Is your student organization looking to invite an employer to speak/network with your group? Has your student organization already invited a company representative/alumni to network or speak on a career-focused topic?

Let's Get the Conversation Going!

The Career Center is here to help you make a great impression and build lasting relationships with employers and alumni in your field. We aim to support all employer and alumni interactions on campus and provide the resources needed to foster strong, long-lasting connections with the UMBC community.

We'd love to collaborate with your organization! By completing the Student Org Guest Speaker Request Form, you can benefit from:

• Expert guidance on inviting employers and alumni to campus

• A thoughtful speaker gift for your guests

• Complimentary parking codes and directions for your visitors

• Event advertising through Handshake and the Career Center's myUMBC group events calendar

• Networking tips tailored for your student organization

We look forward to supporting your events and helping you connect with professionals in your field!

Name: Sahil Shahi

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Semester of Internship: Summer 2025

Major: Information Systems

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): SABSC UMBC

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

Title of position: Financial Business Process Analyst Intern

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

During Summer 2025, I interned as a Financial Business Process Analyst Intern at the Student Affairs Business Services Center (SABSC) at UMBC, where I worked closely with finance and operations teams to enhance and automate internal billing workflows. My daily responsibilities included gathering user requirements, documenting functional specifications, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to validate billing logic and reporting needs. I also led efforts to develop automated dashboards for forecasting and financial decision-making. One of the key accomplishments during this internship was proposing a streamlined workflow that reduced the billing cycle time by over 40%, significantly improving both accuracy and turnaround time.

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

I first heard about the internship opportunity through the UMBC Career Center's Handshake portal in early Spring 2025. The role aligned perfectly with my interests in analytics and process optimization, so I tailored my resume and submitted my application right away. After a shortlisting process, I was invited for an interview, where I shared my experience in dashboarding, stakeholder communication, and automation strategies. A few weeks later, I received an offer and officially started in June 2025.

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?

What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to make a real impact within the university ecosystem. SABSC gave me the autonomy to analyze existing processes and propose solutions that directly benefited internal teams. The collaborative and mission-driven environment helped me learn how to align technology solutions with operational needs, all while working with some incredibly supportive mentors.

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

My work helped reduce the billing process time by approximately 40% to 60%, improving both accuracy and efficiency. The dashboards and documentation I created are now being used by leadership for ongoing financial planning. By identifying process gaps and providing automation strategies, I contributed to a more transparent and scalable billing system that will continue to benefit departments beyond my internship period.

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

Start early and leverage all of UMBC's resources, especially the Career Center and Handshake. Tailor your resume for every opportunity, and don't underestimate the value of on-campus roles. Most importantly, during your internship, be proactive, ask questions, and document everything these small habits can lead to big results.

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

Working at SABSC helped me apply my classroom knowledge in a real-world setting while making a measurable impact. The UMBC Career Center and Handshake made it incredibly easy to discover this opportunity and prepare for it with confidence.

Your resume isn't just a list of experiences — it's a strategic document designed to quickly show employers why you're a strong candidate. In a competitive job market, your resume format is can be just as important as what it says. A clean, intentional layout helps recruiters quickly find what they're looking for and increases your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

1. Match Your Experience

The most common (and recommended) format is the reverse chronological resume, which lists your most recent experiences first. This format is easy to scan and works well for most students and new graduates. If you're changing fields or highlighting specific skills, a functional format may be appropriate, but just know that most recruiters aren't as familiar with this layout.

2. Prioritize Readability

Recruiters typically spend 5-7 seconds on an initial resume scan. Use consistent fonts, clear section headings, and a good balance between text white space. Avoid overcrowding the page — margins, spacing, and alignment all matter when it comes to readability. Research by ResumeGo has shown that recruiters would rather see a two-page resume with room to breathe vs. an overcrowded one-pager. Should you go with two pages, make sure it is a full two pages that go to the bottom of both sides.  

3. Use Sections Strategically

Organize your resume so the most relevant information appears near the top. Common sections include Education, Experience, and Skills. Depending on the role, you might highlight technical skills or relevant coursework before unrelated experience. Break up your experiences into Relevant Experience and Other or Additional Experience to bring your most aligned experiences to the top of the document.

