All COEIT undergraduate students (BTA, IS, Comp Sci, CompE, MechE, and ChemE majors) are invited to complete the 2026 COEIT Undergraduate Student Voice & Experience Survey.

This survey aims to understand your experiences and perceptions related to your experience in your major, classroom interactions and environment, campus involvement and resources, and the diversity and inclusion within COEIT. As this is the first time we're offering this survey since 2016, your feedback is incredibly valuable in helping the COEIT community collect critical benchmarking data.

Survey Deadlines & Prize Drawing:

• Priority Deadline: March 23, 2026 (and last chance to enter to win $25 Retriever Dollars)

• Final deadline: April 10, 2026

• Incentive: Complete the survey by the priority deadline (3/23) and select "yes" for the very last survey question to be taken to an anonymous separate survey to provide your email. This email will only be used to enter you into a prize drawing to receive $25 Retriever Dollars (multiple winners will be selected!). Your email address will not be linked to your survey responses.

Take the Survey Here: https://umbc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5iI6xaFXbYdbZGu 

Up for Science and Politics: Understanding Data Centers

8:30-10 am Tuesday, March 24, University Center 312, UMC

Data centers power everything from traffic predictions and fraud detection on credit cards. Data centers also have implications for public health, the environment, and energy capacity. Yet even as Maryland is poised to be the next major data center hub, many residents don't know what they are, how they work, and what they power. Maryland policymakers and UMBC experts will discuss the science behind data centers, key policy and ethical debates surrounding their construction, and how leaders can effectively communicate the costs and benefits of data centers to the public.

Moderator:

Dr. Anupam Joshi, Vice Provost, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer

Panelists:

Jack Suess, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, UMBC
Del. Brian Crosby, District 29B
Del. Chao Wu, District 9A
Dr. Tim Finin, Research Prof., UMBC Dept. of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Dr. Ida Ngambeki, Assistant Professor,  UMBC Depart. of Information Systems
Dr. Karen Chen, Assistant Professor, UMBC Department of Information Systems
David Lapp, People's Counsel, Maryland Office of People's Counsel

More information

Register here

🌟 Has a professor or staff member gone above and beyond to support your career and job search journey, grad school dreams, or professional goals? Now’s your chance to show them some love!

In the spirit of kindness, take a few minutes to recognize someone as a UMBC Career Connector.

Did they inspire you to pursue a particular path? Write you an amazing letter of recommendation?Review your resume and make it shine? Connect you with alumni or employers? Just make a positive impact in your life?

Say THANK YOU in a meaningful way! Each nominee will receive a small gift, a recognition certificate with your note, and a spotlight on our Instagram and LinkedIn during Career Month in April and throughout the summer.

How to Participate:

• Complete this short recognition survey HERE (you can submit multiple recognitions—one for each awesome person!).

Let’s spread some kindness and celebrate those who’ve made a difference. ❤️

Follow us on Instagram @UMBCcareers and LinkedIn @UMBCCareerCenter to see your nominee featured!

Nominations will be received on a rolling basis until end of April.

Navigating the U.S. job market as an international student can feel like solving a complex puzzle. Between understanding visa regulations, identifying employer sponsorship history, and adapting to American networking norms, the process requires more than just a great GPA — it requires a specialized toolkit.

The transition from academic success at UMBC to a professional role in the U.S. is a journey of strategy and persistence. Whether you are looking for CPT internships or post-graduation OPT opportunities, the right resources can bridge the gap between "applying" and "hiring." Here is how you can take control of your search.

Target Sponsorship-Friendly Employers

One of the biggest hurdles for international students is identifying which companies have a history of hiring global talent. Instead of guessing, use data-driven tools like GoinGlobal. These platforms allow you to filter for H-1B sponsorship history and see which organizations actively value the diverse perspectives international hires bring to the table.

Perfect the American-Style Resume

U.S. resumes have specific standards that may differ significantly from your home country's CV format. Focus on impact-driven bullet points rather than just listing tasks. Highlight your technical skills and cultural adaptability as competitive advantages. Remember, a U.S. employer wants to see how your specific actions led to measurable results — think "Preparation + Action = Opportunity."

Bridge the Networking Gap

In the U.S., "who you know" is often as important as "what you know." Building a professional network isn't about asking for favors; it's about establishing professional credibility. Start by connecting with UMBC international alumni who have successfully navigated this path. Their insights on the "hidden job market" can provide the roadmap you need to bypass traditional application hurdles.

Understand Your Work Authorization

Confidence is key when speaking with recruiters. You should be able to clearly and concisely explain your CPT or OPT status. When you can articulate the logistics of your work authorization, you remove uncertainty for the employer. Reframing the conversation from "legal paperwork" to "available talent" keeps the focus on your skills.

Put This Into Action

Ready to learn more about the job search process in the U.S.? Join us at the International Student Career Conference on Friday, March 27th from 10 AM to 2:30 PM at University Center 312. We hope to see you there. 

Hi everyone,

Beginning the week after Spring Break (March 24), The Mosaic Center will be closed on Tuesdays from 12-2 PM to accommodate the CSJD Dialogue Cohort.

We encourage you to plan your visits accordingly. The center will reopen at 2 PM and remain open during regular hours afterward.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at The Mosaic Center!