Each Friday during Career Month, the Career Center is sponsoring Virtual Recruitment Events for a different industry. This week’s event is focusing on Advocacy, Social Services, Education, Law & Policy.

Friday, April 16, 2021 - 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.              

You will have a chance to meet with top employers to discuss internships, career and employment opportunities and explore their career options. There will be social science opportunities for students of all levels-from first-year students to graduate students.

 Our employers love UMBC students and they return to UMBC again and again in search of top candidates!

But, some students find that a virtual recruitment event can be very hectic and intimidating. You may even have to wait in a virtual que before you can speak with the employer of your choice. So, it is very important that you are prepared for this important event and that you have a positive attitude while participating.

Below are some tips on how you can prepare for a virtual recruitment event.

1. Keep focused on the camera so that you appear to make eye contact with your interviewer.
2. Dress for an in-person interview (no casual clothes).
3. Test it out! Make a practice call to a friend prior to the interview to make sure that your audio/video are clear. Be sure to find a spot with the strongest connection (and clean backdrop).
4. Make sure your background surroundings are neutral, professional, and distraction-free to ensure that your interviewer will be able to clearly see and hear you. Find a spot with good lighting and minimal glare.
5. Limit distractions.
6. Pay attention to your posture and body language. Use your facial expressions to show you are engaged and listening.
7. Close other programs on your computer.
8. Next to your computer, arrange notes outlining your relevant skill sets, along with examples using those skills that match the position requirements as well as your résumé and job description, but refer to them as little as possible. You don’t want to seem like you are reading. Consider highlighting keywords or phrases you want to be sure to use.
9. Research the organization’s website prior to the interview, taking note of their mission, values, and current information.  Using the link above, you will find the list of employers.
10. Keep track of your time, so you’ll need to be able to see a clock.
11. Prepare thoughtful questions beforehand.
12. As with any interview – be sure to follow up!
13. Use a great 30-second commercial. The commercial should identify who you are, highlight a few accomplishments and strengths, show how you can add value to the company, and be concise. Use your pitch to start a conversation with employers. Practice with friends in advance!  
14. Ask the employer good, thoughtful questions.
15. Take notes and do what you say you will do.

UMBC’s Grand Challenge Scholars Program, apply by May 3

virtual informational session 5:00 pm, Wednesday, April 28

UMBC’s Grand Challenge Scholars Program is designed for students from all majors who are interested in solving important societal problems. The program fosters a vibrant interdisciplinary community to help tackle the National Academy of Engineering’s (NAE) Grand Challenges and gives students experiences and skills to create solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century.

The Grand Challenges are 14 broad problems in the areas of sustainability, health, security, and knowledge. Solutions to these issues require interdisciplinary teamwork and years of sustained effort.

The program aims to recruit a cohort of 20 undergraduates from a diverse pool of disciplines for Fall semester 2021. Ideal candidates are students starting their junior year in order to complete the requirements of the program during their last two years at UMBC. Although there is no financial support provided, the students will have the opportunity to incorporate five experiences into their undergraduate studies that will give them valuable interdisciplinary experiences they can bring to the workplace or graduate school, as well as recognition from the National Academy of Engineering upon successful completion of the program.

Read more about the program and find out how to join at the UMBC GCSP site and via a virtual informational session at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, April 28.

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