Are you interested in advocacy? If so, come volunteer with us at our annual Take Back the Night!

Take Back the Night was started in October of 1975 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with the main goal to protest against gender based harms and reclaim spaces where survivors felt unsafe. At UMBC, the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center holds its Take Back the Night annually in April.
This year, it will be held on April 16th from 5-8 on Commons Mainstreet.

As a volunteer, you would assist WGEC staff in executing the event and creating a safe space for survivors of gender-based harm and their allies. Volunteers should be invested in cultivating a survivor-supportive space and be aware of the impact they have.

For more information about volunteer roles and to sign up for volunteer training, please click here.

Is your student organization looking to invite an employer to speak/network with your group? Has your student organization already invited a company representative/alumni to network or speak on a career-focused topic?

Let's Get the Conversation Going!

The Career Center is here to help you make a great impression and build lasting relationships with employers and alumni in your field. We aim to support all employer and alumni interactions on campus and provide the resources needed to foster strong, long-lasting connections with the UMBC community.

We'd love to collaborate with your organization! By completing the Student Org Guest Speaker Request Form, you can benefit from:

• Expert guidance on inviting employers and alumni to campus

• A thoughtful speaker gift for your guests

• Complimentary parking codes and directions for your visitors

• Event advertising through Handshake and the Career Center's myUMBC group events calendar

• Networking tips tailored for your student organization

We look forward to supporting your events and helping you connect with professionals in your field!

Take a break and recharge mid-day! 

Join us for Good Afternoon Commuters on February 3, 2026 at 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at University Center 312.

Enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up with fellow commuters and connect with valuable on-campus resources. 

Good Afternoon Commuters (GAC) is hosted once a month and is complimentary with your Commuter Gold Card.

Gold Cards are a one-time purchase per academic year and can be bought at any GMC/GAC event (cash only):

• $5 for Commuter Students

• $10 for Residential & Graduate Students

Stop by, grab lunch, and get connected!

Name: Mrunal Jadhav

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2025

Major: MS Engineering Management, PBC (Data Science)

Current Class Level: Master's Student

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Columbia, MD 

Location of the Organization (City, State): Rohde & Schwarz

Title of position: IT Applications Intern

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

I joined Rohde & Schwarz in Summer 2025, where I supported the Quality Assurance team, and continued in Fall 2025 as an IT Applications Intern, working with the team to improve data accuracy, reporting efficiency, and process workflows. My day to day responsibilities included extracting, cleaning, and analyzing calibration and quality data from SAP ERP, performing data validation to ensure compliance with internal quality standards. I designed and maintained interactive dashboards using Power BI, Excel, and Smartsheet to track key performance indicators and support data-driven decision-making. Additionally, I automated reporting and workflow processes using Power Automate and SharePoint, significantly reducing manual effort and turnaround time. I collaborated closely with cross-functional stakeholders, documented processes, and developed internal web pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to enhance system functionality and operational efficiency.

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

I first learned about the internship opportunity at Rohde & Schwarz through LinkedIn job postings in early 2025. I submitted my application shortly thereafter, which included my resume and relevant academic and professional experience. After an initial screening, I participated in an interview that focused on my technical skills and everything related to data, along with my ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. Following the interview process, I received and accepted the offer to join the organization in Summer 2025.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

LinkedIn or other social media

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

What I have enjoyed most about my position and the organization is the flexibility it offers and the opportunity to work on multiple interesting projects simultaneously. I appreciated the ability to share ideas openly and receive constructive feedback on my work, which supported continuous learning and improvement. Working with a variety of technologies at the same time allowed me to expand my technical skill set and gain exposure to different tools and systems. Additionally, the flexible working hours and the supportive, collaborative colleagues created a positive and motivating work environment.

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

I made a meaningful impact by improving data accuracy, streamlining reporting processes, and enhancing operational efficiency across quality assurance and IT applications workflows. Through data cleaning, validation, and analysis of calibration and quality data, I helped identify inconsistencies that supported better compliance and more reliable decision-making. By designing interactive dashboards and automating recurring reports and workflows, I reduced manual effort and improved turnaround time for critical insights. Additionally, my collaboration with cross-functional teams and thorough documentation contributed to more efficient processes, improved transparency, and long-term usability of the solutions I developed.

