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.

Welcome to Career Month, designed to help students from first-year to PhDs "Explore what's possible and create what's next." Join us each week for events such as industry-focused mini-fairs with employers/alumni, workshops, and employer site visits.

The transition from student to professional doesn’t happen overnight — it happens through a series of intentional conversations. Whether you are a first-year student exploring possibilities or a senior ready to launch, Career Month is your platform to build momentum.

Connect with Targeted Industries

Generic career fairs can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated Industry-Specific Fairs to help you find the right fit. By grouping employers by field, you can spend less time navigating a crowded room and more time having high-quality conversations with recruiters who are specifically looking for your skillset.

Practice Your Professional Pitch

A career event is the ultimate "low-stakes, high-reward" environment to practice how you introduce yourself. You don’t need a perfect set of skills to make an impression; you need a clear interest and a few thoughtful questions. Every conversation you have is a step toward normalizing the networking process and reducing the "fear factor" of the job search.

Discover the "Hidden" Roles

Keep in mind that some of the employers attending these fairs might have openings that aren't widely advertised on external job boards yet. By showing up in person, you position yourself at the front of the line. Remember: Preparation + Connection = Opportunity. These events are where the "hidden job market" can become visible.

Maximize Your UMBC Network

Some of the recruiters behind the tables are UMBC alumni who were once exactly where you are sitting. They aren't just looking for resumes; they are looking for fellow Retrievers to join their teams. This shared connection is a powerful tool — don't be afraid to lead with it and use that to your advantage.

Put This Into Action

Ready to see where your degree can take you? Mark your calendar for our specialized Industry Fairs and start building the connections that count.

• Technology & Engineering | April 1, 2026
• Art & Industry | April 7, 2026
• Humanities & Social Sciences | April 8, 2026
• Sciences | April 15, 2026

One conversation can change your trajectory. Reach for the stars and go!

Be sure to also check out careermonth.umbc.edu and our full list of events to keep you busy all month long. 

Career fairs can feel overwhelming — crowded rooms, long lines, and dozens of employers all competing for your attention. But the students who get the most out of a career fair don't just show up and hope for the best. They arrive with a plan.

Here's a step-by-step strategy to help you approach the Spring Career & Internship Fair on February 18 with intention and confidence.

1. Review the Fair Directory in Advance

Before the fair, take time to explore the list of attending employers. This helps you avoid wandering aimlessly and allows you to prioritize companies that genuinely align with your interests and experience.

2. Match Your Skills to Employer Needs

As you review the directory, ask yourself: Which employers are seeking skills I already have — or want to develop? Highlight organizations whose roles match your background, coursework, or transferable skills. Choose 3-5 priority employers and 2 backup options.

3. Visit the Employer's Career Site

Next, go directly to the company's career page. Look for open roles, internships, or entry-level positions that interest you. Having a specific job in mind makes your conversation more focused and memorable.

4. Identify a Role You'd Apply For

Choose one or two positions that feel like a strong fit. Take note of the job title and basic qualifications so you can reference them confidently during your conversation at the fair. Prepare a quick 20-30 second introduction connecting your skills to the role.

5. Go to the Booth with Purpose

When you approach the employer's booth, introduce yourself and mention the role you're interested in. For example:

"I'm really interested in the [XYZ position] I saw on your website. Is there someone on your team I could speak with about it?"

This shows preparation, initiative, and genuine interest — qualities recruiters appreciate.

6. Make the Connection Personal

If you speak with a recruiter or team member, ask thoughtful questions about the role and the team. Take notes if you can, and be sure to ask for their contact information or the best way to follow up.

7. Follow Up with a Targeted Message

After the fair, send a brief follow-up email or LinkedIn message with the following:

• That you met [name of recruiter] at the UMBC Career Fair
• The specific role you discussed
• Thank them for their time

This follow-up turns a quick conversation into a warm lead.

8. Build Momentum

While nothing is guaranteed, this strategy increases your chances of being remembered, referred, or encouraged to apply. Career fairs aren't about instant offers — they're about starting relationships that move your job search forward. And if you don't hear back, that doesn't mean you failed. Use this experience as an opportunity to refine your approach for the next fair or career-related event.

Put the Strategy into Action

Ready to try this approach for yourself? Join us at the Spring Career & Internship Fair on February 18 and put your strategy to work. Preparation plus follow-through can turn one conversation into your next opportunity.

