Are you in your final year of a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program and graduating in December 2026 or May 2027? Employers are already scouting talent for full-time roles—so your time to act is now.

Join us for an action-packed afternoon designed to give you the skills, strategies, and confidence to land your first post-grad role before you toss that cap in the air. Throughout the day, we’ll show you how to leverage AI tools to sharpen your search, impress employers, and speed up your success—plus, you’ll enjoy a free networking lunch with conversation prompts to help you make meaningful connections.

Agenda includes:

Power Lunch: Enjoy a free networking lunch with conversation prompts to help you connect with other upcoming graduates confidently.

Maximize Your Search: How to harness the Career Center, Handshake, and AI to uncover top opportunities.

Interview to Get the Job: Answer with impact—human and AI-driven prep tips included.

Money Magnet: 5 steps to negotiate a higher salary with confidence.

Claim Your Future: Alumni share how they landed jobs they love.

This is everything you need to secure your next step before graduation- all in one place.

Free event — but space is limited, so reserve your spot early on Handshake.

Please note: This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

UMBC is also 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, 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.

Thinking about graduate or professional school but not sure where to start?

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or already planning to apply, Grad School 101 will help you better understand the process, ask the right questions, and put a plan in motion.

Agenda Includes:

• Is Grad School / Professional School for Me?
  Explore whether graduate or professional school aligns with your career goals. Through guided questions and reflection, you’ll gain greater clarity about if, when, and why advanced study makes sense for you.
• Ask Me Anything: Real Talk with Program Directors and Professionals
  Get candid answers from graduate program directors and advisors. Bring your questions about choosing programs, applications, funding, career fit, and more—and hear advice and perspectives you may not find online.
• The Application Process: Strategically Telling Your Story
  Learn how to go beyond grades and test scores to create an application that stands out. We’ll discuss how to highlight your strengths and experiences, communicate your goals, and connect your story to the programs you’re pursuing.

Light Fare Provided

Space is limited, and registration is required through Handshake. Reserve your spot early!

Please note: This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

UMBC is also 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, 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.