The Fall Career & Internship Fair is tomorrow! Over 140 companies will descend on the RAC, looking to recruit students from UMBC for full time and internship opportunities. It's the biggest career event of the semester, and you can be a part of it by showing up tomorrow anywhere between 11:30 am and 3:30 pm. But Emily, you might ask, 140 companies in the RAC sounds very intimidating. Where do I begin? Well, I’m glad you asked.
Before the fair:
Research the companies. Check out the list of companies that will be there including what majors they are looking for, pick your top ten, and give them a google. Figure out what they do and what project you would like to be a part of. Preparation is the key to good networking!
Give your resume one final look over (this guide might help) and print out copies. Try to have at least at least ten copies, but bringing a few extras on top of that can’t hurt.
Pick out clean business professional clothes. Looking the part is very important. Picking out your clothes the night before can help you avoid unforeseen issues tomorrow morning. If you’re not sure what business professional looks like, check out this guide.
During the fair:
Bring everything you prepared the night before plus your student ID. Wear the clothes, keep the resumes protected from the rain, and remember your list of companies.
When you get to the fair, check your guide for a map or download the directory in advance. Find the companies you want to visit and make a game plan. Hundreds of students come to the fair, so having a plan of action can help you get through the crowds.
Visit your target companies. Network with recruiters. Give your 30-second commercial, discuss why you want to be a part of their company, and give them a copy of your resume. If they give you a card or contact information, keep it in a safe place!
After the fair:
Follow up. Reach out to those people who gave you their information. Tell them how nice it was to talk to them and reiterate your interest in their company. A thank you note or email goes a long way!
Take a break! Squeeze in a nap if you can fit it between classes and homework. You earned it.
INSTEAD OF BRINGING THE COMPANIES TO CAMPUS, WE’RE TAKING YOU TO THE COMPANY!
Join the Career Center on an employer visit to McCormick on October 5th. McCormick & Company, Inc. is a global leader in flavor with products sold in 150 countries and territories.
The agenda will include a tour of the Technical Innovation Center where researchers expand flavor lines and create new ones. You will have an opportunity to network, learn about McCormick, and the internship and employment opportunities available. You will also get to sample snacks from the “Flavor Forecast” where the top trends and innovative flavors are identified to bring to the market.
US Citizenship or Permanent Resident REQUIRED
MINIMUM: 3.0 GPA, Junior status (expected graduation Dec. 2019 - May 2020)
McCormick & Company, Inc is looking to hire students in the following majors:
· Biochemistry
· Biological Sciences
· Chemical & Biochemical Engineering
· Chemical Engineering
· Chemistry
· Financial Economics
· Mathematics
· Mechanical Engineering
Closed toed shoes are required. No heels! Business casual attire. No loose long jewelry or threads hanging from clothes.
TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation is provided, but an RSVP is required. You will receive confirmation of your registration prior to the trip date. Space is limited, so register early! You may register under the events tab in UMBCworks. Click on “Events” and then search “Info Sessions”.
If you do not attend this event and have not canceled your reservation 1 week prior, your student account will be charged $25 to cover expenses incurred by the Career Center.
Please note: UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. If you would like to request accommodations (e.g., ASL interpreters, captioning, wheelchair access, etc.) for this event due to a disability, please notify us at least two weeks prior to the event. Requests received after that time cannot be guaranteed, but we will do our best to make arrangements for program access. Please contact the event host (careers@umbc.edu) with your specific request and be sure to include the event title, date, and time.
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Name:Devin Protzko
Research Site: NASA/JCET
Position Title: Research Assistant
Major(s)/Minor(s):Physics B.S. / Math Minor
Work Term: November 2017 - Present
Tell us about your research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
I am a research assistant with NASA/JCET; mainly in preparation to pursue a Physics PhD. We are gaining a better understanding of hurricane intensification through eddy momentum flux and wavelet analysis, simulation modeling, and statistical variance scaling - as the accuracy of trajectory models have surpassed that of intensification models. My day-to-day comprises processing various forms of data (observational e.g. fuselage IWRAP, or model e.g. LES), morphing the raw data into something more quantitatively and qualitatively analyzable (functions, plots, etc.), reading relevant research, and collaborating with my adviser, Dr. Guimond.
