Summer break is the perfect time to recharge — but it’s also a golden opportunity to invest in yourself. Whether you’re a graduate student working through coursework or heading into your final year, using the summer months to build skills can help you feel more confident and career-ready when you return to campus.

Here are a few ways to use your summer wisely:

1. Learn Something New (at Your Own Pace)

Just because class is out doesn’t mean learning has to stop. Try taking a free or low-cost online course to explore a new skill or deepen one you already have.

• Interested in coding? Check out the UMBC Training Centers’ courses on programming and software development.
• Want to improve your data skills? Explore LinkedIn Learning or Coursera.
• Thinking about graduate school? Practice GRE vocabulary or sample problems.

Even committing just a few hours a week can make a noticeable difference.

2. Volunteer or Freelance

Giving back is a great way to gain real-world experience — plus, it looks great on a resume. Find a nonprofit, community group, or campus department where you can offer your help. You can also explore small freelance projects to build your portfolio — especially if you're in writing, design, or tech. Check out the Forage’s job simulations as another way to build skills that replicate real work in the field.

3. Work on a Personal Project

Have a passion you’ve been putting off? Now’s your time. Create a blog, design an app, start a podcast, or build something hands-on. Employers love to see initiative and creativity—especially when you can explain the “why” behind your work.

4. Update Your Materials

Use this time to refresh your resume, update your LinkedIn profile, and complete your Handshake profile. Add new experiences, clean up formatting, and make sure your materials reflect the kind of opportunities you want moving forward. Depending on the roles you are applying for, you may also want to consider create separate resumes to better match job positions.

5. Reflect and Plan

Summer is a great time to take a step back and reflect on your goals. What did you learn last semester? What kind of work excites you? Where do you want to grow? Journaling or creating a simple vision board can help you stay focused and intentional about the year ahead. And should something change during the academic year, it’s ok to continue to hone and revise your career plan as needed.

Looking for Summer Career Inspiration?

Check out the UMBC Career Center’s podcast, "UMBC Careers Unleashed — featuring real stories, tips, and advice from the Career Center’s staff and UMBC students. It’s perfect for a walk, commute, or summer chill session.

Listen here and get inspired to make this summer your most strategic one yet. And if you need help kicking off your plans, the Career Center is open during the summer with drop-ins and 1:1 virtual and in-person appointments.

You've got time — and you’ve got options. Let summer be your launchpad, and good luck!

Welcome to Summer 2025!

Name:Sherin Feno Kumaresan

Pronouns:He/Him

Semester of Internship:Spring 2024 to Present

Major:Engineering Management

Current Class Level:Master's Student

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name):Maryland Technology Internship Program

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

Title of position:MTIP Intern

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

During my internship at the Maryland Technology Internship Program, I gained hands-on experience in data analysis, marketing, and database management. Since the role is very dynamic, there is no set day-to-day activity, allowing me to work on a variety of tasks. 

My responsibilities included creating and posting content on LinkedIn to promote internship positions and provide resources for employers. I also designed intern spotlight and employer spotlight graphics using Canva and published them on the MTIP website using WordPress, as well as on LinkedIn. 

On the data side, I assisted in analyzing data and deriving insights using pivot tables and charts. Additionally, I helped analyze data from previous years to create the annual report and a three-year report. I also contributed to creating intern experiences in Handshake.

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

During my first semester, I actively searched for internships and focused on networking with a variety of professionals. Through this process, I connected with someone from the career center, which initially led to an interview for a student assistant position. However, that position was later discontinued. Despite this, the person who interviewed me for the student assistant role referred me for the Maryland Technology Internship Program position. Shortly after, I received an interview call for this role, went through the interview process, and was ultimately offered the position.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Career Fairs, Networking events

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

What I enjoy most about my position is the dynamism of the role and the wide range of opportunities it offers. The flexibility allows me to work on different tasks, keeping each day engaging and insightful. Additionally, this role provides the chance to attend promotional and networking events, where I can represent the organization and connect with brilliant individuals who are making a significant impact on society.

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

I believe I have made a meaningful impact on the organization through my work. By actively posting and engaging with content on LinkedIn, I have helped increase the organization's reach and visibility. Additionally, I have contributed to the systematization of processes, such as data collection and analysis, making them more efficient. My support in the day-to-day activities of MTIP has also helped streamline operations and enhance overall productivity.

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

My advice to any student seeking an internship or similar experience is to always network and engage with people. You never know—someone you have a conversation with could become your next supervisor or colleague. Building connections and having meaningful discussions can open unexpected doors. Taking the initiative to connect with others can significantly increase your chances of finding valuable opportunities.

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

The Career Center feels like my second classroom, where I’ve learned so much and met incredible people who are always kind and willing to help. They’ve been very supportive, answering every question—no matter how small.

