought advice from the Career Center. I should have learned the art of networking, and learned to research companies coming to the Career Fair before attending.

Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

A: Coming from a university in a large city, I got the sense that everyone fended for themselves. When I started at UMBC, I was pleasantly surprised by how supportive the students were to each other - from holding doors open for someone, to making sure each other have safe transportation to and from social events, to random students offering to help me when I am outside replacing marketing posters in our poster holders.

And just about everyone I have met that works at UMBC has a real drive and commitment to student success, and the betterment of the University.

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A: Visit Hawaii.

Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?

A: The various festivals that happen every year: Artscape, Fells Point Fun Festival, Maryland Renaissance Festival (www.rennfest.com), 34th St. Lights, etc.

Want to connect with Dustin or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/

Jeremiah Sawyer

Role at the UMBC Career Center: Coordinator of Internships & Employment

 Q: Where have you earned your college degrees?

A: UMBC 

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?

A: I did PSYC w/ a PSYC of the workplace certificate.

I chose my major based on my natural skills, abilities and interests. Though… I did originally start our wanting to study Ancient History.

Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?

A: It’s amusing to be on the internship team as a staff member since I did do an internship with them (Kerry & Christine) while a student. I searched around UMBCworks and applied to a few things, but got my own internship by applying directly to Discovery Communications. It was hard for me to find things that matched my interests (Human Resources), but it has improved since then.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: “Desire is when you do what you want, will is when you can do what you do not want.”

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A: You should come to the Career Center to get started with what you are doing. Not everyone is looking for their career or internship right now, and that is okay. Many times we can help you start looking for part-time/on-campus positions, or connect you to an employer that comes on campus, and/or etc. If you just want to come by to ask us questions, we would be happy to answer them.

Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

A: I like the diversity of the students and the way the University supports most of their efforts and energies in to making UMBC even better than it is. Also, URCAD is a really awesome day for everyone; if you haven't been, you should go.

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A: I'd like to go backpacking in Peru one day....

Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?

A: The Mall. I've been there a million times, but I always find something new or fun to do.

Want to connect with Jeremiah or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/

Kate Phelps

Role at the UMBC Career Center: I help technical students find internships and full-time opportunities by helping students with their resume and other professional documents. Additionally, I help oversee the 0 credit PRAC course.

Q: Where have you earned your college degrees?

A: Florida State University (FSU)

Tallahassee, FL

M.S. Higher Education Administration-Student Affairs Concentration

University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN

B.A. Communication Studies

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?

A: M.S. Higher Education Administration- Student Affairs Concentration
- I worked on campus in the Student Activities Office at UT. I was also involved in many other aspects of campus life. I asked my advisors and mentors how they earned their job, and they helped my find my career path into Student Affairs.

B.A. Communication Studies
- I came to UT as an undecided student. My freshman year, I took a career class to explore different majors. I discovered quickly that I wanted to be in the College of Communication. I spoke with a communication advisor and took a few classes to choose Communication Studies.

Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?

A: In undergrad, I was lucky enough to have 3 paid internships for different non profits. I diversified how I applied to these positions as I used friends, Hire-a-Vol (our version of UMBCworks), and just a generic company website positing.

My student worker job in the student activities office along with my campus involvement helped me find a GA in the Career Center in grad school.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: You only have one chance to make a first impression. Use that time well.

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A: Students should not wait until they are a senior to come to the Career Center and get their resume reviewed and attend our events.

We want them to come early in their career and start working toward their professional presence to find internships and jobs!

Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

A: Students are excited to try new things and approach a problem with a new set of eyes.

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A: Visit all 50 states. I love to travel!

Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?

A: I live right in the middle of downtown Baltimore. I love finding a new restaurant, exploring a festival, or just taking in the different events Baltimore brings in throughout the year.

Want to connect with Kate or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/

Caroline Bodnar

Role at the UMBC Career Center: I help people figure out "what they want to be when they grow up" and what steps they need to take to get there.

Q: Where have you earned your college degrees?

A: Undergrad = University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. Wahoowa! Grad= Towson University in Towson, MD.

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?

A: B.A. in Psychology. I started out a Biology major on the pre-med track but decided that I wanted to help people without having to take all those advanced science and math courses. I basically took every Psych course the school offered because I loved the subject that much!

M.A. in Counseling Psychology

Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?

