Looking for any sort of job is a lot of work. Figuring out what job you want to do, finding applications, and submitting your documents is scary and time consuming, let alone trying to do it while juggling a full course load during midterm season. But luckily, UMBC recognizes all of these challenges (and more you might not be considering) and created their Career Center to guide you through the process.
If you’re not sure what you want to do: Check out our online self assessments! They range from the Traitify (takes about 5 minutes) to the Focus2 (takes about an hour). They’re a great starting point when you’re beginning to explore what you want to do with your life. After you take the assessments, you can schedule an appointment with a Career specialist here at the Career Center to discuss your results and what steps to take next towards your new career goals.
If you don’t know where you want to work: Spend a few minutes (or hours, if you like research like I do) reading up on companies. The Career Center pays for access to Vault, a site that has amazing research and reviews all in one place. If there is a company you particularly like, see if they have any upcoming events hosted by the Career Center. Stop by and chat with representatives about their experiences at work.
If you’re applying to positions: Start with UMBCworks. Use the filters to find jobs you’re interested in (as well as the ones you qualify for). After that, try looking at the links by major to find job sites for your specific field. If you want to learn more about the application process, you can make an appointment with a member of our Internships and Employment team to discuss potential places to apply and how to wow hiring managers with your application.
If you’re getting ready to interview: Research common interview questions for your field and see examples of great answers with Big Interview. After you read, try recording yourself answering those questions and send it in to the Career Center to review. We’ll give you feedback on your answers, and you’ll never even have to change out of your sweatpants! If you want more experience interviewing, you can also make a mock interview appointment with the Career Center to practice.
You’ve been warned not to leave the 15-page research paper for the night before, or to start your homework two hours before it’s due. Yet, these scenarios often seem like a creative challenge for your procrastination skills, and it can be tempting to test how well you can complete assignments at the last minute, despite a professor’s warning.
Though it may be possible to skate by, time management has the ability to make your life a lot more enjoyable and less stressful.
Below are some helpful time management tips to ensure that you don’t have to skip class, miss assignments and meals, or sleep!
1. Build a schedule and leave time for obstacles (including procrastination)
2. Keep a consistent eating/sleeping schedule
3. Keep a consistent work schedule (If you have a job on or off campus)
4. Learn When to Say “No”
In sum, the most important point to remember when it comes to time management is that it really will make your life easier. Plan out what you can, leave room for mishaps you cannot plan for, and do your best to get through your college career in one piece.
Helpful Links:
Why Time Management is Ruining Our Lives
7 Tools and Techniques to Improve Your Time Management
LRC Time Management TipsName:Amina Maswadeh
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Wellness Corporate Solutions
Position Title: Healthy at Hopkins Wellness Intern
Major(s)/Minor(s):Health Administration and Policy Program
Work Term:Spring 2018
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
My internship is focused on promoting health and well-being within the Johns Hopkins employees. There are multiple avenues that the Healthy at Hopkins teams use including webinars, on-site activities, and a Champion program (a team of Hopkins employees who work with the Healthy at Hopkins team to spread well-being within their individual departments). However, one of the key programs instituted is called the Quarterly Rewards Program where an individual receives points for pursuing healthy actions throughout a three month period which then results in a bonus in their paycheck. My project is gathering multiple resources and coming up with ideas that can be included within the program. Alongside this project, I also am in charge of enrolling and welcoming any new Champions that we receive along with creating resources and activities that can be used during on-site booths and events.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I contacted the support team via the email linked on the Healthy at Hopkins page. I was then transferred to the program manager who asked me to send her a copy of my resume and cover letter. Afterwards, I had a phone interview followed by an in-person interview before receiving an email saying that I was selected as the intern.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
I have enjoyed being able to see the way in which teamwork truly pays off. By working alongside my teammates, I have learned the importance of communication and work ethic. In addition, it is always rewarding to hear and read about successes within the Hopkins employees.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe that by completing this internship, I will have not only assisted in the creation of a program that will be utilized by hundreds, if not thousands. But rather, I will also help inspire someone to take their life, their health into their own hands.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Search for an internship that resonates with you! It truly makes you motivated to work harder and push yourself to accomplish all your goals. At the same time, do not be discouraged if something doesn't happen the way you wanted, it is very possible that something better is waiting for you. So patience and passion is the key!
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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!
