Recognize a UMBC Professor or Staff Member for Making an Impact on your Career Journey!

Has a professor or staff member gone above and beyond to support your career and job search journey, grad school dreams, or professional goals? Now’s your chance to show them some love and gratitude and recognize them as a UMBC Career Connector.

Did they:
✅ Inspire and help you explore potential career paths?
✅ Review your resume and make it shine?
✅ Connect you with alumni or employers?

✅ Write you an amazing letter of recommendation?
✅ Just make a positive impact in your life?

Say THANK YOU in a meaningful way! Each nominee will receive a small gift, a recognition certificate with your note, and a spotlight on our Instagram and LinkedIn during Career Month in April.

A career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) offers endless possibilities, from developing innovative technology to answering the world’s greatest questions. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for ways to advance toward your career, here are five key ways to prepare yourself for working in STEM:

1. Research Career Paths

STEM careers span a wide range of industries, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and data analytics. Take the time to explore different roles, required skills, and potential career trajectories and see what excites you most. Use resources like Steppingblocks and the Occupational Outlook Handbook that  provide valuable insights into job outlooks and salary expectations.

2. Gain Hands-On Experience

Internships, research projects, and co-op programs are excellent ways to gain real-world experience. Many companies offer STEM-focused internships that help students develop technical skills to build out a more competitive resume. Look for opportunities through Handshake by using the Jobs tab on the homepage, as well as on our Majors Resources pages.

3. Connect with Industry Professionals

Networking is crucial in any field, even in STEM. Follow the Career Center’s myUMBC page to get notified of upcoming events. Keep an eye on Handshake events as well. When you see something that seems relevant to you, attend these events to meet professionals and learn about job opportunities. You can also connect with UMBC alum through Retrievers Connect as well.

4. Develop Technical and Soft Skills

While technical skills like programming, data analysis, and engineering are important, employers also value soft skills. In fact, according to NACE, the top attributes employers seek are problem-solving skills, team work, and communication skills. Develop soft skills by taking online courses, joining student organizations, or working on personal projects to enhance these skill sets.

5. Stay Updated on Industry Trends

STEM fields evolve rapidly, so staying informed is key. Follow industry news, read research publications, and join professional associations related to your field of interest. Keeping up with trends in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity can help you stay competitive in the job market.

Take the Next Step

A career in STEM is full of opportunities, but preparation is key. Start building your network and explore your career paths today by attending the BEYA STEM DTX Career Fair and Conference. This event is an excellent way to connect with recruiters, learn about job openings and internship opportunities, and gain valuable industry insights. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your STEM career to the next level. Registration to travel with UMBC closes end-of-day on February 11^th, but you can also register on the BEYA website should you miss the deadline.

Good luck! 

Name: Sairam Bokka

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Summer 2024

Major: Cybersecurity

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Tenable Network Security

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

Title of position: Software Engineering Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
My focus during my time at Tenable was to develop a bot that can handle Technical Support and Customer queries about flagged CVEs and Advisory information. Based on the status of a package, the bot would reply to the Tech Support team with relevant information. As part of this project, I had to set up a Docker environment and start writing Python scripts with unit tests for each function I developed. At the end of my internship, I used Jenkins to automatically build the bot from source and deployed a bash script to automatically pull a new image after the build process was completed.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I was able to obtain this position through the BEYA Conference in February 2024. I met with the Talent Acquisition Manager at one of the Tenable booths and explained my qualifications and projects, highlighting the technologies I had used. She identified a position that was a great fit for my skills. I followed up with her on LinkedIn later and sent my resume. She then set up interviews with a Senior Software Developer and the Hiring Manager of the team I was going to join.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
Career fairs, networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.), LinkedIn, and other social media platforms.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
I enjoyed learning new things every day with the help of my mentor. He was supportive throughout my journey as an intern at Tenable. The HR team made the experience informative and fun through multiple networking events, listen-and-learns, and fun activities after office hours.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
My work significantly improved response times for common queries from customers and tech support engineers. The bot I developed was able to provide an instant response on Slack automatically when asked about a specific CVE. This eliminated the manual process in place, which required engineers to manually go through repositories to find a fix version for the CVE in question.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Start early, apply for positions that match your profile, and attend as many networking events as possible. The formula for success in today’s job market is Applications + Networking + Follow-ups. For help crafting your resume, cover letters, and general interview tips, make use of Career Center resources. They are professionals and your best allies during your job search.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
Continuous learning was an integral part of my work at Tenable. I was learning something new every day as part of my work. The hybrid work environment allowed me to meet my team in person two days a week, which helped me understand the project structure better and provide value in every sprint. The Career Center helped me craft the perfect resume for my internship, prepare for interviews, write cover letters, and improve my networking skills.