4. Bullet with Purpose

Strong bullet statements are concise, action-oriented, and results-focused. Start each bullet with a strong action verb and emphasize accomplishments over responsibilities whenever possible. Feel free to check out the sample GenAI prompts in the Career Guide if you need help drafting or editing your statements. Anyone can read your job description, so focus on describing how you've created impact in your role. Bring up relevant skills and metrics whenever possible, remembering the formula ACTION VERB + DESCRIPTION + IMPACT.

5. Keep It ATS-Friendly

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Stick to standard section titles (such as including "Experience" to sections about relevant work and course projects), avoid graphics or text boxes, and submit your resume as a PDF unless otherwise instructed. Incorporate relevant skill-based keywords from job descriptions as much as possible. Simple formatting ensures your resume is readable by both software and humans.

Get Expert Feedback at Resume Rescue

Formatting your resume strategically can make all the difference — and we can help! Join us at Resume Rescue on February 10 from 12 PM to 4 PM where Career Center staff will review your resume, offer personalized feedback, and help you fine-tune your format for success.

A strong resume starts with smart formatting, so make sure yours is working for you, not against you. You got this. 

Is your student organization looking to invite an employer to speak/network with your group? Has your student organization already invited a company representative/alumni to network or speak on a career-focused topic?

Let's Get the Conversation Going!

The Career Center is here to help you make a great impression and build lasting relationships with employers and alumni in your field. We aim to support all employer and alumni interactions on campus and provide the resources needed to foster strong, long-lasting connections with the UMBC community.

We'd love to collaborate with your organization! By completing the Student Org Guest Speaker Request Form, you can benefit from:

• Expert guidance on inviting employers and alumni to campus

• A thoughtful speaker gift for your guests

• Complimentary parking codes and directions for your visitors

• Event advertising through Handshake and the Career Center's myUMBC group events calendar

• Networking tips tailored for your student organization

We look forward to supporting your events and helping you connect with professionals in your field!

Name: Mrunal Jadhav

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2025

Major: MS Engineering Management, PBC (Data Science)

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Columbia, MD 

Location of the Organization (City, State): Rohde & Schwarz

Title of position: IT Applications Intern

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

I joined Rohde & Schwarz in Summer 2025, where I supported the Quality Assurance team, and continued in Fall 2025 as an IT Applications Intern, working with the team to improve data accuracy, reporting efficiency, and process workflows. My day to day responsibilities included extracting, cleaning, and analyzing calibration and quality data from SAP ERP, performing data validation to ensure compliance with internal quality standards. I designed and maintained interactive dashboards using Power BI, Excel, and Smartsheet to track key performance indicators and support data-driven decision-making. Additionally, I automated reporting and workflow processes using Power Automate and SharePoint, significantly reducing manual effort and turnaround time. I collaborated closely with cross-functional stakeholders, documented processes, and developed internal web pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to enhance system functionality and operational efficiency.

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

I first learned about the internship opportunity at Rohde & Schwarz through LinkedIn job postings in early 2025. I submitted my application shortly thereafter, which included my resume and relevant academic and professional experience. After an initial screening, I participated in an interview that focused on my technical skills and everything related to data, along with my ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. Following the interview process, I received and accepted the offer to join the organization in Summer 2025.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

LinkedIn or other social media

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

What I have enjoyed most about my position and the organization is the flexibility it offers and the opportunity to work on multiple interesting projects simultaneously. I appreciated the ability to share ideas openly and receive constructive feedback on my work, which supported continuous learning and improvement. Working with a variety of technologies at the same time allowed me to expand my technical skill set and gain exposure to different tools and systems. Additionally, the flexible working hours and the supportive, collaborative colleagues created a positive and motivating work environment.

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

I made a meaningful impact by improving data accuracy, streamlining reporting processes, and enhancing operational efficiency across quality assurance and IT applications workflows. Through data cleaning, validation, and analysis of calibration and quality data, I helped identify inconsistencies that supported better compliance and more reliable decision-making. By designing interactive dashboards and automating recurring reports and workflows, I reduced manual effort and improved turnaround time for critical insights. Additionally, my collaboration with cross-functional teams and thorough documentation contributed to more efficient processes, improved transparency, and long-term usability of the solutions I developed.