The Career & Internship Fair on Wednesday, September 17, is your chance to meet recruiters, explore opportunities, and make meaningful connections that can launch your career. To stand out in a crowd of talented students and graduates, a little strategy goes a long way. Here are five creative tips to help you shine on the big day.

1. Research Employers Ahead of Time

Before the fair, browse the list of attending organizations in the Directory and look up job postings on Handshake and company websites of interest. Knowing which roles interest you before arriving at the Fair allows you to approach employers with specific questions and to see if there’s a specific team member to get in touch with. Demonstrate genuine interest when connecting with employers — recruiters always notice.

2. Have Your Information Ready

Because there will be a QR code at every employer booth for you to scan and share your information, make sure your Handshake profile is updated and complete. You also want to upload your latest resume to Handshake as well as keep a resume easily accessible on your phone. A more common practice at fairs in recent years is for employers to ask for a quick emailed resume or upload on their portal. Being ready with digital documentation shows professionalism and preparedness.

3. Gamify Your Goals

Turn your fair experience into a game to keep you motivated. Set specific goals before you arrive — like talking to at least five employers in your field or collecting three relevant business cards. See how you can make the most efficient route by looking up the map of employer booths in the Directory beforehand. This not only keeps you going but also helps you track your progress and stay focused.

4. Team Up with a Friend

Networking can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to go it alone. Partner with a friend to stay energized, practice your 30-second commercials with each other, and share leads on must-visit employers. Just remember to branch out so you each make your own connections and then reconnect to take breaks and compare notes. If you need another way to practice conversations prior to the Fair, check out the Big Interview platform.

5. Wear a Statement Piece

First impressions matter, and a subtle statement accessory — like a bold tie, a bright scarf, or a unique pin — can help you be remembered. Just make sure it complements your professional attire and reflects your personality while keeping things polished. There will be an opportunity to get a professional headshot taken at the Fair as well, so you want to look sharp.

Career Fair Ready!

The Career & Internship Fair is one of the best ways to connect with employers and land internships or full-time roles. Use these tips to get ready and stand out on September 17! We’ll see you there! 

Believe it or not, it’s almost time for the Spring 2025 Career & Internship Fair on Friday, February 7, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Retriever Activities Center (RAC). This is the Career Center’s biggest event of the semester and we want to make sure that you feel adequately prepared. That’s why we’ve pulled together these tips that will be essential for your success.

1. Do Your Homework. We strongly suggest that you come to the fair knowing exactly who you want to talk to and where their booth is located. How do you find that information? By checking out the Career Fair Directory, and maybe even marking the location of your top employers on a hard copy or digital copy of the floorplan. Then, plan out your route so that you’re most efficient with your time. Consider visiting in-demand companies first if they have longer lines. Take a look at their current job openings to have a more focused conversation. And be ready to give them your best 30-second commercial.
   
   
2. Prep Your Materials. Once you know where to go at the fair, you need to make sure that your resume is updated and ready. Are all of your most recent and relevant experiences listed on your document, with bullet points that clearly state the impact you’ve made at that particular organization? Does your resume incorporate industry keywords that demonstrate your alignment with job posts of interest? If you need help, come to our drop-in hours at the Center. We’ll help you determine the skills and accomplishments that should be highlighted to help you stand out.
   
   
3. Leverage Handshake. In addition to the Career Fair Directory, you can review a list of employers on Handshake as well. New this semester, we’re adding a QR code to every employer table so you can check-in and your information is captured by the company. This will get you connected to the company more easily and allow you to more properly follow up after the fair (more on that below). You can also upload your most recent resume onto Handshake at the fair (so have your resume on your device) or prior to the fair so the company has that information readily available as well. Be sure that your Handshake profile is complete ahead of time and consider setting your profile to public.
   
   
4. Follow Up Post Fair. According to our latest UMBC Careers Unleashed podcast episode on Stress-Free Networking, you don’t need to worry about having little face time with employers at events like career fairs because it’s all about the follow up. What does this mean? You need to be intentional with how to (re)connect with the professionals you met at the fair. Send them a message or email reminding them of the context of your conversation. Don’t say something like, “you probably don’t remember me” because that’s presumptuous. Just thank them for the time you had at the fair and ask for another brief meeting or phone call to ask a few more questions. If you were unable to get their contact info at the fair, search for them on LinkedIn or Handshake and reach out from there.
   
   

With these essential tips, you’ll hopefully be fully prepared and ready to make connections at the Spring Internship & Career Fair. Best of luck, and we’ll see you at the RAC on February 7.