Looking for any sort of job is a lot of work. Figuring out what job you want to do, finding applications, and submitting your documents is scary and time consuming, let alone trying to do it while juggling a full course load during midterm season. But luckily, UMBC recognizes all of these challenges (and more you might not be considering) and created their Career Center to guide you through the process.

If you’re not sure what you want to do: Check out our online self assessments! They range from the Traitify (takes about 5 minutes) to the Focus2 (takes about an hour). They’re a great starting point when you’re beginning to explore what you want to do with your life. After you take the assessments, you can schedule an appointment with a Career specialist here at the Career Center to discuss your results and what steps to take next towards your new career goals.

If you don’t know where you want to work: Spend a few minutes (or hours, if you like research like I do) reading up on companies. The Career Center pays for access to Vault, a site that has amazing research and reviews all in one place. If there is a company you particularly like, see if they have any upcoming events hosted by the Career Center. Stop by and chat with representatives about their experiences at work.

If you’re applying to positions: Start with UMBCworks. Use the filters to find jobs you’re interested in (as well as the ones you qualify for). After that, try looking at the links by major to find job sites for your specific field. If you want to learn more about the application process, you can make an appointment with a member of our Internships and Employment team to discuss potential places to apply and how to wow hiring managers with your application.

If you’re getting ready to interview: Research common interview questions for your field and see examples of great answers with Big Interview. After you read, try recording yourself answering those questions and send it in to the Career Center to review. We’ll give you feedback on your answers, and you’ll never even have to change out of your sweatpants! If you want more experience interviewing, you can also make a mock interview appointment with the Career Center to practice.

Name:Amina Maswadeh

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Wellness Corporate Solutions

Position Title: Healthy at Hopkins Wellness Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s):Health Administration and Policy Program

Work Term:Spring 2018

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

My internship is focused on promoting health and well-being within the Johns Hopkins employees. There are multiple avenues that the Healthy at Hopkins teams use including webinars, on-site activities, and a Champion program (a team of Hopkins employees who work with the Healthy at Hopkins team to spread well-being within their individual departments). However, one of the key programs instituted is called the Quarterly Rewards Program where an individual receives points for pursuing healthy actions throughout a three month period which then results in a bonus in their paycheck. My project is gathering multiple resources and coming up with ideas that can be included within the program. Alongside this project, I also am in charge of enrolling and welcoming any new Champions that we receive along with creating resources and activities that can be used during on-site booths and events.

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

I contacted the support team via the email linked on the Healthy at Hopkins page. I was then transferred to the program manager who asked me to send her a copy of my resume and cover letter. Afterwards, I had a phone interview followed by an in-person interview before receiving an email saying that I was selected as the intern.

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

I have enjoyed being able to see the way in which teamwork truly pays off. By working alongside my teammates, I have learned the importance of communication and work ethic. In addition, it is always rewarding to hear and read about successes within the Hopkins employees.

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

I believe that by completing this internship, I will have not only assisted in the creation of a program that will be utilized by hundreds, if not thousands. But rather, I will also help inspire someone to take their life, their health into their own hands.

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

Search for an internship that resonates with you! It truly makes you motivated to work harder and push yourself to accomplish all your goals. At the same time, do not be discouraged if something doesn't happen the way you wanted, it is very possible that something better is waiting for you. So patience and passion is the key!

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Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!

Whether you’re graduating and looking for a full-time position (congrats!) or looking for a summer internship, the time has arrived to begin the search. The benefits of internships are extensive. Some majors or programs require them, and even if they aren’t required, they’re a great way to gain experience, make contacts in your field, get a feel for different company cultures, and (maybe) earn some money. As for full-time positions, the answer is obvious. You’ve spent the last four(ish) years of your life earning this degree, and now you get to go out into the real world and put the degree to use!

So, how do you find these internships and job opportunities? There are two main ways:

In Person

The Career Center offers many events through the semester to facilitate connections between employers and students. You can check out all our coming events on our calendar, but I’ll highlight three types here:

1. On The Roads: These require you to sign up, but it’s definitely worth it. The Career Center takes you by bus to the company where you get to talk with employees and get a feel for the culture and workplace.

2. UMBC Connects: These events are hosted on campus, no RSVP required. Show up and chat one on one with company representatives.

3. Career Corner: The least formal of the three options. Stop by the table set up in the Commons and chat for a few minutes with recruiters.

If employer recruiters are feeling a little too intimidating for you at the moment, I’d highly suggest coming in and talking with the Career Center Internship and Employment team. You can make a 30 minute appointment through UMBCworks, and they’ll walk you through the process. When I was a freshman, I came into the Career Center with no idea where to begin or what to do. They helped me land the most amazing summer position. Also consider signing up for the Intern Success Conference on November 7th! There’ll be a panel, keynote speaker, and information sessions all to help you land that perfect internship.

Online

Over the last few years, online networking and job search tools have exploded in popularity. Check out a few of our favorites:

1. UMBCworks: Just for UMBC students and alumni! Find all types of jobs and on-campus interviews here.

2. Links by Major: These give you websites and resources exclusive to your major!

3. Vault: Find companies by types of programs, locations, and majors hired. Then check out reviews from current and past employees.

4. Linkedin: The classic. There's a reason everyone’s on Linkedin. One of the best ways to network online. Check out our guide here.

If you’re lacking inspiration or not sure what exactly you’d do at an internship, take a look at the Career Center’s Intern of the Week series. Once a week, we interview UMBC students who completed internships about their favorite parts of the job.

Next week, we’ll go over more tools the Career Center has to help you reach your career goals. Over the next few days, look out for events connecting you to Northrop Grumman, T. Rowe Price, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Also, be sure to sign up and attend our Diversity Recruitment event! You’ll get to network with recruiters and eat a free dinner. Good luck with your applications, and I’ll see you next week!