Susan V. Plitt, Associate Director, Employer Relations & Recruitment Programs

The Career Center

Who hasn’t, at some point in time, wished for a crystal ball to see the future?  It is, among many other things, the uncertainty about how our children will make it on their own that keeps many a parent up at night.   When it comes to the careers and professional paths our children will follow, there are likely outcomes, but, with no guarantees, the future is ultimately theirs to make.                                  

For instance, we can look to occupational forecasts, such as data shared by Maryland’s Office of Workforce Information and Performance.  They have created a list occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher that expect the largest number of annual openings through 2017.  A sample of those on the list with at least 500 openings each year includes:  Managers, Teachers, Accountants, Computer Systems Analysts, and Software Engineers.  If your student wants to stay in Maryland following graduation and is majoring in IT, education or a business-related field, they are set.  Except, maybe they’re not.  A degree, even in a “hot” field, does not guarantee a rewarding and successful professional future.  First and foremost, it is important that students pick majors and make career decisions based on their true strengths and genuine areas of interest -- not just on predicted job prospects.  Additionally, it is also crucial, that students prepare well beyond the classroom.  Relevant experience, be it through internships, service, or research, can make the difference between multiple job offers and no job offers.

Another factor that may predict success is access to leading employers.  CollegeGrad.com compiles an annual list of top entry-level employers and at the top of this year’s list (those hiring at least 1000 entry-level employees in 2016) you will find a number of employers that actively recruit UMBC students, including:  Deloitte, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency, General Electric, Amazon.com, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Enterprise Holdings, and the United States Air Force.  To embark on their professional careers, students are actually able to connect with these and other employers by using services offered by the UMBC Career Center, never having to leave campus:  Spring Career & Internship Fair (February 17), UMBC Connects corporate visibility days; employer information sessions, on-campus interviews, and their UMBCworks account. In the end, all this proximity requires student action for meaningful results and we ask for your support by encouraging your student to utilize the Career Center’s services.

Luckily, in an uncertain world, the UMBC Career Center (careers.umbc.edu) can help to stack the deck in your student’s favor.  Tomorrow may be unknown, but today – from self-assessment and individual advising, to a calendar full of recruitment events -- students have advocates and resources here to help them make informed decisions and significant connections.  It may not be a crystal ball, but we hope it helps you rest a bit easier!

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) Robotics Internship Program sponsors a 10-week summer internship program for students majoring in computer science, engineering, mathematics and statistics, physics and other physical sciences disciplines.  The program provides opportunities for recent high school graduates, undergraduates, graduates and postgraduates, to intern at federal national laboratories and private sector organizations throughout the United States.  This program is a partnership between the public and private sectors to continue the development of the future robotics technical, engineering, and advanced manufacturing workforce.

Undergraduate students receive a $600 per week stipend

Graduate students receive $750 per week stipend

10-week research experiences are offered in: Private sector industries and U.S. National Laboratories

Areas of research:  Robotics technical, engineering, and advanced manufacturing workforce research and development

Interns will be reimbursed for inbound-outbound travel expenses to their appointment site up to a combined maximum of $1,000.

Interns whose home location is more than 50 miles from the hosting facility will receive a $150 per week housing allowance.

U.S. citizenship required

Must be at least 18 years old by May 1, 2017

Application deadline:  February 13, 2017, 8:00 AM EST

How to Apply:  Applications and supporting materials must be submitted at

https://www.zintellect.com/Posting/Details/2878

Program Information:  Detailed information about the internships can be found at

Start the New Year with a New Commute on Zimride!

With the new year upon us, now is a good time to post a new commute or update your existing commute on Zimride. UMBC’s private ride-sharing software provides employees an easy way to share rides. Carpooling saves money, decreases stress and helps reduce your carbon footprint. Zimride connects you with others headed the same way for enjoyable, sustainable travel.

In seconds you can set up a profile, search for open seats, post a commute of your own, and get to know more of the friendly faces around you.For more information go to zimride.com/umbc and help us build the Zimride community at UMBC.

For questions contact:

macen1@umbc.edu

Meet Gabrielle,

She is an Interdisciplinary Studies major and an Meyerhoff Scholar. Her future goal is to persue her Ph.D. and to continue her career in research. She would like to improve upon our understanding of the interaction that children have with technology and how to design their technology to accordingly better that interaction. On her off time she is also involved with the Computer Science Education club and the Orthodox Christian group.

Gabrielle's research explores the possibilities of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology and it's possible uses in the educational settings within the traditional curriculum. As part of a longitudinal study, her research team will be conducting weekly 3D modeling and printing workshops at a selected Baltimore school. By observing and recording the students’ reactions, collaborations, and frustrations while learning 3D modeling and printing in this setting, we will be able to observe benefits and repercussions of 3D modeling and printing in an educational setting.

Read more about her research here…

The Twenty-first Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day

April 26, 2017

Become an URCAD presenter!
All disciplines welcome!
Now accepting applications!

FULL DETAILS BELOW

University Entrepreneurs Congressional Intern Programhttp://ncet2.org/internship.html

The National Council of Entrepreneurial Tech Transfer (NCET2) announces a University and College Entrepreneurs Congressional Internship Program. The Program aims to educate and cultivate student leaders in policy issues that impact entrepreneurs and startups. The Program also seeks to build the student’s professional networks in the startup and policy communities in Washington D.C., in Silicon Valley, and at their home university and communities.

APPLICATION DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE
DEADLINE 1/30

University and college students will be placed in the offices of members of Congress – in the Senate and in the House of Representatives – with a high level of involvement in startups, tech transfer and/or entrepreneurship, at the pleasure of the office. Before beginning at Congress, interns admitted into the Program will also participate in a one-week Silicon Valley immersion to experience startup culture from entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, startup companies and corporations in the valley.

Eligibility
Students must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program and have at least one year remaining in their degree program after completion of the internship. This program is purposely designed to appeal to, and will benefit from, students in all fields, backgrounds, interests and disciplines, who have the ability to be outstanding leaders for entrepreneurship and startup culture in public, private or academic settings. International students enrolled in American universities and colleges are welcome to apply, but need to be proficient to a high degree in written and spoken English and meet specific Congressional ethics rules that pertain to international student interns.