🌟 Has a professor or staff member gone above and beyond to support your career and job search journey, grad school dreams, or professional goals? Now’s your chance to show them some love!

In the spirit of kindness, take a few minutes to recognize someone as a UMBC Career Connector.

Did they inspire you to pursue a particular path? Write you an amazing letter of recommendation?Review your resume and make it shine? Connect you with alumni or employers? Just make a positive impact in your life?

Say THANK YOU in a meaningful way! Each nominee will receive a small gift, a recognition certificate with your note, and a spotlight on our Instagram and LinkedIn during Career Month in April and throughout the summer.

How to Participate:

• Complete this short recognition survey HERE (you can submit multiple recognitions—one for each awesome person!).

Let’s spread some kindness and celebrate those who’ve made a difference. ❤️

Follow us on Instagram @UMBCcareers and LinkedIn @UMBCCareerCenter to see your nominee featured!

Nominations will be received on a rolling basis until end of April.

Navigating the U.S. job market as an international student can feel like solving a complex puzzle. Between understanding visa regulations, identifying employer sponsorship history, and adapting to American networking norms, the process requires more than just a great GPA — it requires a specialized toolkit.

The transition from academic success at UMBC to a professional role in the U.S. is a journey of strategy and persistence. Whether you are looking for CPT internships or post-graduation OPT opportunities, the right resources can bridge the gap between "applying" and "hiring." Here is how you can take control of your search.

Target Sponsorship-Friendly Employers

One of the biggest hurdles for international students is identifying which companies have a history of hiring global talent. Instead of guessing, use data-driven tools like GoinGlobal. These platforms allow you to filter for H-1B sponsorship history and see which organizations actively value the diverse perspectives international hires bring to the table.

Perfect the American-Style Resume

U.S. resumes have specific standards that may differ significantly from your home country's CV format. Focus on impact-driven bullet points rather than just listing tasks. Highlight your technical skills and cultural adaptability as competitive advantages. Remember, a U.S. employer wants to see how your specific actions led to measurable results — think "Preparation + Action = Opportunity."

Bridge the Networking Gap

In the U.S., "who you know" is often as important as "what you know." Building a professional network isn't about asking for favors; it's about establishing professional credibility. Start by connecting with UMBC international alumni who have successfully navigated this path. Their insights on the "hidden job market" can provide the roadmap you need to bypass traditional application hurdles.

Understand Your Work Authorization

Confidence is key when speaking with recruiters. You should be able to clearly and concisely explain your CPT or OPT status. When you can articulate the logistics of your work authorization, you remove uncertainty for the employer. Reframing the conversation from "legal paperwork" to "available talent" keeps the focus on your skills.

Put This Into Action

Ready to learn more about the job search process in the U.S.? Join us at the International Student Career Conference on Friday, March 27th from 10 AM to 2:30 PM at University Center 312. We hope to see you there. 

On Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th, the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR) will be closed for in-person visits. 

Staff will be available virtually throughout this time.  If you have any questions or concerns during this time, please email ecr@umbc.edu.

To submit a report regarding sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, hate, or bias, please file an online report here. 

Hi everyone,

Beginning the week after Spring Break (March 24), The Mosaic Center will be closed on Tuesdays from 12-2 PM to accommodate the CSJD Dialogue Cohort.

We encourage you to plan your visits accordingly. The center will reopen at 2 PM and remain open during regular hours afterward.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at The Mosaic Center!

Color Outside Coaching is hosting a virtual networking event designed specifically for the neurodivergent community.

• April 17, 2026
• 2 PM Pacific / 3 PM Eastern
• Registration Details

Color Outside Coaching, a coaching service founded by sisters Niki and Erin. Their mission is simple but powerful: help individuals—especially those who are neurodivergent—embrace their strengths, redefine success, and build lives and careers that truly work for them.

The inspiration behind Color Outside Coaching began with Niki's personal journey advocating for her son, who has dyslexia and aspects of ADHD. Through that experience, she saw firsthand how limited the available support and resources could be for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Determined to bridge that gap, she began offering trainings on dyslexia for educators and parents and eventually launched Color Outside Coaching to provide practical guidance, advocacy, and encouragement.

They are joined by Heidi Peveto, LPC, CCC, a licensed professional counselor and certified career counselor who has worked with neurodiverse adolescents and adults since 2011. As a proud dyslexic thinker herself, Heidi believes neurodiversity brings extraordinary strengths to the world. Through cognitive and career assessments and a strengths-based approach, she helps individuals understand their unique abilities and translate them into meaningful career paths.

This is networking reimagined, a welcoming space where you can show up exactly as you are. There's no pressure to mask or perform. Instead, participants will engage in small breakout conversations, guided prompts, and opportunities to build genuine connections with others in the neurodivergent community.

If you're looking for a supportive environment to connect, share experiences, and meet others who understand the neurodivergent journey, this is a wonderful opportunity.

Register using the link provided.