How to Move from College to the Workforce

1. Discover Your Options

Make an Appointment- In-Person or Virtual

Schedule an appointment to meet with a career staff member or stop by during our drop-in hours (see our hours). Career Center professionals are available for in-person, virtual (via Handshake), and phone appointments.

Take an Assessment

Try taking FOCUS2, or the MBTI, to learn what makes you distinct and how these interest and strengths can translate into a career.

Explore Our Online and Print Resources

Search our website to explore your personal interests, abilities and values; find other resources to help you explore various career paths such as our Major Sheets. Visit us in Math/Psychology room 201 to investigate career related books, magazines, and resources.

IMG_0178Career Exploration Programs

View our career event calendar to check out the breakdown of programs such as UMBC Connects, Career Month events in the spring, and the Inside Scoop series.

2. Prepare for Success

Attend Targeted Career Events

Whether you are looking for a full-time job or internship, or preparing for graduate school, the Career Center sponsors events throughout the year to help prepare you for success. Check out the Internship Success Conference, Senior Success Seminar, and our career fairs to obtain valuable insider information.

Conduct an Informational Interview

Learn how to conduct informational interviews and find interesting occupations in the process. Check out Retrievers Connect to network with great UMBC alumni who want to help.

Develop a Resume

Review our online resume writing resources and sample resumes, then come in and have your resume critiqued to get your job search started on the right foot.

IMG_7443Attend Networking Events

Attend our major-related programs and events such as UMBC Connects, On the Road series, information sessions, career fairs, Inside Scoop series and Keys to Success sessions.

Prep for an Interview

Check out our interviewing resources to prepare for an interview and then come into the Career Center to complete a practice interview with a career advisor.

Build Career Ready Skills

The National Associate of Colleges and Employers (NACE), through extensive research, has identified eight competencies associated with career readiness. Use this worksheet to reflect on ways you have built these skills at UMBC.

3. Find an Internship/Job

Jobs and Internships Advising

Major-specific career advisors are ready to help you tailor your resume, and create a job or internship strategy. Schedule an appointment with a career advisor to get answers to your internship and job search questions.

Internship, Co-op & Research Credit and PRAC Course

If you find an internship, co-op, or research experience, let us know. We can help you enroll in the PRAC course and, potentially, earn academic credit for your experience.

Handshake

Search for internships, full-time and part-time jobs in Handshake.

Build Your Network

Use the LinkedIn and Retrievers Connects to connect with alumni/professionals in your field.

On-Campus Interviews

Search and apply for on-campus interview opportunities in Handshake by the stated deadlines. Employers will visit UMBC to interview you for full-time career opportunities and internships. Don’t forget to sign up for an interview time in Handshake if you are selected to interview.

IMG_9324Career Fairs

Each semester, UMBC hosts multiple career fairs and networking events with employers from all over the area. Don’t miss these opportunities to connect with employers who want to hire students like you!

4. Graduate School

Graduate School Prep Series

Attend our Graduate School 101 seminars to learn more about navigating the graduate school application process.

The Guide to Applying to Graduate School

This guide is full of relevant topics, including: writing a personal statement, standardized exams, letters of recommendations, how to fund grad school, how to research programs and degrees, plus much more.

Create a CV and Write Your Personal Statement

Career advisors are ready to help you create a CV, resume and personal statement for graduate school.

Graduate Students and PhD Students

Career advisors are ready to help you create a CV for careers in academia and research and assist with your job search. All the services and resources we offer are open to you. Come meet with us today.