Searching for a job takes more than just sending out resumes and hoping for the best. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, research, networking, and follow-up. Whether you’re searching for your first internship, your first full-time role, or a new opportunity, having a clear plan can make all the difference. Here’s how to make your job search more targeted and effective:

1. Know What You’re Looking For

Before diving into applications, take time to define your goals.

• What job functions align with your skills and strengths?
• What industries interest you? (Think outside of the box here and consider different industries)
• What locations are you open to?
• What type of environment do you prefer (onsite, remote, hybrid)?

Having a clear focus will help you tailor your search and stay motivated.

2. Build a Strong Foundation

A polished resume, an updated LinkedIn profile, and a compelling 30-second commercial are all must-haves before you start applying. Make sure your materials highlight not only your experience but also your skills, accomplishments, and the value you bring to potential employers. You never know when an opportunity presents itself and you’re being asked to share your materials. Don’t be caught off guard and have all your materials ready.

3. Research Target Employers

Don't just apply to every open position you find. Research companies that align with your goals and values. Make sure that you can actually see yourself working there. Use resources like Buzzfile, that allow you to search for employers in Maryland by major, helping you identify companies you might not find through a basic online search. Or you can check out The Vault, where you can gain access to company rankings, industry guide books, career articles, tips, and more.

4. Use Data to Guide Your Search

Take advantage of platforms like Steppingblocks to explore where alumni from your major are working, what skills are in demand, and what career paths are most common. With Steppingblocks, you’re able to explore how professionals landed positions related to your interests, which can be helpful information as you prepare your applications. These insights can help you focus your search, schedule informational interviews, and prepare for job interviews with a clear understanding of market trends.

5. Network, Network, Network

Networking remains one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities. Connect with alumni, attend career fairs, participate in professional associations, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people for informational interviews. Many opportunities come from conversations, not job boards. Sign up for Retrievers Connect to gain access to alumni who are willing to help UMBC students.

6. Stay Organized and Persistent

Treat your job search like a project or course assignment. Keep track of applications, deadlines, follow-ups, and networking contacts. Consider using tools like Huntr to help you automatically organize your job search. Set weekly goals for how many jobs to apply for or how many new connections to make. Rejections will happen, but persistence is key. Keep going. You got this!

Take the Next Step!
Ready to take charge of your job search? Start exploring opportunities today by checking out our full list of job search tools. With a strong strategy and the right resources by your side, your next opportunity may be closer than you think!

The Career Center will be closed on Tuesday, May 13, for a staff professional development planning day. We will reopen on Wednesday, May 14, at 8:30 AM.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to assisting you when we return.

Best wishes on your exams.

Name: Ramya Sri Tellakula

Pronouns:She/her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2024

Major: Data Science

Current Class Level: Master's Student

This semester I completed a(n)...:Co-op

Company/Organization Name:Novelis

Location of the Organization (City, State): Atlanta, Georgia 

Title of position:Data Scientist 

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

During my internship, I collaborated with teams to tackle business challenges by gathering and preprocessing structured and unstructured data from mobile apps, IoT sensors, and databases using Python and SQL. I developed NLP models with LLMs like BERT and GPT to predict workplace hazards and fine-tuned generative AI models for text analytics. Additionally, I built and deployed ML pipelines on Azure, leveraging vector databases for semantic search. To support decision-making, I designed Power BI dashboards and implemented automated ETL workflows for efficient data handling and model monitoring.

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

I found the internship on the company’s careers page and applied. I had worked with them before as a client while at TCS in India, which helped me understand their work. My experience in AI and machine learning made me a good fit for the role.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Career Fairs, LinkedIn or other social media

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

I enjoyed developing code for various manufacturing plants, tackling challenges related to data. The work involved solving real-world problems using machine learning while working closely with data science and engineering experts. The team was supportive, and the environment fostered innovation, allowing me to experiment with new ideas and improve my skills in handling complex data from manufacturing operations.

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

I believe my work has made an impact by improving decision-making in manufacturing. I developed code and used machine learning to solve data challenges, making processes more efficient. Working with experts allowed me to create solutions that helped optimize operations and improve productivity. This experience has sharpened my technical skills and showed me how technology can solve real-world problems in manufacturing.

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

I’d advise focusing on hands-on experience, even through small projects. Build strong technical skills, network with professionals, and seek mentorship. Be proactive, stay curious, and take on challenges. Lastly, showcase your work to potential employers.

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

What I enjoyed most about my position was solving real-world problems using new technologies. The Career Center was a big help by guiding me with my resume, preparing for interviews, and giving me the confidence I needed to land the role.