To elaborate on the research itself, we utilize high-resolution observational data (IWRAP) to analyze coherent turbulent structures in rapidly intensifying Hurricane Isabel. Moreover, we use wavelet analyses to compare statistical properties of high-resolution features in observational data to that in model (LES) data, such that we analyze the role of small-scale features in large-scale flow patterns. The main objective is to better understand the physical processes that control hurricane formation and intensity change, specifically the relative roles of environmental and inner-core processes. There is evidence that small-scale processes in the inner core may play an important role in hurricane intensity, but these processes are only partially understood. The features – turbulent eddies, eyewall vorticity waves, mesovortices and hot towers – are on the order of kilometers wide and rapidly varying. Hence high-resolution models are thought to be necessary, but it is not clear what resolutions accurately model the relationship between large and small-scale features.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
It all happened pretty fast. In Fall 2017, I took an elective called PHYS335 Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere with Dr. Sparling. About midway through the course, Dr. Sparling appreciated my performance, specifically a data analysis assignment comprising NOAA plots and hurricane development analyses. Soon after, I accepted a SURE scholarship opportunity with Dr. Guimond, who is one of Dr. Sparling's colleagues at NASA and has been my adviser ever since. Once the SURE scholarship ran its course and Dr. Guimond wanted to pursue summer work with me, we received summer funding through JCET.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
I enjoy that I am constantly surrounded by people who are much smarter than me and passionate about their role in the puzzle of research. The scientific community, albeit initially humbling, catalyzes an impulse to share knowledge in a highly ordered manner, allowing for highly efficient communication. But training my brain to properly sift through dense articles has been worth it, such that conversations about niches of my field seem more casual and less esoteric. Secondarily, I lead an active lifestyle and the flexibility of research catalyzes a great work/life balance. For instance, I can set up a hotspot on the beach and work remotely (with adviser approval of course), as long as my deliverable tasks are ready by meeting time.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
Our spring conference paper has been cited multiple times. Plus we are working on publishing an extension paper of sorts with plans to present it at the AGU (American Geophysical Union) Conference in DC at the end of the year. Coming from a seemingly spectator level as a student, it is very satisfying to interact with the scientific community on a more direct level.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Standing out in class is one thing, but reaching out to professors, post-docs, etc beyond class is another. If you have a passion for a field but are unsure/overwhelmed by the sheer amount of paths within the field, just pick one. Some research experience as an undergrad is better than none. Plus, there is high value in acquainting yourself with the academic research process and community.
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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!
]]>There is an ancient riddle which has confused students since the beginning of time: How do I get experience when all experiences require experience? Figuring out how to break into the job market can feel like trying to jump on an already moving Ferris wheel. Confusing, intimidating, and not how you want to spend your weekends. But there is a way to round out your resume, gain leadership experience, and develop a professional network without snagging that elusive first job in your preferred field.
Campus involvement is a great alternative. Hopefully, you made it to Involvement Fest and have a few clubs you’re thinking about joining. If not, don’t worry! The full list of UMBC student organizations can be found here. It might seem intimidating at first, but taking a few minutes to look through the list is a great idea. There are professional societies, department groups, and recreational clubs. Find a couple that seem like fun, figure out what time they meet, and you’re good to go!
As a member of a club, you have the chance to do three things that help boost your chances of getting a job.
Leadership Opportunities. Clubs are a great way to take on responsibility in a relatively low-risk environment. Having a leadership position in a club gives you experience managing other people and their schedules, planning events, budgeting, and recruiting new members. These are great skills to highlight in a resume and provide great stories to talk about in interviews.
Networking. In a club, whether its related to your studies or not, you’re going to make friends with people who will be able to help your career down the road. Building connections in and out of your major is always a great idea, and clubs are great ways to get out, meet people, and create lasting friendships. It’s a stress-free way of beginning to cultivate a professional network.
The Human Element. Most employers aren’t looking for an emotionless robot to sit behind a desk and bang out reports day after day. And if they are, you probably don’t want to work for them anyways. Clubs and extracurriculars show your potential employer that you’re more than just a student. You have a breadth of knowledge and ideas that support and enhance your professional development. Having dedicated interests outside your field of study show that you commit to the things that you love, and you’ll commit to your new job too.
Name:Jamie Denton
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Girls’ Life Magazine
Position Title: Editorial Intern
Major(s)/Minor(s): English B.A/ Media & Communication Studies
Work Term:Summer 2018
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
One of my responsibilities was to write articles pertaining to fashion, beauty, fitness, books, and lifestyle for the Girls' Life website, which were published on a weekly basis. Additionally, I assisted in planning content for the Girls' Life website by brainstorming original and creative article ideas. I also became familiar with the inner workings of journalism by transcribing interviews and networking with people in the industry.
One cooling thing about my internship is that I had the privilege of working a music and festival event that was in partnership with iHeartRadio’s z104.3 and sponsored by L.A. Colors. It was extremely fascinating to be behind the scenes and see how companies collaborate and hold huge promotional events. I even got to work with the clothing brand Aeropostale, talk to some of the representatives, and forge relationships with people in similar industries. Plus, I got to take home a bunch of free items!
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I looked on the UMBCworks website around late April, which is where I heard of the position. Then I took my resume to the Career Center, where it was carefully looked over, and I was given constructive feedback. After polishing my resume, writing a cover letter, and submitting three writing samples, I applied for the position a few days later.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
Getting my articles published on the Girls' Life Website and getting featured in the magazine (it’s incredibly rewarding to see my name in print)!
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe that I've served as a role model for young girls by writing articles that inspire and give advice to teens in order to facilitate their success in the world.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Use UMBCworks to help you find an internship or job opportunity! I wouldn’t have had my internship if it wasn’t for them. Also, don’t be afraid to go to the Career Center; it’s an incredibly helpful resource to improve your resume and strengthen your interview skills.