Mark your calendars! The upcoming Spring Career and Internship Fair is this Friday on Feb 7th! This is a unique opportunity for international students to connect with potential employers, exploring job opportunities, and leaving a lasting impression. However, attending these events successfully requires more than just showing up; it requires thoughtful preparation. 

To help you make the most of career fairs, here are some essential Do's and Don'ts that will set you up for success! Let's dive in! 

DO's

1. Research Employers in Advance- Prior to the fair, take the time to research the companies that will be present. Understand their industries, the positions they're hiring for, and whether they hire international students. This will allow you to tailor your conversations, show genuine interest and engage with recruiters in a meaningful way. You can find the list of employers on Handshake.

2. Prepare a strong Elevator Pitch! Have a concise, 30 second introduction ready that includes your name, major, relevant experiences, and career interests. Focus on what makes you a unique candidate. A well crafted elevator pitch will ensure you make a strong first impression.

3. Bring a well-formatted Resume- Ensure your resume is up-to- date, free from errors and professionally formatted. Print multiple copies (15-20 or even more!) to distribute to recruiters. Having a polished resume in hand is crucial for leaving a lasting impression after a conversation. Need more tips? Check it out HERE

4. Dress Professionally- Your appearance speaks volumes, so dress in business professional attire, such as a suit or blazer with dress pants or skirts. A polished look will help you convey that you are serious and ready to represent yourself in a professional setting. 

5. Practice Confidence and Body Language- Confidence is key. Maintain good eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and speak clearly. Strong body language can make a significant difference in how recruiters perceive you. 

6. Ask thoughtful Questions- Show genuine interest in the companies you speak with by asking insightful questions. Inquire about their company culture, projects, and their hiring process. This demonstrates that you're prepared and eager to learn more. 

7. Create a Digital Portfolio: If relevant to your field, have an online portfolio (for example GitHub for coding) to share when talking to employers. It shows you're proactive and tech-savvy.

8. Follow-Up with Employers- After the fair, always follow-up by sending a thank you email to the recruiters you spoke with. Ask for their business card. Reiterate your interest in their company and highlight specific points from your conversation. A well-written follow-up ensures you remain on their radar. Do don't forget to connect on LinkedIn! 

Bonus- Highlight your international experience. Your Global perspective is a strong asset, so highlight your language skills, cross- cultural communication, and international work or academic experience! Also make sure to upload your resume in Handshake so recruiters can locate you!

DONT's

1. Don't start off saying "I am international Student"- While being an international student is an important part of your identity, don't lead with it in your conversations. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills, experiences, and what you can bring to the table. Let your abilities take center stage.

2. Don't ask about Sponsorship right away- while visa sponsorship is a crucial factor, avoid making it the first question in your discussions with recruiters. Employers may be unfamiliar with these options, so be ready to focus on building rapport and getting to know the company's needs first, then ask about sponsorship if it becomes relevant during the interview stage. 

3. Don't arrive unprepared- Walking into a Career Fair without researching companies or lacking a clear idea of what you're looking for can give off an impression of disinterest. Prepare in advance by reviewing the companies attending and understanding what positions they offer. You can find the list of employers on Handshake.

4. Don't Hand out Generic Resumes- If possible, tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the companies you're targeting. A personalized resume shows that you've put thought into your application and can help you differentiate you from other candidates.

5. Don't Interrupt or dominate conversations- Be mindful of the recruiter's time. While it's great to engage in meaningful conversations, ensure your interaction are concise and respectful of the time as other students may be waiting. Strike a balance between showcasing your skills and listening actively. 

6. Don't be Afraid to Network with Peers- Other students at the Career Fair can be valuable resource. They may share insights from their own experiences or even introduce you to employers they've spoken with. Networking is not just about recruiters; it's about building connections with peers too. 

7. Don't Forget to Follow-Up- Not reaching out after the fair can result in missed opportunities. A thoughtful follow-up email can leave a positive and lasting impression ensuring that you stay on a recruiter's radar.

~Putting It All Together: Crating Your Elevator Pitch ~

When you introduce yourself to a recruiter, your elevator pitch should be ready to go. For example, you might say: 

"Hi, my name is [Your name], and I'm a [Your major] student here at UMBC. I am passionate about [specific field or expertise]. Through my experience in [mention a key skill, project or internship], I've developed strong [relevant technical or soft skills] that align well with roles in [specific industry or job function]. I'm particularly interested in [Company Name] because of its work in  [mention a relevant company initiative, value, or project]. I'd love to learn more about how I can contribute to your team and what opportunities you have available for someone with my background."

More Examples!

Final Thoughts and Tip Hack!

Remember, even if a recruiter doesn't have an immediate opening, the connections you make today may lead to future opportunities. The fair is a great chance to learn about industries and roles.  Stay proactive, keep refining your approach, and embrace each chance to grow professionally, and be patient.  You can now filter by CPT/OPT in Handshake to see the list of companies hiring awesome International Students like yourself! See you there!