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• 🗓 Date: March 11th, 2026
• 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM
• 📍 Location: ILSB 233
• 🎙 Speaker: Tirth Patel

The transition from the classroom to the office can often feel like standing at the base of a daunting mountain. For many UMBC students, the challenge isn't a lack of ambition; it's the uncertainty of how to translate years of academic rigor into a professional identity that resonates with employers. Whether you are finishing a capstone project or defending a dissertation, the shift from "student" to "professional" requires more than just a degree — it requires a strategic approach to your career trajectory.

Instead of viewing the job search as a hurdle to clear, we invite you to see it as a ladder to climb. By shifting your focus from passive applying to active positioning, you can move from the uncertainty of "what's next" to the confidence of a well-executed career launch.

Define Your Professional Identity

Before you can convince an employer of your value, you must be able to articulate it to yourself. Your identity as a student is built on grades and credits, but your identity as a professional is built on competencies and outcomes. Take the time to audit your academic experiences — whether that's your research, your collaborative projects, and even your campus leadership — and translate them into the language of your target industry. Look at job descriptions of interest for some clues. When you speak the language of the employer, you stop being a "candidate" and start looking more like a "solution."

Build Strategic Connections

Preparation is the foundation, but connection is the catalyst. The "hidden job market" isn't a myth; it's a network of professional relationships that often bypass the traditional application portal. Start by identifying the "rungs" on your own career ladder — alumni, mentors, and industry peers — who are already where you want to be. A single strategic conversation or informational interview can provide the insights you need to tailor your materials and gain an internal edge.

Optimize Your Digital Footprint

In today's market, your professional presence starts long before the first handshake. From your LinkedIn profile to the way your resume interacts with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), your digital brand must be optimized for visibility. Use data-driven strategies to ensure your skills are mapped correctly to the roles you desire. Consistency across your digital platforms ensures that when an employer looks for you, they see a prepared professional ready to contribute on day one.

Reframe Challenges as Growth

The climb isn't always linear. You may face setbacks, ghosting, or pivots that feel like steps backward. However, the most successful professionals are those who reframe uncertainty as an opportunity for strategic adjustment. Every interview that doesn't lead to an offer is a data point; every networking "no" is a chance to refine your pitch. By normalizing the challenges of this transition, you maintain the momentum needed to reach the next level.

Ready to Get Started?

The Career Center is here to provide the tools, the network, and the strategy you need to navigate this transition with precision. Don't leave your career launch to luck — join us for our Climb Your Career Ladder (CYCL) events and start building your future today.

• Climb Your Career Ladder – Community Leadership | Monday, March 9, 2026
• Climb Your Career Ladder – Cybersecurity| Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Your career trajectory is yours to design. Take the first step, engage with the process, and stay ahead of the curve. Just start climbing.

Name: Tanzila Malik

Pronouns: She/her 

Semester of Internship: Spring 2026

Major: Gender and Women's Studies

Current Class Level: Senior 

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): District Office of Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03)

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

Title of position: Congressional Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

As a Congressional Intern working in a district office, I deal a lot with constituents in Maryland District 3. Our district is home to many federal workers, military families, veterans, which are the people I tend to assist on a day-to-day basis. One of my main roles is intaking casework from our constituents, as we guide them through issues they're having with federal agencies. The cases we deal with are mostly related to the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of Personnel Management, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Veterans Affairs. The second key role I play, is answering opinion calls, emails, and letters. Our constituent base is very active in advocating for the issues that they are passionate about. For example, as of late, many calls have been about concerns over increased ICE presence in the district and across the country. When we receive these opinion calls, we log them into our system for our outreach person to follow up with the constituents. It also helps us track what issues constituents are concerned about, which the Congresswoman gets a report of to stay informed on constituents' views/opinions.

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

In October 2025, I heard about this position through a newsletter from the UMBC Political Science department. My friend, Bianca Canales, who is an alumni of UMBC, also worked for Congresswoman Elfreth. I reached out to Bianca to ask for advice, and about her experience working in the district office. She spoke very highly about the job and the team, and encouraged me to apply. After taking some time to think it over, I decided to apply for the internship. With help from the UMBC Career Center, I updated my resume, and prepared for the interview. A few weeks later, I got a call saying I had been accepted for the job, and I began working in early January 2026.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Alumni Networking, UMBC Political Science email list

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

I have enjoyed the camaraderie in the office, as I work with a team of wonderful people who are passionate about what they do. Because this is Congresswoman Elfreth's first term in office, there is a lot of opportunity to take on responsibilities as an intern, that may not have been possible otherwise. I feel like so much more than "just an intern" because the team trusts us to take on challenging tasks and make the most of this experience. The House Intern Resource Office has also been great in supporting and developing us interns as future public service leaders.

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

Working in the district office means I work directly with constituents, whether it be through casework or opinion calls. Oftentimes, I have long phone conversations with people who have been dealing with difficult life circumstances. And while we can't guarantee a favorable outcome for their case, sometimes all they need is a listening ear. I feel the difference it makes for constituents, just having a real person to talk to, who genuinely cares about helping them, instead of turning them away. That is an incredible feeling for me, and is the thing that excites me to go to work everyday.

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

Don't compare yourself to others. You are worthy, capable, and bring your own unique experiences to the table. I often deal with imposter syndrome, feeling like I don't belong to certain spaces. I have to remind myself though, that regardless, I am still in space just like everyone else. Never forget, you worked hard to make it to where you are now. Be proud of yourself for that, and don't let anyone make you feel like you're not enough.

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

"I feel fulfilled by the work that I do, knowing that in some way, I am making a difference in someone's life."

If your internship helped you get to where you are today, consider paying it forward!

You went to the career fair. You collected business cards. You had a few great conversations. Now what?

Making contacts is only the first step — what really matters is what you do after the introduction. Turning contacts into opportunities requires intention, follow-up, and a willingness to continue the conversation beyond the initial meeting.

Here's how to transform a quick interaction into something meaningful.

1. Follow Up Within 48 Hours

After meeting a recruiter or professional, send a short thank-you email or LinkedIn message. Mention:

• Where you met (e.g., the UMBC Career Fair)
• Something specific you discussed
• The role or opportunity that interests you

This small step helps them remember you — and signals professionalism.

2. Connect the Conversation to Action

If you discussed a specific position, apply soon after following up. In your application or message, reference your conversation. For example:

"I enjoyed speaking with you at the UMBC Career Fair about the XYZ position and have submitted my application."

This reinforces your interest and keeps your name top of mind.

3. Show Continued Interest

Opportunities don't always happen instantly. Stay engaged by attending events like employer info sessions, recruitment events, and workshops. Seeing you show up more than once demonstrates genuine interest and persistence.

4. Ask Smart, Specific Questions

If you attend a recruitment session, ask questions that show you've done your research. Instead of asking, "What do you do?" try:

• "What skills make someone successful in this role?"
• "What does the first year typically look like?"
• "What advice would you give someone preparing to apply?"

Thoughtful questions deepen the connection and leave a stronger impression.

5. Keep Building Momentum

Not every contact will lead to an immediate offer — but every interaction builds your network and strengthens your confidence. Networking is a long game. The more consistently you engage, the more opportunities will surface over time. Having an interconnected network across industries can become one of your greatest career assets. 

Take the Next Step

Ready to turn your connections into real opportunities? Join the IBM Z and Social Security Administration Recruitment Session to meet recruiters, learn about open roles, and continue building relationships that can move your career forward.

A single conversation can change your trajectory — but make sure you follow through.