Are you interested in building a global career, expanding your leadership skills, and connecting with professionals in international business?

The World Trade Center Institute’s Albrecht Fellowship for College Students is an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience, participate in site visits to global organizations, and build a powerful professional network.

✨ Even better: UMBC will fund up to three selected students, covering the program cost- so we strongly encourage you to apply!

Program Highlights:
Skill-building workshops with industry experts
Site visits to leading global businesses
Networking with international professionals
Real-world business and leadership experience

Application Deadlines (Apply Early!)
Priority Deadline: April 25, 2026
→ Apply by this date for priority consideration and early access to scholarships
Final Deadline: June 6, 2026
If you need additional time for your application materials, you can still apply by the priority deadline (April 25) and submit your letters of recommendation separately via email until May 1, 2026 at Fellowships@WTCI.org. The standard deadline also gives you additional time to apply if needed.

📣 ALSO, attend tomorrow's presentation on International Career Pathways. Hosted by Global Studies at UMBC
Global Career Conversations featuring Eddie Resende, CEO of the World Trade Center Institute
Thursday, April 23, 2026, 4:00–5:15 PM, UC 310

Have you ever considered pursuing an international career? Join the CEO of the largest network of globally minded businesses in the Mid-Atlantic for a conversation about global careers and how opportunities like this fellowship can shape your future.

The World Trade Center Institute’s Albrecht Fellowship is a prestigious program (only ~30 fellows selected annually), so we strongly encourage you to apply as soon as able to maximize your chances and take advantage of UMBC’s funding support.

👉 Apply here: https://wtci.org/programs/apply-for-a-fellowship/#1727803935491-e9d29c85-14dc

If you’re motivated, curious about global careers, and ready to grow as a leader, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

We have all been there: you attend a networking event, exchange a few business cards or LinkedIn connects, and then… nothing. The stack of cards sits on your desk, and the momentum from those conversations slowly fades away. Many students view networking as a one-time transaction — a way to get a quick referral or a resume tip. However, the most successful professionals know that true networking is about building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

The "hidden job market" is built on a foundation of trust. That trust isn't earned in a five-minute conversation; it is developed over time through consistent follow-up and genuine interest. To turn a handshake into a career-changing connection, you need a strategy for the long game.

The 48-Hour Follow-Up Rule

A connection is only as strong as the follow-up. Within 48 hours of meeting someone, send a personalized message via email or LinkedIn. Don’t just say "nice to meet you." Mention a specific detail from your conversation — a project they discussed, a piece of advice they gave, or even a shared interest. This small detail proves you were listening and signals that you value their time.

Focus on Value, Not Just Requests

A lasting network is a two-way street. Instead of always asking for help, look for ways to provide value. Did you see an article that relates to a challenge they mentioned? Send it over. Did you attend a campus event that aligns with their industry? Share a quick takeaway. By becoming a source of information and energy, you move from being a "student seeking help" to a "future colleague."

Curate Your "Inner Circle"

You don't need to stay in touch with 500 people every week. Identify a handful of key contacts who truly inspire you or work in your dream field. Set a reminder to check in with them once every few months with a brief update on your academic progress or a thoughtful question. These "low-pressure" touchpoints keep you top-of-mind so that when a position opens up, yours is the first name they remember.

Take the Conversation "On the Road"

The best way to solidify a relationship is to see professional life in action. Stepping out of the classroom and into a corporate environment allows you to meet potential mentors in their element. These off-campus experiences provide a shared context that makes your follow-up conversations much more natural and impactful.

Your Turn

Ready to move beyond the LinkedIn request and build real-world connections? Join the UMBC Career Center for an employer visit to Travelers Insurance, where you’ll learn about their Engineering Development Program (EDP) and take a campus tour.

