A Note to Our Retrievers from UMBC’s Career Center Director

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 16:07:15 -0400

Dear Students,

First, I hope you and your family are in good health. During these uncertain times, you may naturally have concerns about your career plans, especially if you are participating in an internship or transitioning into the workforce after graduation. I want to make sure that you all know that our Career Center team is here for you.

Although the road ahead may not be easy, times of historic change can also be times of personal change and betterment.

There is no need to hit pause on your job or internship search. Practicing self care and staying proactive and positive can go a long way to reducing stress and can set you up to be ahead of the game when the dust settles. Remember that you are not alone and that many students are sharing a similar experience. Reflect on your values and career aspirations while taking some proactive steps:

Meet virtually with a UMBC Career Specialist.

Schedule a phone or virtual appointment with a career specialist via UMBCworks. We support a multitude of appointments including resume reviews, job/internship search assistance, interview prep, graduate school assistance, and major decision making.Sometimes uncertainty can stop you in your tracks. Meeting with one of our career specialists can reduce stress and reinvigorate your career planning.

Update your resumé or curriculum vitae (CV).

Fine tune this document by relaying your personal brand and experience, and consider adding remote capabilities and tools to the skills and project descriptions.

Master LinkedIn and expand your network.

This is the time to spruce up your profile and become a LinkedIn expert. Update your summary and let recruiters know you are interested and looking for opportunities. Connect with professionals in your field along with UMBC alumni for career advice. Over 68,000 alumni are currently on LinkedIn.

Continue to apply to internships and jobs.

Research industries and companies that are hiring now, such as those in the following article published by The Muse. Log into UMBCWorks and check out what jobs and internships are available including remote options.

Perfect your interview techniques - practice makes perfect.

Right now, you may have extra time, so become a great interviewee. Check out the Career Center website and use free tools such as Big Interview to become an interview pro.

Attend virtual Career Center events.

Speak face-to-face with employers via virtual information sessions, webinars, and upcoming major specific recruiting events. April is Career Month and the list of programs continues to grow.

Follow up on your applications.

Several employers are continuing to review their intern and entry-level hiring plans making decisions to move positions to remote work, delay start dates or, unfortunately, cancel their programs.It is important to reach out to employers, but use empathy in your follow-ups to check in on your status.

Develop multiple career plans- A, B, and C.

Reflect on your values and the dreams that inspire you. If your first-choice opportunity is no longer available, consider alternatives to boost your experience and marketability. Have the courage to create a new set of ideas about what’s possible. Could you propose a virtual internship, start freelancing online, conduct an independent research project, or build career-relevant skills through graduate studies, certificates, or online learning platforms? Reflect on your options and schedule a virtual appointment with one of our career specialists for additional guidance.

About a year ago, Lorraine Mirabella wrote a Baltimore Sun article, “Get ready for Gen Z, employers. First hint: They're not millennials.” Mirabella shared:

The first wave of Generation Z, those born after 1996 and more than 60 million strong, will start moving from college to career this year. These newest workers are … independent, pragmatic and super-connected.

I am confident that these three qualities, along with your UMBC grit will position you well in this extraordinary time.

Sincerely,

Christine Routzahn

Director

UMBC Career Center