Laura McDonald
Role at the UMBC Career Center: I help students identify their passions, strengths, and career interests. I also help them prepare to achieve their long term academic and career goals.
Q: Where have you earned your college degrees?
A:Loyola University MD University of MD, University College University of MD, Baltimore County (Go Retrievers!)
Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?
A: M.A. in Education/School Counseling (Loyola). I wanted to pursue a second career in counseling. I realized that I had a passion for helping others realize their natural gifts and pursue their dreams. M.S. in Computer Systems Management (UMUC). My goal was to stay cutting edge in the technology field, and increase my career opportunities. B.S. in Information Systems Management (UMBC). The area of IT was a fast growing field. I had strong technical and analytical skills and enjoyed the combined focus of business and IT that the program offered.
Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?
A: Yes, I was able as an undergrad to find lots of Co-op opportunities! That is what excited me about going to UMBC. The school was "cutting edge" in this area in the mid '80's. I was able to get a co-op position in IT at NASA, and only delayed my graduation by 1 semester. As a result of having impressive work experience on top of a strong academic background, I got a job as a systems consultant with a Big 8 Accounting firm immediately upon graduation. I owe tremendous thanks to UMBC, and Dr. John Martello for making those opportunities possible. Internship opportunities were incorporated into the School Counseling Masters' program at Loyola. It was a great opportunity to work in a variety of school settings, so that I could get a feel for what was the best fit for me once I graduated.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
A: "Wherever you go, go with all your heart." -Confucious
Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?
A: AS SOON AS THEY GET TO UMBC, they should meet with us to learn about important steps they should take to discover their interests and strengths, and plan their career. This process begins immediately, and continues throughout their time at UMBC.
Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?
A: It is a high quality institution that emphasizes the importance of obtaining valuable work and academic experiences. It's also a great value!
Q: What is one item on your bucket list?
A: To return to Switzerland and Austria with my husband and 3 kids and "re-do" our honeymoon.
Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?
A: I love to go to the Baltimore harbor with my yellow lab, and anyone else who wants to join me, and walk along the water from Harbor East to Canton.
Want to connect with Laura or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/