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

I would advise students to be proactive and intentional in their search by applying early, tailoring their applications to each role, and clearly connecting their skills and coursework to the position. It's essential to remain curious, ask questions, and be open to learning, even when outside your comfort zone. Taking initiative, seeking feedback, and being willing to work on diverse projects can significantly enhance both your experience and professional growth. Lastly, building strong relationships with mentors and teammates and maintaining a positive, adaptable attitude can make a lasting impact and open doors to future opportunities. Networking is important.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

Working on diverse projects and supportive colleagues allowed me to explore multiple technologies and grow professionally, and the Career Center's guidance helped me prepare strong applications and navigate the internship process with confidence.

Join The Mosaic as we celebrate, honor, and uplift our Black and African American community. This February marks 100 Years of Black History and serves as a reminder of the impact of Black history on our country. We acknowledge the profound contributions and influence of Black and African Americans that have shaped our nation's history, while also celebrating their cultural influences, resilience, love, and service. We pay tribute to the ongoing representation, creativity, and artistic expression that enriches our communities. 

As we honor the Association for the Study of African American Life and History theme, "Century of Black History Commemorations," we reflect on a legacy of brilliance that has fundamentally shaped our country. A continued and steady reminder that Black history is a true testament of US history. ASALH states, "From Negro History Week to Black History Month, ASALH has carried forth the tradition, and the observances have become part of the warp and weft of American culture and increasingly the global community. For our 100th theme, the founders of Black History Month urge us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world." (Association for the Study of African American Life and History). For more information about ASALH 2026 Black History Month, click here. 

National recognition may have arrived in 1976, yet the legacy of Black excellence has always been woven into the fabric of our society. We celebrate not just the milestones of the past, but also the vibrant culture and creativity of the present. For The Mosaic, 'Inclusive Excellence' means ensuring this celebration isn't confined to a single month. We remain committed to honoring and elevating the history and ongoing contributions of the Black and African American community year-round.

Throughout February, join our UMBC community in celebrating with events and programs. Consider connecting with one of our many student organizations, such as BSU, BGSO, the Association for Black Artists, and the African Student Association, for more events! 

Hear Our Stories: Celebrating Black History Month

Monday, February 2, 2026 

11:30 AM - 1 PM

Commons Mainstreet (in front of the Bookstore)

Join The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity & The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being as we read and highlight Black and Africana stories through children's literature.

Music & The Mosaic (Black History Month × The Grammys Edition!)

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

12 - 1 PM | 2B23 The Commons

Join us in a laid-back, vibrant setting where music, culture, and conversation come together. This pop-up will explore the impact of Black artists on the music industry, iconic Grammy moments, and the cultural influence of Black music across genres.

Black Excellence Summit

Friday, February 6, 2026

Our 2026 theme, "Roots of Success: Grounded in Community," highlights our foundational belief in the indispensable power of building and maintaining a shared community. We deeply value the rich diversity among our students, staff, and faculty, which is a key source of UMBC's strength. However, the reality for some of our community members, particularly those who are Black, often feel a gap in a shared cultural or racial community. To honor our theme, we aim to cultivate an environment where Black students, staff, and community members are not only heard and seen but also feel grounded in our shared community. Through the Black Excellence Summit, we are evolving the concept of Black Excellence. We hope to redefine it away from appealing to external societal norms, and instead, focus on celebrating the richness of the Black experience within our community, recognizing and fostering success in all its genuine forms.

BSU Groove Theory: BES After Party! 

Friday, February 6, 2026

7 - 10 PM | UC Ballroom 

The Official Black Excellence Summit After Party! Come dressed up for our soul train themed get together and be ready for a night full of music, dance, and fun!

Divine 9 Greek Night 

Thursday, February 12, 2026 

6:30 PM | Chesapeake Arena 

It's Greek Night at UMBC! Rep your letters and bring the energy as the Black Student Athlete Alliance and BSU take the court.

Black History Month Discussion Panel - Black History: Under Attack, but yet Unbroken

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

3:30 - 5 PM | The Commons 329

In collaboration with the Department of Africana Studies and the Women's, Gender, and Equity Center, please join them for their Black History Month Discussion Panel titled "Black History: Under Attack, but yet Unbroken." This year's theme aims to highlight the current suppression of Black history and explore how censorship, distortion, and systemic narratives shape collective memory. Be part of an honest discussion to preserve Black history, resist oppression, and reclaim truth for future generations through academia.