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

I would advise students to be proactive and intentional in their search by applying early, tailoring their applications to each role, and clearly connecting their skills and coursework to the position. It's essential to remain curious, ask questions, and be open to learning, even when outside your comfort zone. Taking initiative, seeking feedback, and being willing to work on diverse projects can significantly enhance both your experience and professional growth. Lastly, building strong relationships with mentors and teammates and maintaining a positive, adaptable attitude can make a lasting impact and open doors to future opportunities. Networking is important.

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

Working on diverse projects and supportive colleagues allowed me to explore multiple technologies and grow professionally, and the Career Center's guidance helped me prepare strong applications and navigate the internship process with confidence.

Hear ye, hear ye!

A carriage departs for bwtech! Secure thy place on this quest!

Come join hackUMBC to visit bwtech on February 6th, 2026 from 11:30am to 1:30pm! 

The events include: presentations from companies, a panel regarding the impact of AI in entrepreneurship, lunch (which is provided), and a networking hour.

Use the google form link below to fill our sign up. The form closes on February 4th at 4pm, so make sure you fill it out before then! You will receive a confirmation email on February 5th with details on how to get to bwtech.

Google Form Link

The job market moves fast — and waiting until you "feel ready" can mean missing out on opportunities. Staying ahead of the curve isn't about doing everything at once; it's about being intentional, prepared, and proactive long before deadlines and job postings pile up.

Whether you're just starting your search or actively applying, a forward-thinking approach can give you a major advantage.

Start Earlier Than You Think You Should

Many employers recruit months in advance, especially for competitive internships and entry-level roles. Use the academic calendar to your advantage by starting your search early and tracking timelines so you're not scrambling later.

Build Skills While You Search

Waiting to hear back from employers doesn't mean waiting on growth. Use online courses, certifications, micro-internships, and personal projects to strengthen your technical and professional skills. Employers value candidates who continue learning — even between opportunities.

Be Strategic with Networking

The strongest opportunities often come through connections, not cold applications. Start building relationships early with peers, alumni, faculty, and employers. Use platforms like Retrievers Connect to find mentors in your field. Ask questions, stay curious, and follow up — networking is about conversation, not perfection.

Refresh Your Materials Regularly

Your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio should evolve as you do. Revisit them each semester to add new skills, more relevant projects, or key accomplishments. Small updates now can save time and stress later — just be sure you're tracking outcomes data tied to your work to showcase on your materials.

Use Data to Guide Your Search

Pay attention to trends in your industry — job titles, skills in demand, and emerging roles. In Steppingblocks, select the Search360° tool from the Tools menu on the left to access data and insights related to specific careers or majors. Let that information guide what you learn, apply for, and pursue next. A targeted search is always more effective than a scattered one. Be intentional with your exploration. 

Keep Momentum, Even When It's Hard

Job searching can feel unpredictable and out of your control. Set weekly goals, celebrate small wins, and remember that progress isn't always immediate. Staying consistent is often what separates those who succeed from those who stall.

What's Next?

If you want support staying proactive and prepared, consider setting up an appointment with a Career advisor on Handshake to get a jump start on your next steps. 

Attention all UMBC student employees!  

What could be better than having an on-campus job?

Having an on-campus job and getting a notation on your transcript that tells employers you made the effort to enhance your professional development!

Interested in gaining a competitive edge in the job market? Sign up for PRAC 102- Building Skills for Career Success this Spring semester. Don’t worry, it’s not a formal class! With the minimal commitment of attending a few workshops and career events, you will be better prepared for the world of work and have the proof on your college transcript to show your employer.

DEADLINE TO REQUEST ENROLLMENT: Friday, February 27, 2026

Make your campus experience count! Enroll TODAY! Enrollment is limited to the first 40 student employees. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!  

Open to all levels and majors. You must be a UMBC student employee working at least eight hours per week on campus. 

How to Register Online

1. Log in to Handshake, then navigate to Career Center > Experiences.

2. Click “Submit an Experience” and select “Career Center – On-Campus Student Employment (PRAC 102- Building Skills for Career Success)” as the Experience Type. Fill in the required fields and submit.

3. Your registration will be reviewed within two business days. The Career Center will enroll you directly upon review along with sending you additional details.

QUESTIONS, please get in touch with Stephanie Taylor Okoukoni (staylor18@umbc.edu)