A: I interviewed for a work-study on-campus job as a fiscal tech assistant in UVA's biomedical engineering department on my first day of class and was offered the job on the spot. I kept that job for all 4 years including summers because they gave me a raise every year. Internships were not really emphasized so I did not have any. However, I was a research assistant in a cognitive Psych lab for academic credit for 4 semesters.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A: Students and alumni should visit because you don't have to do everything on your own. I never went to my college career center mistakenly thinking they could not help me. As a first generation college student, I didn't have anyone else to point me in the right direction so it would have made things infinitely easier if I had used the resources my school offered. Plus, we are fun and friendly people so students should not be intimidated to check us out.

Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

A: This is the fifth university I have worked for and while each one has had a unique culture and personality, I really like the small feel of UMBC and how supportive everyone is of each other. It is such a pleasure to work with UMBC students because they are so polite, hard-working, and appreciative. Plus, we're a little quirky and I think that's pretty cool.

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A: I really want to try sky-diving. I was all set to do it on my 30th birthday and then I discovered that I was pregnant so I decided to hold off for a bit. I also love travel and want to see as much of the world as I can in my lifetime.

Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?

A: My husband and I like to visit off-the-beaten path places. One recent interesting find is the Mansion on O Street in DC where you can wonder around themed rooms and find secret passageways. I also love animals so the National Zoo is an old fave that is free!

Want to connect with Caroline or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/

Laura McDonald

Role at the UMBC Career Center: I help students identify their passions, strengths, and career interests. I also help them prepare to achieve their long term academic and career goals.

Q: Where have you earned your college degrees?

A:Loyola University MD University of MD, University College University of MD, Baltimore County (Go Retrievers!)

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?

A: M.A. in Education/School Counseling (Loyola). I wanted to pursue a second career in counseling. I realized that I had a passion for helping others realize their natural gifts and pursue their dreams. M.S. in Computer Systems Management (UMUC). My goal was to stay cutting edge in the technology field, and increase my career opportunities. B.S. in Information Systems Management (UMBC). The area of IT was a fast growing field. I had strong technical and analytical skills and enjoyed the combined focus of business and IT that the program offered.

Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?

A: Yes, I was able as an undergrad to find lots of Co-op opportunities! That is what excited me about going to UMBC. The school was "cutting edge" in this area in the mid '80's. I was able to get a co-op position in IT at NASA, and only delayed my graduation by 1 semester. As a result of having impressive work experience on top of a strong academic background, I got a job as a systems consultant with a Big 8 Accounting firm immediately upon graduation. I owe tremendous thanks to UMBC, and Dr. John Martello for making those opportunities possible. Internship opportunities were incorporated into the School Counseling Masters' program at Loyola. It was a great opportunity to work in a variety of school settings, so that I could get a feel for what was the best fit for me once I graduated.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: "Wherever you go, go with all your heart." -Confucious

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A: AS SOON AS THEY GET TO UMBC, they should meet with us to learn about important steps they should take to discover their interests and strengths, and plan their career. This process begins immediately, and continues throughout their time at UMBC.

Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

A: It is a high quality institution that emphasizes the importance of obtaining valuable work and academic experiences. It's also a great value!

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A: To return to Switzerland and Austria with my husband and 3 kids and "re-do" our honeymoon.

Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?

A: I love to go to the Baltimore harbor with my yellow lab, and anyone else who wants to join me, and walk along the water from Harbor East to Canton.

Want to connect with Laura or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/

April Jones

Role at the UMBC Career Center: General Office Assistant/Receptionist

Q:Where have you earned your college degrees?

A: Albright College/Reading, PA

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you chose your major?

A: I studied Theatre. I have been singing since I was 8 and acting since I was 14. My mom always called me a drama queen, so I knew that Theatre was the way to go.

Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?

A: I went to a liberal arts college so we were taught to broaden our horizons and not get stuck in the bubble of our major. I was receiving As in my Spanish and History courses, so it was recommended to become an on-campus tutor. I did that during my junior and senior years and still do that as a side job.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: I was told to never be apologetic for my creative works. I was given this advice after I wrote and performed a play that wasn't well received on campus. I'm glad I listened because just when I was about to lock it way forever, it ended up being nationally nominated for a playwriting award. It's funny how that works.

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A: Students should visit the Career Center because it really is the best way to jump start the internship/job search. There are people who work here who are incredibly knowledgeable about the job search and the current job climate. Come give us a chance!

Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

A: That there is a really high chance that you'll meet someone new every day.

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A: Perform on Broadway. *crosses fingers*

Want to connect with April or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/