At the start of a new academic year, many students arrive at UMBC hoping to land an on-campus job right away. These roles can be a great way to earn income, build experience, and connect with the campus community. But before getting too caught up in the excitement of applying, it’s important to understand the reality: on-campus jobs are limited and highly competitive.

Why On-Campus Jobs Are Limited

On-campus roles are in high demand at UMBC, and the number of positions is usually much smaller than the number of students who apply. Many jobs open only at certain times of year, and some positions prioritize students who are work-study eligible. For international students in particular who are typically only eligible to work on campus their first year, this means the competition is even tougher.

How to Stand Out as an Applicant

While you can’t control the number of jobs available, you can control how you present yourself:

• Polish Your Resume: Make sure it’s clear, concise, and highlights skills relevant to the position.
• Be Flexible: Consider a variety of roles across campus — from administrative offices to research roles to tutoring. The more flexible you are, the more opportunities you’ll find.
• Show Initiative: Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and a willingness to learn. Employers want students who will show up on time and contribute positively.
• Leverage Connections: Talk to peers, faculty, and staff who might know of openings. Sometimes opportunities are shared through word of mouth.

Other Ways to Gain Experience

If you don’t land an on-campus job right away, don’t lose hope. There are many other ways to build skills that employers value:

• Volunteer with campus organizations or community groups.
• Join student clubs to practice leadership and teamwork.
• Consider programs and initiatives at The Shriver Center that focuses on community-engaged, applied learning.
• Work on personal or research projects that showcase your talents.
• Explore short-term, project-based experiences like micro-internships from Parker Dewey. 

Remember: not having an on-campus job doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. Employers care about the skills and experiences you bring — not just where they came from.

Take the Next Step

Missed this week’s On-Campus & Part-Time Jobs Expo? It’s not too late to reach out to employers. Check out the Directory to see who’s hiring, and find their positions on Handshake. Ask questions and make connections along the way. Good luck, and reach out to the Career Center for more support as needed.  

The Muffin Problem

William Gasarch
University of Maryland

10:30-11:30am, Friday Sept 12, 2025

UMBC ITE 325b

Join us for our first Good Morning Commuters (GMC) of Fall 2025!

Enjoy breakfast with other UMBC commuters and get connected with on-campus resources! There isn't a better way to start your day!

GMC will be hosted every Tuesday morning from 8:30am to 11:00am. 

It is complimentary with your Commuter Gold Card.

Gold Cards are a one-time per academic year purchase and are available to be purchased at every GMC with cash only.

Gold Cards at $5 for Commuters

$10 for Residential & Graduate Students 

Name: Amal Imtiaz

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Summer 2025

Major: Psychology

Current Class Level: Senior

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship 

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Child and Family Therapy Clinic (Kennedy Krieger Institute)

Location of the Organization (City, State):  Columbia, MD

Title of position: Undergraduate Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities: During my internship at the Child and Family Therapy Clinic, I was able to learn about clinical psychology by learning and observing from the daily routine of the clinic. On a day-to-day basis, I would check if any standardized psychological assessments needed to be scored, including the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, 2nd Edition (MASC-2), the Children’s Depression Inventory, 2nd Edition (CDI-2), and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2). Additionally, I observed both live and recorded clinical sessions involving clients with diverse diagnostic profiles, including trauma-related disorders, OCD, ADHD, and ASD. On a weekly basis, I participated in individual supervision sessions with post-doctoral fellows, focusing on their case conceptualization and treatment planning. Additionally, I attended clinic-wide group supervisions that emphasized evidence-based interventions such as Functional Family Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. 

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I heard of my position via Handshake and applied through the application option on Handshake. I submitted my resume in Fall 2024, and went through an online group interview before final selection for a Summer 2025 internship.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Handshake

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

I enjoyed the chance to directly observe clinical sessions and learn from the thoughtful, skilled clinicians who were always open to answering my questions! It’s rare to be given access to sessions with clients before graduate school, and I was genuinely grateful for the trust my supervisors placed in me. Being able to see clinical work in action gave me a deeper understanding of the field and only strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in clinical psychology.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I feel that by expressing a genuine curiosity for the work and making myself readily available to staff, I was able to provide assistance for special projects as needed. For example, I was one of only two interns who served as a role-play patient to train doctoral interns on how to conduct a patient safety screening. These types of trainings are crucial for effective doctoral training and I am happy I was able to assist!

