Internships, Co-ops & Research: How to Get Started

STEP ONE: Log into Handshake and Complete Your Profile

Log into Handshake and follow the prompts to complete the required information as well as upload your resume. (If you encounter problems logging into the system, please contact our office at 410-455-2216.)

Need help preparing a resume? View sample resumes in many fields, including technical, science, policy, business, graphic design, engineering and business.

STEP TWO: Schedule your 30-minute appointment for a resume review

You are now ready to meet with an internship coordinator to assist you with your internship, co-op and/or research position search. Schedule your appointment online via Handshake, visit us in Math/Psychology 201 or call 410-455-2216.

Students attending USG should call 301-738-6338 or email usgcareerservices@umd.edu to schedule an appointment on the Shady Grove campus.

Arrive at your appointment with:

  1. Your profile completed and your resume uploaded to Handshake.
  2. Hard copy of your resume, if possible.

During your appointment, your coordinator will review, provide feedback and approve your profile and resume in order for you to view and apply to internships, co-ops and research opportunities in Handshake.

STEP THREE: Apply to positions

  • Visit Handshake and click to view “Jobs,” which also includes internships, co-ops, and research positions. We suggest you select “All Filters” to run an advanced search. You can also save positions to review later.
  • In addition to resumes, some positions will ask for cover letters, personal statements or interviews. Be sure to check out the available resources in the Career Center to make your application as strong as possible.

Where to Find Internships

All students are encouraged to begin their internship searches in Handshake – many opportunities there are posted by employers who know the value of a talented UMBC student.

However, your search should not end there! Students are encouraged to cast a wide net and apply to multiple opportunities that they are interested in and qualified for. General rules of thumb for the number of applications to send are:

1st Year Students: 16-20
2nd Year Students: 12-16
3rd Year Students: 8-12
4th Year Students and Beyond: 8-12 plus additional applications for full-time positions

Use the Where to Find Internships and Jobs section to identify other sources.
Or Create Your Own Internship.

STEP FOUR: Gain Recognition