The job market moves fast — and waiting until you "feel ready" can mean missing out on opportunities. Staying ahead of the curve isn't about doing everything at once; it's about being intentional, prepared, and proactive long before deadlines and job postings pile up.

Whether you're just starting your search or actively applying, a forward-thinking approach can give you a major advantage.

Start Earlier Than You Think You Should

Many employers recruit months in advance, especially for competitive internships and entry-level roles. Use the academic calendar to your advantage by starting your search early and tracking timelines so you're not scrambling later.

Build Skills While You Search

Waiting to hear back from employers doesn't mean waiting on growth. Use online courses, certifications, micro-internships, and personal projects to strengthen your technical and professional skills. Employers value candidates who continue learning — even between opportunities.

Be Strategic with Networking

The strongest opportunities often come through connections, not cold applications. Start building relationships early with peers, alumni, faculty, and employers. Use platforms like Retrievers Connect to find mentors in your field. Ask questions, stay curious, and follow up — networking is about conversation, not perfection.

Refresh Your Materials Regularly

Your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio should evolve as you do. Revisit them each semester to add new skills, more relevant projects, or key accomplishments. Small updates now can save time and stress later — just be sure you're tracking outcomes data tied to your work to showcase on your materials.

Use Data to Guide Your Search

Pay attention to trends in your industry — job titles, skills in demand, and emerging roles. In Steppingblocks, select the Search360° tool from the Tools menu on the left to access data and insights related to specific careers or majors. Let that information guide what you learn, apply for, and pursue next. A targeted search is always more effective than a scattered one. Be intentional with your exploration. 

Keep Momentum, Even When It's Hard

Job searching can feel unpredictable and out of your control. Set weekly goals, celebrate small wins, and remember that progress isn't always immediate. Staying consistent is often what separates those who succeed from those who stall.

What's Next?

If you want support staying proactive and prepared, consider setting up an appointment with a Career advisor on Handshake to get a jump start on your next steps. 

The Global Asias Initiative (GAI) at UMBC is holding a workshop to help support and curate an exhibit of creative works produced by students that relate and help illustrate understandings and relationalities to Asia as understood through a Global Asias framework. In the workshop, students will read and unpack a text written by Tina Chen (Global Asias: Method, Architecture, and Praxis) in order to better understand Global Asias, a theoretical, multidisciplinary framework that brings together the fields of Asian American and Asian Studies. We will work together to create an exhibit of student work that translates and explains Global Asias as an analytical lens to the campus and wider public. 

Students will arrive to the first session with a project they have either completed in a prior class or with a project in mind as well as having read an assigned text on Global Asias. Together with faculty mentors, we will discuss the text and clarify any questions in order to strengthen our collective understanding of the Global Asias framework.

In the second session, students will work to hone their project and work on writing artist statements that explain to a public audience how their piece reflects Global Asias–what Global Asias concept(s) does their piece draw on? How can we see that concept or process illustrated or represented in the piece? 

Participating in this workshop will help strengthen public writing skills, hone reading skills, and is an opportunity you can put on your resume/CV. 

Please make sure to keep available 5/1 for the exhibition install date and 5/4 for the Exhibition Reception.  

Applications are due Wed, February 11, 2026 by 11:59pm.

Application Process:

By 11:59pm on Wed., Feb.11, 2026: Submit responses via the following application form: https://forms.gle/3WBUUEA9NyrC16QU6 

Make sure to include:

• 1-2 sentence description of project 

• 2-3 sentence statement of why you're interested in participating 

WORKSHOP TIMELINE:

Session 1 (Friday 2/27, 12:00-2pm): reading & activity that asks that helps guide the revision of their project and helps them brainstorming their "artist statement"

In between sessions: students send advanced drafts

Session 2 (Friday 4/10, 12:00-2pm): bring workshopped/revised project, share. finalize and create connections between pieces.

(lunch will be provided)

Exhibition Install date: Friday, 5/1

Exhibition Reception: Monday 5/4

PAYMENT DISBURSEMENT:

Participating students will receive a $300 stipend. Receiving the stipend is dependent on completion of both workshop sessions and installing their piece in the exhibition. 

CONTACT INFO:

Please reach out to Dr. Mika Thornburg at mthornburg@umbc.edu, Dr. Tamara Bhalla at tbhalla@umbc.edu or Priya Bhayana at priyab@umbc.edu with any questions.

See original post, here.