College Bootcamp: DAY 2

For today's College Bootcamp topic, we are focusing on the big picture skills you should be developing throughout your undergraduate career. No matter what your post-graduate plans are, prospective employers and/or professional/graduate schools will all NEED for you to bring along your science and content knowledge, but they will WANT to see development of transferable skills such as leadership, curiosity, service, resilience, etc. 

In the case of Medical School specifically, admissions boards have developed an overview of what kind of skills or -- "core competencies" -- they are looking for.  Check out the AAMC list of Core Compentencis for Medical School Applicants HERE. 

While some inter- and intra- personal skills can be developed in the classroom (such as reslience, and oral/written communication), there are many opportunities across the UMBC community (and beyond) where skills like empathy, reliability, service, and cultural awareness can be excercised and honed. Consider joining a student organization, volunteering with the Shriver Center, or studying abroad for a semester -- or two! Opportunities abound and with every experience you are developing your core competencies, your competitiveness for your post-graduate plans, and even a greater sense of self and what YOU can offer a prospective employer or graduate school. Every alumni can tell you about a transformative experience that they had while an undergrad and you may be surprised to hear how many take place outside of the classroom! 

Take a look at the videos below in order to get a sense of both how to develop your core competencies and why. 

Cardio for the Cortex w/Emma Barnaby (CNMS Student Success Coach)

Give me 5 minutes and I'll get you into Medical School w/Dr. Jubbal from Medical Insiders

Campus Talks: The Real-World Power of Soft Skills w/Times Higher Education (UK based)

BONUS PMED VIDEO: Design Your PMED Journey 2026 from the AAMC 

Join us again tomorrow for another playlist that will cover specific insight to your BIOL and CHEM coursework. Don't miss out! 

Stay with us everyday this week to strengthen your skills and power your future. It starts today!