Name: Krishna Chaitanya

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Spring 2026

Major: Information Systems

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

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

Location of the Organization (City, State): Columbia, Maryland

Title of position: STEAM Instructor

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

During my time at iCode, I worked as a STEAM instructor supporting students in developing computational thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity through hands-on coding activities. My day-to-day responsibilities included teaching programming concepts using platforms such as Scratch and game development tools, guiding students through structured projects, and helping them understand logical thinking and basic software development principles. I facilitated interactive learning sessions, monitored student progress, and provided personalized support to ensure engagement and understanding across different skill levels. Additionally, I helped design lesson activities, encouraged collaboration and creativity, and maintained a positive learning environment that supported curiosity and experimentation. This experience strengthened my ability to communicate technical concepts clearly, adapt teaching strategies to diverse learners, and combine education with technology-driven learning approaches.

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

I learned about the iCode opportunity through online job postings and community networks focused on technology education and STEAM instruction. After reviewing the role requirements, I submitted my application, highlighting my background in computer engineering, programming, and interest in teaching technology concepts to students. The selection process included an initial review of my application followed by communication with the organization to discuss my technical skills, teaching approach, and ability to work with learners of different ages and skill levels. After successfully completing the interview and demonstrating alignment with their educational goals, I was offered the position and began preparing for instructional sessions and student engagement activities.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.), Alumni Networking, LinkedIn or other social media

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

What I have enjoyed most about my position is the opportunity to combine technology with teaching and make learning interactive and engaging for students. Working with learners from different backgrounds has allowed me to see how creative approaches to coding and problem-solving can build confidence and curiosity. I particularly enjoyed guiding students through hands-on projects, watching them apply logical thinking, and seeing their excitement when they successfully completed a task or created something on their own. The organization’s supportive and collaborative environment also made the experience rewarding, as it encouraged innovation, creativity, and continuous learning for both instructors and students. Overall, the role allowed me to develop both my technical communication skills and my ability to mentor others in a meaningful way.

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

Through my work, I believe I made an impact by helping students build confidence in technology and develop foundational problem-solving and computational thinking skills. By guiding them through hands-on coding activities and encouraging creativity, I supported learners in understanding complex concepts in a simple and engaging way. I focused on creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where students felt comfortable asking questions, experimenting, and learning from mistakes. Additionally, by adapting my teaching approach to different learning styles and skill levels, I helped improve student engagement and participation. Seeing students become more independent, curious, and confident in using technology demonstrated the meaningful impact of my contributions.

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

My advice to another student seeking an internship or similar experience would be to stay open to opportunities that allow you to learn and grow, even if they are slightly outside your comfort zone. Focus on highlighting your practical skills, projects, and willingness to learn rather than only your formal experience. Networking and building genuine connections can also help you discover opportunities that may not always be widely advertised. During the application process, tailor your resume to the role and clearly demonstrate how your skills align with the organization’s goals. Once you start, be proactive, ask questions, seek feedback, and take initiative whenever possible, as these experiences not only build technical skills but also strengthen communication, adaptability, and professional confidence.

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

"I really enjoyed the opportunity to combine technology and teaching while helping students build confidence through hands-on learning. The Career Center supported me by providing guidance, resources, and preparation that helped me feel more confident navigating professional opportunities and developing my career path."

ICYMI, there is a silent gatekeeper standing between you and an interview: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Most companies are now using this software to scan, rank, and filter resumes before a person gets a thorough look at them. If your resume isn't formatted to be "readable" by these systems, it might be passed over — regardless of your qualifications. 

The goal isn't just to have a great-looking resume; it’s to have a resume with specific content sought out by the software. By making a few strategic updates, you can ensure your hard work gets the visibility it deserves. Here’s how.

Prioritize Simple Formatting
While it’s tempting to use programs like Canva to develop creative layouts, columns, or complex graphics for your resume, these elements often confuse an ATS. Adding fancy sidebars or tables can cause your text to get scrambled or ignored entirely by the software. Stick to a clean, single-column layout with plenty of white space. In the world of the ATS, simplicity equals momentum forward in your job search. 

Strategic Keyword Alignment
The ATS can also be seen as a search engine for recruiters. To rank highly, your resume needs to closely mirror the language of the job description. If the posting asks for “Project Management” and “Data Analysis,” make sure those phrases appear in your skills section or experience descriptions. Industry jargon is best, and variations or synonyms of keywords also count, so don't feel like you need to change wording every single time. 

