We often hear the question, "When should I start looking for internships and service-learning?"
Our answer: Now!

Tutoring at-risk middle school students, studying abroad in Portugal, interning at Google, and participating in summer research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology are all examples of experiential learning.

Through experiential learning, you will have a chance to learn the coveted "on the job" skills and training that many employers have at the top of their lists.  And, in some cases, you can even earn academic credit while learning! 

Below are some ways that you can gain hands-on, practical experience:

The Center for Democracy and Civic Life:

Interested in strategies for initiating/bringing about social change? The Center for Democracy and Civic Life develops learning forums in which participants enact civic values and build civic capacities. Two of the Center’s initiatives are immersive learning experiences for students: the STRiVE leadership and social change retreat, and Alternative Spring Break.

Undergraduate Research: 

The annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) will take place on Wednesday, April 22! Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) features research, scholarship, and creative work carried out by UMBC undergraduates. Student work is shared through oral presentations, posters, artistic exhibits, performances, and film. Over 300 presenters participate annually. Researchers work with faculty mentors on independent research or research that is part of the mentor’s on-going projects. 

Education Abroad:  

Studying abroad is one of the best ways to acquire global and intercultural skills.  Research has shown that students that study abroad have greater self-confidence and maturity have better grades, and graduate from college at higher rates.  Attending a Study Abroad 101 information session is the first step to study abroad at UMBC.  Sessions are offered three times per week for the entire semester in Admin 301 at the following times:

Mondays at Noon

Wednesdays at 11:00 am

Thursdays at 3:00 pm

If you act quickly, you might also be to take advantage of these special programs that have extended their deadlines!

UMBC Faculty-Led: Picturing Italian Art & Culture in Context in Rome, Italy: 6-credit program (ART 329 or ART216 (C & AH GEP approved) and ART 369 or ART 392) Learn more by visiting the program brochure linked above. Extended Deadline: February 28, 2020

UMBC Faculty-Led: Child Developmental Psychology & Applied Internship in Granada, Spain: 4-credit program (PSYC200 (SS GEP) & PSYC398(Internship) Learn more by visiting the program brochure linked above. Extended Deadline: February 21, 2020

The Shriver Center:  

The Shriver Center addresses critical social challenges by bridging campus and community through engaged scholarship and applied learning. Through the work of The Shriver Center, UMBC has become a national leader in applied learning, community engagement, and community-based service delivery.

Internships & Co-Ops:

Gaining real-world experience through internship, research, or co-op experience is one of the best ways to make yourself a competitive candidate for full-time jobs and graduate school after you graduate.

Keep an eye out for Career Month in April 2020!  There will be several opportunities to connect with prospective employers who are hiring students for internships and co-ops. You have a chance to win some goodies, as well!

Remember, it is never too early to get a head start on your career! Take the first step today!

Are you ready to make some money and enter The UMBC Financial Literacy Enthusiast Contest? 

Prizes you can win:

• 1st – $250 campus card deposit
• 2nd – $100 campus card deposit

What are you waiting for?

Click on the link to learn more about this great opportunity!

Name: Brittany Coughlin

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship   

Position Title: Social Media Marketing Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Technology Administration

Current Class Level: Senior

Work Term: Fall 2019

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

This semester I have been working for the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship as their Social Media Marketing Intern. Each week, I create and post material on our Instagram, Twitter, and myUMBC groups. I am also responsible for updating/enhancing the website through WordPress. In addition, I attend all of our events and take photos of our guest speakers.

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

I heard of this position on UMBCworks last spring. Once I saw the application come out, I did not hesitate to apply because I knew this was going to be something I would really enjoy doing. Prior to applying, I went to the Career Center a few times to ensure that my resume was good to go and my interview skills were ready. Later, I heard back right away after applying and followed through with the process of obtaining my position through two more interviews before receiving the final offer.

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

I love working with my boss and having the freedom to create content on all social media platforms. The people I have met through this internship have inspired me to continue my career in this field. 

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

The content I have created has really helped our organization increase event attendance by spreading the word about entrepreneurship and has even influenced people to add our minor. More and more students have been more interested in the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, and I’m looking forward to the Spring semester.

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

Don't be afraid to create and work on something that you haven’t before. Prior to this internship, I thought that I would struggle using the software to update the website, but after some practice it actually became easy and now I have another skill to add to my resume. 

Like the Career Center on Facebook

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#UMBCintern

Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!

The UMBC Career Center is partnering with the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) to co-sponsor the third annual CAHSS Careers Conference on Thursday, March 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the UC Ballroom. Join us for an evening of getting to know the value of your unique degree and the resources your college and Career Center have to offer you.

The agenda will include:

• Stories from successful CAHSS alumni
• Employer panel discussing the benefits of your degree in the workplace
• Opportunities to connect with fellow CAHSS students
• Heavy hors d'oeuvres and dessert

Registration is required for this event. Please click here to reserve your spot. Students of all arts, humanities, and social science disciplines are encouraged to attend. Please be aware that because this is a catered event, we must charge a no-show fee to those who cancel less than a week in advance.

If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Kacie Lawrence, Associate Director of Internships & Employment, at klawrence@umbc.edu.

"UMBC Suits You" is collecting new and gently used professional clothing as part of Career Month.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about dressing professionally and will then be able to select one free outfit to use in their job search. We are asking staff, faculty, alumni, and affiliates to donate new and gently used professional interview attire clothing at collection bins around campus from February 18th - March 3rd.

Starting February 18th, Professional Clothing can be dropped off at the following on-campus locations:

• Career Center, Math/Psych, Room 201, 8:30am-5pm
• Financial Services, Administration Building, 4th Floor in the Lobby, M-F 8:30am-4:30pm.
• Division of Professional Studies, Sherman Hall East-4th Floor (reception area near elevators), M-F 9am – 4pm.
• The Shriver Center, Public Policy, M-F, 8:30am-5pm.
• The Mosaic Center, The Commons 2B23, Monday: 9:30am - 5pm
  Tuesday - Thursday: 9:30am - 6pm
  Friday: 10am - 5pm
• CWIT, ITE452, M-F 9am-4 pm
• Student Conduct and Community Standards, Student Development and Success Center, M-F 9am-5pm
• Residential Life Office, Erickson Hall, M-F, 8:30am- 5pm
• NEW! OCA Mocha, 5410 East Dr, Arbutus, MD 21227, M-F 6am-10pm, Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 8am-3pm

To apply:

URCAD.umbc.edu

(200-word abstract required)

Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) features research, scholarship, and creative work carried out by UMBC undergraduates. Student work is shared through oral presentations, posters, artistic exhibits, performances, and film. URCAD is April 22, 2020!

All current undergraduates who have conducted research, scholarship or creative work in the last year may apply to present their results at URCAD. 

Application Deadline: 2/14/20