]]>Whether you’re graduating and looking for a full-time position (congrats!) or looking for a summer internship, the time has arrived to begin the search. The benefits of internships are extensive. Some majors or programs require them, and even if they aren’t required, they’re a great way to gain experience, make contacts in your field, get a feel for different company cultures, and (maybe) earn some money. As for full-time positions, the answer is obvious. You’ve spent the last four(ish) years of your life earning this degree, and now you get to go out into the real world and put the degree to use!
So, how do you find these internships and job opportunities? There are two main ways:
In Person
The Career Center offers many events through the semester to facilitate connections between employers and students. You can check out all our coming events on our calendar, but I’ll highlight three types here:
On The Roads: These require you to sign up, but it’s definitely worth it. The Career Center takes you by bus to the company where you get to talk with employees and get a feel for the culture and workplace.
UMBC Connects: These events are hosted on campus, no RSVP required. Show up and chat one on one with company representatives.
Career Corner: The least formal of the three options. Stop by the table set up in the Commons and chat for a few minutes with recruiters.
If employer recruiters are feeling a little too intimidating for you at the moment, I’d highly suggest coming in and talking with the Career Center Internship and Employment team. You can make a 30 minute appointment through UMBCworks, and they’ll walk you through the process. When I was a freshman, I came into the Career Center with no idea where to begin or what to do. They helped me land the most amazing summer position. Also consider signing up for the Intern Success Conference on November 7th! There’ll be a panel, keynote speaker, and information sessions all to help you land that perfect internship.
Online
Over the last few years, online networking and job search tools have exploded in popularity. Check out a few of our favorites:
UMBCworks: Just for UMBC students and alumni! Find all types of jobs and on-campus interviews here.
Links by Major: These give you websites and resources exclusive to your major!
Vault: Find companies by types of programs, locations, and majors hired. Then check out reviews from current and past employees.
Linkedin: The classic. There's a reason everyone’s on Linkedin. One of the best ways to network online. Check out our guide here.
If you’re lacking inspiration or not sure what exactly you’d do at an internship, take a look at the Career Center’s Intern of the Week series. Once a week, we interview UMBC students who completed internships about their favorite parts of the job.
Next week, we’ll go over more tools the Career Center has to help you reach your career goals. Over the next few days, look out for events connecting you to Northrop Grumman, T. Rowe Price, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Also, be sure to sign up and attend our Diversity Recruitment event! You’ll get to network with recruiters and eat a free dinner. Good luck with your applications, and I’ll see you next week!
Spring 2019 registration is right around the corner, and the process starts with connecting with your academic advisor.
Your advisor is a vital member of your support team at UMBC. Often your advisor is a professor in your major department, but could also be a professional (full-time) advisor. If you have any doubt at all about WHO your advisor is, below is a link to the department contacts for all majors. The person listed as “advising coordinator” or “advising contact” can help you find out who your advisor is, or assign you an advisor.
When should I meet with my advisor?
We encourage you to schedule an appointment with your advisor as early as possible. In order to register for Spring 2019 classes, your advisor must first provide you with registration clearance (permission). This happens during your appointment when you discuss your semester progress and develop a plan for the next semester.
What should I do to prepare?
Review your degree audit and/or transfer credit report in advance and go with a list of topics/questions to cover.
If you need help planning your coursework, our Academic Pathways provide a suggested four-year pathway for completing your degree program.
The schedule of classes will be available on Monday, October 22nd. Please review the courses that are offered and be prepared to bring a list of courses that you are interested in when you meet with you advisor.
Be ready to discuss any outstanding items or questions you might have from previous advising meetings. We also recommend that you take notes; never go to an advising session without the capacity to take notes, whether with pen and paper or on laptop.
When can I register?
Spring 2019 registration begins Tuesday, October 30th. Your exact registration date depends on the total amount of credits earned. Please note that the dates reflect the earliest time you are eligible to register for courses. You can still register for courses after your designated date and time. Information regarding your exact registration time will be available in early October.
Have questions?
See everything you need to get in your personalized – Guide to Registration – which can be found in your myUMBC.
Share your concerns in the comments section below or contact the Office of Academic & Pre-Professional Advising at arc@umbc.edu.
If you have a quick question, send us a DM on Instragram @umbc_advising!
Remember
While one faculty member or professional advisor provides registration clearance for you each semester, we encourage you to come out and meet other members of our advising community to discuss graduate school, internships and career options.