Choose the Right File Type
There is a long-standing debate between uploading a .docx vs. .pdf with an ATS. While most modern ATS platforms can read both, a good rule of thumb is to use whatever file types are listed in the application instructions. If you do use a PDF, ensure it is searchable (i.e., you can highlight and copy the text) rather than a flat image file. If the system can’t read the text, it won’t be able to rank your information. 

Focus on Standard Section Headers
The ATS looks for specific markers to categorize your information. Using “clever” titles like “Where I’ve Been” instead of “Work Experience” or “My Toolkit” instead of “Skills” can prevent the software from correctly identifying your background. Consolidating two sections into one with headers like "Research Experience & Extracurricular Activities" also won't work. Stick to the traditional headers that the software is programmed to recognize. This ensures your data is parsed correctly into the recruiter’s database. 

Put This Into Action
Want to know more about how to optimize your resume for the ATS, especially when it comes to AI? Join the UMBC Career Center virtually on Monday, April 20th, at 12 PM for a Keys to Success workshop where we break down exactly how to format your documents for modern hiring technology. Hope to see you there!

Hear ye, hear ye! Word from the castle: Mini Hack Registration is closing today at 11:59pm!

Reminder:

Join us for a 12-hour Mini Hackathon where you can sharpen your skills, enjoy free food, and compete for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2!

📅 Date: April 18th, 2026

🕗 Time: 8am – 8pm 

📍 Location: ITE 231, 233, 237

Whether you're a seasoned coder or just starting out, this is your chance to gather your courage, show off your cunning, and build something amazing. Glory, growth, and grand rewards await those bold enough to enter! Use the link below to secure your spot on this adventure!

Come out and be part of the fun! We hope to see you there!

Mini Hack Sign-Up Link

The Career Center is currently recruiting for our next Social Media Intern for Summer 2026 through Spring 2027. 

Learn more about the position and Apply Here, the Position closes soon! : https://app.joinhandshake.com/public/jobs/10888967?utm_source=web&utm_campaign=job_share&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_content=stu-copy_link-job_page

We would also like to congratulate our current social media intern, Nadia McCall on her upcoming graduation this May. Get to know a little about Nadia and more about her experience working as our social media intern for the past year with this Q&A:

Name: Nadia McCall

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Summer 2025 -Spring 2026

Major: Animation

Current Class Level: Senior

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): UMBC Career Center

Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, Maryland

Title of position: Social Media Intern

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

My day to day responsibilities include creating graphics and video content for the UMBC Career Centers social media pages, as well as tracking engagement and interaction on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

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

I learned about this position during the spring semester of my junior year via handshake, and applied by submitting my resume, as well as previous social media accounts that I've managed and a writing sample. 

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Handshake

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

I most enjoyed using my social media and graphic design skills in a professional context for the first time. I manage my own social media accounts for my art, but this was my first introduction with collaborating with others in a professional setting. I also really enjoy enaging with the student body and working with fellow interns at the Career Center 

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

I have made an impact through my work by interacting with a plethora of people across campus and giving them a platform to be seen and heard. Social media is a great tool to connect all kinds of people together -- not just on campus but across schools and jobs as well, and introduce them to career oppertunities. 

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

Organization and time management is key -- deadlines are rarely flexable and it is important to manage your time appropriately. Its also important to pay attention to details especially when producing content. 

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

"Working as Social Media Intern for the Career Center was an amazing and well rounded opportunity to explore media managing and creation of digital content. This position introduces you to a plethora of skills that I will take with me when applying to jobs in similar fields."

Hear ye, hear ye! Word from the castle! The Mini Hack Registration closes in a week!

Join us for a 12-hour Mini Hackathon where you can sharpen your skills, enjoy free food, and compete for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2!

📅 Date: April 18th, 2026

🕗 Time: 8am – 8pm 

📍 Location: ITE 231, 233, 237

Whether you're a seasoned coder or just starting out, this is your chance to gather your courage, show off your cunning, and build something amazing. Glory, growth, and grand rewards await those bold enough to enter! Use the link below to secure your spot on this adventure!

