Summer might feel like a time to slow down, but when it comes to your career, it’s actually the perfect season to build and maintain your professional network. Without the pressures of class schedules, midterms, and group projects, you have more flexibility — and let’s be honest, brain space — to invest in making meaningful connections that could help shape your future.

Here are a few simple (and stress-free) ways to stay professionally connected this summer:

1. Reach Out and Reconnect

Think about professors, classmates, or supervisors you haven’t talked to in a while. A quick message to say hi and share a brief update can go a long way in keeping your name fresh in their mind. Consider sharing an article or video that made you think of them. Networking isn’t just about asking for favors like a job — it’s about maintaining relationships over time.

2. Use Steppingblocks to Explore Options

If you're not sure where to start, check out Steppingblocks — UMBC’s data-driven tool where you can research jobs and look at alumni career paths. Steppingblocks is able to provide you with a list of companies that you can research and connect with. You also can get a better sense of how alumni got to your career of choice, allowing you to craft a more informed series of questions for informational interviews.

3. Conduct Informational Interviews

Have some free afternoons? Use that time to learn more about your field of interest. Reach out to someone on LinkedIn or Retrievers Connect to set up a virtual coffee chat. Ask about their career path, day-to-day responsibilities, and any advice they have for students like you. If you’re not sure about what to ask, you can check out our sample questions here. And if you need to practice before making the ask, hop onto Big Interview and practice answering questions.

4. Attend Events or Join Groups Online

There are tons of webinars, virtual meetups, and discussion groups happening year-round. Summer is a great time to drop in on a professional association event or follow an industry panel on LinkedIn Live. You can also go to Handshake and search for events that are relevant to your interests and open to all students. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn.

5. Follow Up (Even If It’s Just to Say Thanks!)

Did someone review your resume or give you helpful advice during the semester? Circle back with a thank-you message and a quick update on what you’ve been doing. Comment specifically on how their act of kindness positively impacted your career exploration. Small gestures like this can turn a one-time interaction into a lasting professional connection.

This summer, let networking work for you. Even just one new connection can lead to inspiration, insight, or opportunity. Log into Retrievers Connect today and start building relationships that matter — one DM at a time. 

Advising Town Hall #2: Tuesday, August 12th at 12:00

Webex Link:https://umbc.webex.com/umbc/j.php?MTID=m66dcab88f96b194ef109b960b27a95de 

Meeting password: bP6MgRa6eq3 (should not be required)

Couldn’t make it to the first Town Hall? Do you have last minute questions or concerns you would like addressed prior to the start of the Fall semester? Advisors are here to help!

Anjali Khasa

Pronouns: She/Her

Major: Information Systems

Year: 2nd year Graduate Student

What will you be doing in this internship?
I will be working as a Data Analyst Intern and Teaching Assistant with the UMBC Career Center. My role involves collecting and cleaning data from different sources like surveys, online platforms, and focus groups. I will be analyzing the data to find trends and patterns and then creating visualizations and reports to help the Career Center make informed decisions. These insights can help shape programs, resources, and services that better serve students in their career development. Along with that, I will also be supporting the Internship Success Practicum courses by managing course communications, helping with grading, and updating course materials on Blackboard and Handshake.

What are you looking forward to the most from this internship?
I am really looking forward to strengthening my data analysis skills, especially using tools like Excel, Power BI, and Python in a real world settings. I am also excited about the teaching assistant role as it gives me a great chance to support students and be part of their learning experience. I enjoy working with different teams, and I think this internship will help me grow both technically and professionally while making a meaningful impact.

Any fun summer plans?
Yes! I'm planning to travel to Shenandoah Valley for some hiking and nature time, and also visit Norfolk Beach to enjoy the ocean and will also learn how to swim. I'm really looking forward to spending some quality time with friends and family. Along with that, I'll be focusing on my mental fitness and making space for relaxation and self-care this summer.

Nadia McCall

Pronouns: She/Her

Major: Visual Arts

Year: Senior

What will you be doing in this internship?
For this internship I will be helping manage the Career Center's social media platforms by creating engaging content and amplifying the career centers reach by analyzing post performance.

What are you looking forward to the most from this internship?
I am most looking forward to using my creativity to help and inform other students. I am also eager to refine my marketing, graphic design, and social media management skills.

Any fun summer plans?
Aside from this internship, I will be working alongside a local independent filmmaker to produce a documentary. I also plan on spending time learning new art mediums, such as oil paint.

Tolulope Ajibade

Pronouns: He/Him

Major: Biological Sciences

Year: Rising Senior

What will you be doing in this internship?
I am supporting the direction of UMBC Careers Unleashed by helping conceptualize episode topics, book and coordinate guests, structure the production schedule, and ensure clear communication and organization across all involved parties.

What are you looking forward to the most from this internship?
Making new connections and laying the groundwork for future podcast episodes.

Also check out our
FIRST ROUND of featured interns.

Claire McDonald

Pronouns: She/Her

Major: Gerontology

Year: 2nd year Ph.D. Student

What will you be doing in this internship?
I am conducting qualitative research regarding graduate student engagement with the career center.

What are you looking forward to the most from this internship?
I'm looking forward to interviewing graduate students and hearing the variety of perspectives that they have to offer.