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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!
]]>The end is in sight! If you've earned 90 or more academic credits, you received a message from the Registrar's Office informing you that you are eligible to apply for graduation.
However, eligibility is only the start of the graduation application process. Below are four simple steps you can take now to ensure that you’ll soon be shaking hands with Dr. Hrabowski as you receive your UMBC diploma.
Note: Even if you do not plan to attend the commencement ceremony, you still need to apply to graduate in order to earn your degree.
Step 1: Apply for Graduation!
Saturday, September 15th is the last day undergraduates can apply for December Graduation.
Only those students who have every single requirement needed for degree completion on their fall semester schedules will be permitted to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
If you are taking a course at another institution that you plan to transfer, you must have an approved Verification of Transferability formon file with the Registrar’s Office and be prepared to submit a copy of your schedule.
Step 2: Embrace your degree audit!
Your degree audit indicates your progress toward degree completion. If you see “unsatisfied” items, these are requirements that appear to be missing and need to be addressed immediately. Your degree audit is located on myUMBC, under the guide link “Advising and Student Support.”
Makesure any substitutions or waivers of major requirements are documented in your degree audit; you may need to submit a Help/RT ticket to the Registrar’s Office to add these notations to your record.
Step 3: Wrap up any outstanding details ASAP!
If you have Advanced Placement or CLEP scores, transfer transcripts, foreign language waivers, or other items you need to provide to UMBC, delay no longer! If the major, minor, or certificate program on your record is out of date, or if you have additional majors or minors that you need to remove, submit a new Declaration of Major form. Any of these items could prevent you from being able to graduate.
Step 4: Let the celebration begin!
Participating in the commencement ceremony* and other celebratory activities on campus is the culmination of all of your hard work. Take time to recognize all it took to get you to this moment and be proud of your accomplishments!
Finally, use this link to check your Honors eligibility, which will be recognized at the ceremony and on your diploma.
]]>Welcome, or welcome back, to UMBC! To most, 90-degree weather and steadfastly green trees don’t really feel like the beginning of the school year, but believe it or not, here we are. I hope you’re at least a tiny bit excited for your new semester.
I’m always torn between excitement and stress. I filled my calendar with due dates and exams, but looking at it makes me realize how much I have to do. Before we go any further, let me introduce myself. I’m Emily, a third-year computer science major with minors in Mandarin and creative writing. I work as a Career Peer Advisor here at the UMBC Career Center, and this year I’m going to be handling our weekly blog posts. At the Career Center, we specialize in getting you all jobs, and more important than that, a job you might actually enjoy. Have no idea what field to go into? We have tools and appointments for that. Need a summer internship? We have specialists to guide you along the way. Want to have an internship showcased on your transcript? We do that too. Stop by the second floor of Math and Psych any weekday from 2 pm- 4 pm to get resumes reviewed, UMBCworks questions answered, and cover letters edited.
Now before you launch straight into classwork, it’s helpful to take time and evaluate what you did over the summer. Service projects you completed, jobs you had, internship experience, it can all be useful when redoing a resume. And I know that those summer experiences look different for everyone, so I’ll try and break it down a little.
If you had a job or internship, there are a few important things to do before you forget everything in the haze of school projects. First, add the experience to your resume. If you’re not sure how exactly to do that, we have tons of resume examples on our website. Second, consider reaching out to your direct supervisor. Thank them for an informative summer and generally explain how much the experience meant to you. This is a great way to accumulate references for your next application.
If you had a job or internship not related to what you’re studying, the two steps above are also very important to you. I know it might not seem like it, but by maintaining a summer job, you’re cultivating professionalism and work ethic that will help you in your field for years to come. While you’re editing your resume, think about any skills you gained that might transfer to the field you want to work in. Maybe as an office assistant, you got a lot of experience with spreadsheets. Maybe as a retail worker, you helped organize schedules and shifts so that your colleagues stayed happy. These all look wonderful in a job description.
If you didn't work over the summer,there are still a lot of thing to consider. Volunteer experience, extracurriculars, new computer skills, and personal projects in your field of study are all important to have on resumes. Take a few minutes, brainstorm a list of your accomplishments, then take a look our career guide to figure out how to showcase what you did.
Here at the Career Center, we also had a productive summer. We have a new resource for students: Big Interview. Sign in with your UMBC login and you have access to their database of interview questions. You can even record yourself answering interview questions and get feedback from a Career Center team member through email. It’s a great practice tool for those who get a little nervous while interviewing.
Now that your summer is all summarized (see what I did there), you’re ready to hit the ground running. There are lots of big and exciting things coming up, from the Career Fair, to On the Roads with companies like Morgan Stanley, to panels with representatives from T. Rowe Price. Till next week, I’m your friendly neighborhood Career Peer. I wish you all a smooth start to the semester, and I hope we see you soon!