Come out and be part of the fun! We hope to see you there!

Mini Hack Sign-Up Link

The quest begins April 18th, and the rewards are worth fighting for!

Participate in the HackUMBC Mini Hackathon for a chance to win some amazing prizes:

🚁 Holy Stone Drone

🎮 Nintendo Switch 2

📺 Amazon Firestick 4K

This is your chance to show off your skills, build something awesome, and walk away with some incredible loot. Don't miss out! The quest begins April 18th! 

Stay tuned for more details and we hope to see you there!

Your graduate experience is more than a series of credits; it is a high-level training ground for the exact skills employers crave: critical thinking, project management, and specialized technical expertise. Now is the time to pivot from academic depth to career momentum. Here’s how.

Translate Your Academic Language

In the lab or the seminar room, you speak the language of academia. In the job market, you must speak the language of impact. Instead of listing "Dissertation Research" in a cover letter, for example, you can frame your experience as "Managing multi-year projects" or "Data-driven problem solving." By translating your academic tasks into industry-standard accomplishments, you make it easy for recruiters to see your value.

Own Your Professional Agency

For many graduate students, the transition to the workforce can feel like starting over. But you aren't starting from scratch — you are starting from really valuable experience. Whether you are aiming for a role in R&D, policy, or corporate leadership, you must view your time at UMBC as professional tenure.Yes — those grad school years do count as years of experience! When you treat your job search with the same rigor as your thesis or capstone project, you become an unstoppable candidate.

Diversify Your Career Narrative

Many graduate students feel pressured to follow a narrow, traditional path. However, the modern economy values the "versatile expert." Explore how your specialized skills can solve problems in unexpected sectors. Reframe uncertainty as a chance to explore the "hidden job market" where advanced degrees are highly sought after but rarely advertised in traditional ways. Read between the lines, and ask clarifying questions. You might be surprised by what you find.

Network Beyond the Department

While your faculty mentors are invaluable, building momentum also requires connecting with professionals who have already made the jump from the ivory tower to the industry. These connections provide the "insider intel" on company culture and hiring timelines that you won't find in a job description. Not sure where to start? Check out the Alumni tab for UMBC’s page on LinkedIn, or check out the community in Retrievers Connect. You might find that tapping into the UMBC connection is the gateway to a job opportunity.

Ready to Get Started?

Don't wait until your graduation day to start thinking about your next professional destination. Join the UMBC Career Center and the PROMISE program at Career Paths for Graduate Students on Thursday, April 9th from 5 to 8:30 PM. It’s a specialized series of sessions designed to help graduate students navigate the unique challenges of the advanced job search while acquiring helpful skills along the way.

The Career Center is currently recruiting for our next great Graphic Design Intern for Summer 2026 through Spring 2027. 

Learn more about the position and Apply Here: https://app.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10883481

We would also like to congratulate our current graphic design intern, Samantha Nguyen, on her upcoming graduation this May. Get to know a little about Samantha and more about her experience working as our graphic design intern for the past two years with this Q&A:

Name: Samantha Nguyen

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2024-Spring 2026

Major: Graphic Design

Current Class Level: Senior

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): UMBC Career Center

Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, Maryland

Title of position: Graphic Design Intern

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

I create graphics and promotional materials for career-related events hosted by the Career Center, both for digital and print.

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

I learned about the position at the UMBC Career Month Industry Fair for Creative Careers, where I spoke with my employer about my portfolio and the role. I then found the role on Handshake and applied shortly after.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Month, Industry Fair.

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

I enjoyed learning how to branch my designs across multiple formats and the considerations involved in translating a composition into a different layout. I also enjoyed improving my technical attention to detail.

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

My work adds visual interest to career-related events at UMBC and effectively communicates information to students through engaging design.

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

Be adaptable and flexible in your work, and be open to seeking feedback to improve your designs and learn new skills.

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

I really appreciated the various opportunities the Career Center provides to UMBC students, which I came to realize once working directly with the organization. There are many events provided that can help a student network and navigate their career journey; I recommend taking advantage of these resources early in their college years, and I wish I had done so in my college experience.