• Expand your repertoire. You're already building a solid foundation in your coursework. What additional skills could make you more versatile and competitive as an applicant for creative jobs? Could you deepen your web design skills, learn search engine optimization, delve into a new animation tool, take up podcasting? Talk to professors, recruiters, alumni, and other working professionals about what's hot in your industry.
• Build your personal brand. Put those creative skills to use in developing an online portfolio and/or demo reel that showcases not only your work, but your aesthetic. Make sure your resume, cover letter, and any other documents fit the brand, too. And what about social media? Consider devoting at least one of your platforms to sharing your creative work and other content related to your field.
• Freelance. Especially if you haven't yet had an internship, freelancing can be a fantastic way to build your portfolio, connections, and experience with producing real work for real clients. You can share your services by word-of-mouth, or seek clients through websites like Upwork and Fiverr.
• Connect with other creatives. Many (if not most!) creative professionals got their first big career opportunity through people they know. Consider joining a professional association specific to your area, such as AIGA (for designers) or the Public Relations Student Society of America. Many of these host networking events just for students and new professionals. You can also connect with UMBC alumni in creative industries through the newly launched Retrievers Connect platform.

Join us for URCAD Online, April 19-25 at URCAD.umbc.edu

Join us for URCAD Online, April 19-25 at URCAD.umbc.edu

Join us for URCAD Online, April 19-25 at URCAD.umbc.edu

Join us for URCAD Online, April 19-25 at URCAD.umbc.edu

Dr. Weidong Zhu has established himself as a leading researcher in the field of dynamic systems, with a focus on vibration experimentation, integrated analytical development, and applications in industry. Over his exceptional career, he has produced more than 180 peer-reviewed articles in top-ranked journals in his field, in addition to more than 125 peer-reviewed conference papers. Zhu holds five U.S. patents, has received five best paper awards from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and has been awarded more than $5 million from external research funding sources.

His research has significantly impacted the quality of everyday life for many people, including by producing safe and efficient structures such as elevators, wind turbines, and automotive transmissions. Zhu is passionate about sharing his knowledge and research with society. He has given more than 180 presentations at major international conferences, delivered nearly 25 keynote addresses, and given 145 seminars at companies and institutions around the world. His productivity as a researcher at UMBC is recognized as one of the strongest at the institution. His contributions have been innovative and highly impactful. As a result of his expertise, numerous large companies have called on Zhu to address large challenges they face.

Dr. Zhu supports student research, and serves as a mentor to undergraduate and graduate students. Over his 20 years at UMBC, he has supported 43 undergraduate students in their research as they prepared for graduate studies. His passion for research extends beyond UMBC. He has worked to get high school students excited about research by providing opportunities to underserved students in Baltimore City. In 2004, he received a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation, which he used to found the Future Engineers in Dynamic Systems Academy. The program works to broaden participation in engineering and science for high school students in Baltimore City high schools. More than 120 students have participated in the Academy.

He earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering and computational science from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, his M.S. in mechanical engineering from Arizona State University, and his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley.

Congratulations Dr. Zhu!