Name: Shraddha Kumar
Pronouns: She/her
Semester of Internship: Spring 2024
Major: Engineering Management
Current Class Level: Master's Student
This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Amplify MedTech
Location of the Organization (City, State): Columbia, MD
Title of position: Marketing Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
During my internship at Amplify MedTech, I have been actively involved in various aspects of marketing and market research, contributing significantly to the company's growth and visibility in the MedTech sector. My primary responsibilities include creating and implementing strategic digital marketing initiatives aimed at enhancing brand awareness and fostering community engagement. On a daily basis, I manage and optimize our social media presence by curating impactful content designed to expand audience reach and strengthen our digital presence. Additionally, I produce essential marketing research insights that inform strategic decision-making, facilitating both audience expansion and improved market positioning. This experience has allowed me to develop valuable skills in research analytics, digital content strategy, and professional communication, all of which align closely with my career goals and academic background.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?:
I first discovered the internship opportunity with Amplify MedTech through Handshake, UMBC's career and internship platform. After submitting my application, I went through the selection process and was subsequently connected with Amplify MedTech through the UMBC Career Center's Shattuck Family Internship Program for Entrepreneurship. The Career Center provided exceptional support during the onboarding phase, ensuring a seamless transition into my role. Their guidance and resources made the onboarding process smooth and effective, enabling me to quickly integrate into the team and actively contribute to Amplify MedTech's initiatives.

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've enjoyed most about my role at Amplify MedTech is the opportunity to directly contribute to meaningful projects that impact the MedTech community. I've particularly valued engaging in creative marketing initiatives and insightful market research, supported by a team that encourages innovation. The collaborative environment at Amplify MedTech has continuously inspired me to learn, explore new ideas, and enhance my professional skills.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?:
Through my internship at Amplify MedTech, I've made a tangible impact by supporting the company's participation in the Maryland Tech Council's Tech Transformation Conference 2025. My contributions helped effectively showcase our vision, and mission to industry leaders and potential partners, elevating our visibility within the tech community. Additionally, my market research insights and strategic marketing efforts have strengthened Amplify MedTech’s presence, driving audience engagement and contributing directly to the organization's growth.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?:
My advice to students seeking internships is to proactively engage with resources like Handshake, attend career fairs, and take the support provided by UMBC’s Career Center. Tailor your application to highlight skills relevant to the position and organization, and don't hesitate to network with industry professionals.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center:
My internship at Amplify MedTech has been truly fulfilling, allowing me to actively contribute to exciting projects and directly support the growth of an innovative organization, and simultaneously collaborate closely with industry leaders in the MedTech space. UMBC’s Career Center was pivotal in helping me secure this role through Handshake, offering guidance that ensured a smooth onboarding experience.

If you’re a student looking for jobs, internships, or career connections, Handshake is your go-to platform. Whether you’re just starting your college journey or preparing to graduate, Handshake offers personalized job and internship recommendations, relevant employer events, and career-building tools tailored to your specific interests and goals. But are you using it to its full potential?

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Handshake account:

1. Complete Your Profile

The more information you include, the better your job and internship matches will be. Add your major, graduation year, interests, relevant experience, and skills. Handshake uses this information to recommend jobs and events that are aligned with your career goals.

2. Upload Your Resume

Having a resume uploaded to your profile allows you to more easily apply to opportunities. It also makes it easier for employers to find you during their own candidate searches.

3. Explore and Follow Employers

Handshake gives you access to thousands of employers, many of whom are specifically looking to recruit students from UMBC. Follow companies you’re interested in so you can stay updated on their events, job postings, and application deadlines. Go to the “Explore” tab on Handshake and follow the UMBC collections that are applicable to your interests.

4. Attend Events and Fairs

Career fairs, information sessions, and workshops (in person and virtual) are all listed under the "Events” tab. Attending these not only helps you learn about industries and employers but also puts your name in front of recruiters. You can search and filter events by sponsor — for example, hosted by UMBC or by employers.

5. Use Filters and Keywords

Speaking of filters, you can customize your job search using filters such as location, job type, and industry. Save searches and favorite roles you’re interested in, so you can come back to them later or get alerts when similar ones are posted. This can help reduce the amount of time you spend searching for opportunities in order to fully take advantage of them.

6. Activate Your Profile

Make your profile public so employers can reach out to you with opportunities. You can also create a public profile link and create an email signature to further your reach. Taking these additional steps increases your visibility and could lead to an unexpected offer or new connection.

7. Make an Appointment with Us

Need help with all this and more? You can use Handshake to schedule a 1:1 appointment with the Career Center. Not only can we help you search for jobs and internships via Handshake and other platforms, but we can also help you build your resume, prepare for interviews, apply for graduate school, and explore careers and majors of interest.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t miss out on the tools and opportunities waiting for you. Sign up for a Handshake account today and start exploring the platform — your future career connections are just a few clicks away!

It is with great pleasure that we officially announce the newly appointed Executive Board for the 2025-2026 year. Please join us in congratulating the following individuals on their leadership roles:

President: Jeslyn Loyo

Vice- President: Sewar Mohammad

Secretary: Benedict Kumi

Treasurer: Million Amanuel 

Public Relations Officer: Oluwanifemi Faluyi

Events Coordinator: Christian Taylor

We look forward to seeing what’s in store for the next academic year, we know they’ll do a great job. Congratulations once again to the new Executive Board!