FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions | Ask here. |
Students
1. What do you do at the Career Services Center?
It is the goal of UMBC’s Career Services Center to prepare you for a successful transition from the academic environment to employment or graduate/professional education so that you can excel in the professional endeavor you choose. We provide a wide variety of services and programs, including career counseling, workshops, mock interviews, graduate school preparation, job fairs, online resources, career resources, on campus interviews, and an online resume and job search database (UMBCworks). Be sure to check out all of the programs and services by visiting the Freshman/Sophomore, Junior/Senior and Graduate/PhD pages from the menu above.
2. What is UMBCworks and how do I open an account?
UMBCworks is an online system that allows you to post your resume, view and apply to on-campus, part and full-time job and internship/co-op listings, and participate in on-campus interviews. All current degree-seeking students have an account. You can activate/access UMBCworks via myUMBC (Services tab, under Jobs and Internships), this website or directly at https://shibboleth-umbc.symplicity.com/sso/. Be sure to complete and keep updated your Profile and Documents sections. (Before posting your resume in UMBCworks, students are encouraged to receive resume feedback from a career specialist.) This one-stop, web-based system will allow you to manage your job search throughout your time at UMBC. A comprehensive calendar of career events is also accessible through UMBCworks. You can view an online training on UMBCworks here.
3. How can I sign up for an interview?
Interview schedules are viewable in your UMBCworks account. (If you need help accessing your UMBCworks account, see question two). You need to apply for on campus interviews/job by the deadline date posted. If you need assistance in navigating UMBCworks, please view the online demo or stop by during Walk-in hours (2-4 PM daily) in MP 212. You will need to fill out your profile in UMBCworks in order to view job listings. You will need to upload your resume in UMBCworks in order to apply to the jobs listed. Once you apply, you will need to wait and check your interview status in UMBCworks to see if the employer invites you for an interview. Once you are invited for the interview you will be able to sign up for an interview time slot in UMBCworks.
4. What if I don’t know my password for UMBCworks?
Once you have accessed UMBCworks through either myUMBC, or our website - simply log in with your myUMBC username and hit “Forgot Password”. Your password will be emailed to your UMBC email address (usually within 15 minutes or less). If you need assistance, please stop by (MP 212) or call us at 410-455-2216.
5. How can a Career Specialist help me?
If you have questions or concerns about any career-related matter, such help with your resume, exploring your major/career goals,
job searching, interviewing, writing resumes, or applying to graduate school, we encourage you to meet with career center staff.
Appointments: Appointments can be scheduled in person (Math/Psych 212) or by phone (410-455-2216).
Advisement appointments with career specialists are scheduled for one-hour intervals.
Walk-Ins: Walk-ins are held in the Career Services Center each weekday from 2-4pm. Walk-ins are short,
15-minute meetings and are ideal for quick questions and resume critiques.
Mock Interviews: To practice interviewing with a career specialist, you will need to first
discuss the basics on interviewing during a 15-minute walk-in (see above). Following this, you will schedule
an hour-long appointment to conduct and review your mock interview. Be sure to bring your resume and a sample job announcement with you to the mock interview.
6. How can I make an appointment with a Career Specialist?
Appointments can be scheduled in person (Math/Psych 212) or by phone (410-455-2216). Advisement appointments with career specialists are scheduled for one-hour intervals.
7. What is the difference between the Career Services Center and the Shriver Center?
The Career Services Center and the Shriver Center both share the same on line system (UMBCworks) for recruiting activities. The Career Services Center focuses on full and part-time employment, while the Shriver Center focuses on internships, co-ops, and service learning.
8. How do I find an on campus job?
Search for on campus jobs through your UMBCworks account. (If you need help accessing your UMBCworks account, see question two.) When searching, use the “Jobs” tab and then select “UMBCworks”. Under “Position Type” search for “On-campus: UMBC student employment”.
9. How can I figure out what type of job I want after graduation?
Visit the Career & Self Exploration page. One of the options is to make an appointment with a Career Specialist to explore your career goals. Appointments can be scheduled in person (Math/Psych 212) or by phone (410-455-2216). Advisement appointments with career specialists are scheduled for one-hour intervals.
10. How do I find a job after graduation?
Depending if you are graduating from an undergraduate or graduate program visit the jobs sections listed on either the “Juniors & Seniors” or "Graduate Students" pages of this website. A comprehensive recruitment calendar can also be found in your UMBCworks account. (If you need help activating your UMBCworks account, see question two.) You should also make an appointment with a Career Specialist to get assistance/advice on your job search. Appointments can be scheduled in person (Math/Psych 212) or by phone (410-455-2216). Advisement appointments with career specialists are scheduled for one-hour intervals.
11. How can I get help with my resume?
You should start to work on your resume using the sample resumes provided in our Career Development Guide and/or use the Resume Template. Once you have a draft resume prepared you should either make an appointment with one of our Career Specialists (1 hour) or come in for a non-scheduled walk-in appointment (15 minutes). See how to make an appointment below. Also, be sure to look at our workshops schedule for special programs focusing on resumes – one of which is the Employer Resume Critique program.
Appointments: Appointments can be scheduled in person (Math/Psych 212) or by phone (410-455-2216).
Advisement appointments with career specialists are scheduled for one-hour intervals.
Walk-Ins: Walk-ins are held in the Career Services Center each weekday from 2-4pm. Walk-ins are short,
15-minute meetings and are ideal for quick questions and resume critiques.
12. Where can I find a list of all your upcoming events and job fairs?
See the Calendar of Events on this website or UMBCworks has a comprehensive calendar of all of our career events, i.e., on campus recruitment, information sessions, information tables, corporate visibility days and job fairs. If you need help activating your UMBCworks account, see question two. Also, be sure to read reminders of upcoming events in your weekly email announcements.
13. What is an Information Session or Information Table?
Employers interested in hiring UMBC students, schedule information sessions and information tables during fall and spring semesters to share details about their organizations and their positions. These are great opportunities to meet face-to-face with recruiters, to network, and to gather information on potential employers (and as a bonus, many employers offer food during information sessions). Information sessions offer students the chance to make a great, in-person impression (remember this as you prepare and dress for the session). Most information sessions are open to all students and are listed (along with RSVP requirements, if applicable) in our Calendar of Events or the events and calendar sections of UMBCworks. Information tables are usually held on Main Street in The Commons and don’t require an RSVP. If you need help activating your UMBCworks account, see question two.
14. What is Corporate Visibility Day?
Fall and spring semesters, government and private sector employers schedule Corporate Visibility Days to educate students about their interest in UMBC’s students as future employees, their organization and their job opportunities. Each visibility day focuses on one employer and includes activities like information sessions, resume workshops, networking lunches, and technical demonstrations – free food and giveaways are always a part of the day. Students can attend all or part of each visibility day. Information on the semester’s Corporate Visibility Day schedule and each day’s program can be found in events and calendar sections of UMBCworks and on Calendar of Events. Please check the information on the event for any possible RSVP requirements. If you need help activating your UMBCworks account, see question two.
15. Are your services available to me after I graduate?
You may access all of the same services at no charge for up to one semester after you graduate. (December graduates – services through May) (May graduates – services through August) (August graduates – services through December).
Services are available to alumni after the initial grace period of one semester. These services are fee-based. (Appointments-$30) (UMBCworks-$50 per semester)