Any fun summer plans?
Participating in the Enoch Pratt Free Library's summer reading program! I already got my free t-shirt :)

Isabella Rendor

Pronouns: She/Her

Major: Information Systems + Certifications in MCS + UX

Year: Sophomore

What will you be doing in this internship?
I will be creating content for all social media platforms pertaining to the UMBC Career Center's podcast titled UMBC Careers Unleashed!

What are you looking forward to the most from this internship?
I'm most excited to be part of a working team that will provide me time to strengthen my interpersonal skills and teach me new technical skills! I also simply enjoy meeting new people, so all in all I can't wait to meet the team.

Any fun summer plans?
I'm learning web development and graphic design in my free time to develop a portfolio! I'm also dipping back into producing music all while occasionally going out with friends!

Manogna Rayasam

Pronouns: She/Her

Major: Data Science

Year: 2nd year

What will you be doing in this internship?
As a Tableau-certified data science graduate student with a focus on data visualization, I will be working on transforming UMBC’s Career Outcomes data into insightful and actionable dashboards. My responsibilities include designing interactive dashboards, cleaning and validating datasets for consistency and accuracy, and assisting in the migration of historical reports. I will also collaborate with the Career Center team to identify key insights and metrics that support informed decision-making across campus. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to apply my technical skills in a real-world setting and contribute to meaningful institutional reporting.

What are you looking forward to the most from this internship?
I’m looking forward to sharpening my Tableau and data analysis skills while working with a collaborative team. I'm especially excited about contributing to projects that have a real impact on student success and learning how data can drive strategy and improvement in higher education settings.

Any fun summer plans?
This summer, I plan to explore new hiking trails nearby, try out a few new vegetarian recipes, and maybe even squeeze in a short trip if time allows. I'm also hoping to catch up on a few personal projects and books I’ve been meaning to read.

Swetha Sree Madan Mohan

Pronouns: She/Her

Major: M.S. Engineering Management

Year: Class of 2026

What will you be doing in this internship?
In this internship, I’ll be helping out with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the MTIP program running smoothly - things like managing intern and company info, promoting internships on LinkedIn, leading orientation sessions, and helping plan events. I’ll also be working on some cool projects to improve how the program operates and reaches students.

What are you looking forward to the most from this internship?
I’m really looking forward to getting hands-on experience with data tools and communications, and learning how programs like MTIP support students and employers. I’m also excited to connect with new people, be part of networking and hiring events, and contribute to something that helps students like me land great opportunities!

Any fun summer plans?
Along with starting this exciting internship, I am hoping to explore more places this summer along with some weekend hikes, local food spots and definitely chill time by the harbor. And finally of course some time relaxing with friends and along with some painting and crafts.

Also check out our
SECOND ROUND of featured interns.

Summer break is the perfect time to recharge — but it’s also a golden opportunity to invest in yourself. Whether you’re a graduate student working through coursework or heading into your final year, using the summer months to build skills can help you feel more confident and career-ready when you return to campus.

Here are a few ways to use your summer wisely:

1. Learn Something New (at Your Own Pace)

Just because class is out doesn’t mean learning has to stop. Try taking a free or low-cost online course to explore a new skill or deepen one you already have.

• Interested in coding? Check out the UMBC Training Centers’ courses on programming and software development.
• Want to improve your data skills? Explore LinkedIn Learning or Coursera.
• Thinking about graduate school? Practice GRE vocabulary or sample problems.

Even committing just a few hours a week can make a noticeable difference.

2. Volunteer or Freelance

Giving back is a great way to gain real-world experience — plus, it looks great on a resume. Find a nonprofit, community group, or campus department where you can offer your help. You can also explore small freelance projects to build your portfolio — especially if you're in writing, design, or tech. Check out the Forage’s job simulations as another way to build skills that replicate real work in the field.

3. Work on a Personal Project

Have a passion you’ve been putting off? Now’s your time. Create a blog, design an app, start a podcast, or build something hands-on. Employers love to see initiative and creativity—especially when you can explain the “why” behind your work.

4. Update Your Materials

Use this time to refresh your resume, update your LinkedIn profile, and complete your Handshake profile. Add new experiences, clean up formatting, and make sure your materials reflect the kind of opportunities you want moving forward. Depending on the roles you are applying for, you may also want to consider create separate resumes to better match job positions.

5. Reflect and Plan

Summer is a great time to take a step back and reflect on your goals. What did you learn last semester? What kind of work excites you? Where do you want to grow? Journaling or creating a simple vision board can help you stay focused and intentional about the year ahead. And should something change during the academic year, it’s ok to continue to hone and revise your career plan as needed.

Looking for Summer Career Inspiration?

Check out the UMBC Career Center’s podcast, "UMBC Careers Unleashed — featuring real stories, tips, and advice from the Career Center’s staff and UMBC students. It’s perfect for a walk, commute, or summer chill session.

Listen here and get inspired to make this summer your most strategic one yet. And if you need help kicking off your plans, the Career Center is open during the summer with drop-ins and 1:1 virtual and in-person appointments.

You've got time — and you’ve got options. Let summer be your launchpad, and good luck!

Welcome to Summer 2025!