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

For students seeking a similar experience, I recommend keeping your resume and Handshake regularly updated. Additionally, make sure your applications highlight why you are specifically interested in clinical work and what relevant prior experience sets you up to contribute at a clinic (i.e. research experience, coursework in psych assessment, etc . . .)

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

I truly enjoyed the opportunity to learn about clinical psychology through observing real patient sessions! I appreciate how the Career Center connected me to this experience and helped me make the most of it through their CAHSS stipend and summer practicum!

As we kick off a new academic year, it's the ideal time to gear up for the fast-approaching fall recruiting season. Many industries — especially competitive ones like finance, consulting, and tech — begin hiring soon after the semester starts. Whether you're aiming for an internship or a full-time role, early preparation can make all the difference between being overlooked and landing an offer.

Why Being Proactive Matters

In sectors like tech and finance, applications often open in August/September, with interviews and offers coming as early as November or December for May graduates (1, 2). Missing this window could mean losing out on top opportunities before you even begin. In fact, many employers convert a significant portion of their interns into full-time hires, meaning your summer internship strategy can shape your future career path (3).

Get Ready Now

1. Clarify Your Career Goals
   Knowing what careers and roles interest you is the foundation of effective prep. This does not mean that you need to know every applicable job title. Reflect on your strengths and skillsets, and map out your internship or job preferences. Companies will be more interested and engaged when you can articulate why you're a strong match.
2. Target Companies Strategically
   Don’t cast a wide net without intentionally considering your options. Identify organizations that align with your values, culture, skill sets, and industry goals. Think about the kinds of problems you want to help an employer solve as well. Develop a shortlist of companies to follow closely. Tailoring your approach based on how your experience is relevant to an organization makes a stronger impression than generic outreach.
3. Polish Your Documents
   Your resume and LinkedIn profile should highlight tangible evidence and leadership  — whether that’s through academic projects, extracurricular achievements, or internship experiences. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame how to best showcase successes and skills. Quantify impact as much as possible.
4. Network Thoughtfully
   Since the Fall semester brings job fairs and info sessions the groundwork starts now. Reach out to alumni for informational interviews on LinkedIn or Retrievers Connect. Attend relevant workshops and events to build rapport and relationships before hiring ramps up.
5. Practice Interview Skills
   From behavioral questions to technical interviews, preparation for what’s ahead builds confidence. Use mock interviews through a Career Center appointment or Big Interview to improve your delivery and composure. Early practice ensures you're ready when opportunities surface. 

The Timeline: Fall Recruiting in Context

• August–September: Recruiters post internship and entry-level positions, especially in tech and consulting.
• September–October: Networking and career fairs are in full swing.
• November–December: Offers begin rolling out — often before the semester wraps up.

By following these tips and being proactive, you'll be ahead of the curve when competition heats up.

Act Now: Join Resume Rescue

Need help getting your resume polished and interview ready before all the action starts? Join us at Resume Rescue on September 2^nd or 9^th for tailored help on your resume. 

And be sure to subscribe to the Career Center’s myUMBC group to get notified of all our recruitment events.

Final Thought
Fall recruiting doesn’t wait — and neither should you. By setting clear goals, targeting the right organizations, and refining your materials and network now, you’ll be well-positioned to stand out and succeed. Make the most it and lay the foundation now for future success. You won't regret it. 

(1)   https://yello.co/blog/planning-your-fall-recruitment-season-and-heading-back-to-campus

(2)   https://www.levelall.com/blog-posts/fall-internship-recruiting-timeline-land-a-corporate-internship

(3)   https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/trends-and-predictions