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! 

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.

Name: Bharath Kumar Swargam

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Fall 2024

Major: Data Science

Current Class Level: Master's Student

This semester I completed a(n)...: Co-op

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name):
Institute for Genome Sciences - University of Maryland School of Medicine

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

Title of position: Data Science Intern/Laboratory Assistant

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
During my internship at the Institute for Genome Sciences, I have been actively involved in research focused on polygenic risk analysis to better understand genetic predisposition to various traits, including pain and opioid intake. My primary responsibilities include data preprocessing, statistical modeling, and machine learning applications to analyze complex genomic datasets. On a typical day, I clean and structure genetic data, implement Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) analysis using different methods, and present it to researchers to identify meaningful insights.

Additionally, I explore ways to improve prediction models by integrating multiple traits to enhance variance in opioid intake prediction, which contributes to precision medicine efforts. I also collaborate with researchers and bioinformaticians to interpret results and validate findings. This hands-on experience has strengthened my skills in data science, statistical genetics, and machine learning, allowing me to contribute meaningful insights to genomics research.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I discovered this internship during my active search for opportunities that align with my passion for data science and its applications in real-world problems. Fortunately, I came across this exciting role, which immediately caught my interest due to its focus on genomic data analysis and predictive modeling. Eager to contribute, I promptly submitted my application.

After about two to three weeks, I received an interview call from a researcher at the institute, focusing on my background in Data Analysis and Machine Learning. Following a successful interview, I was offered the position, and I was thrilled to join the team to contribute to impactful research in precision medicine and predictive modeling.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.)

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I have enjoyed the most about my internship at the Institute for Genome Sciences is the opportunity to work at the intersection of data science and genomics, tackling complex problems with real-world impact. Analyzing polygenic risk scores and developing predictive models for precision medicine has been both intellectually stimulating and rewarding. I appreciate how my work contributes to understanding genetic predispositions and improving healthcare outcomes.

Additionally, the collaborative research environment at IGS has been incredible. I’ve had the chance to work alongside experts in bioinformatics and genomics, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research. The experience has deepened my understanding of healthcare research and reinforced my passion for leveraging data science to drive meaningful change.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I made an impact through my work, which helped researchers gain valuable insights into identifying genetic predispositions for opioid intake, contributing to the development of preventive and precision medicine. By leveraging different polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis methods, I enhanced the accuracy of risk assessment for post-surgical patients. Additionally, my experimentation with developing workflows for ML models has made it easier for researchers to understand and implement predictive models, streamlining analysis and improving interpretability in genomic research.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My advice would be to start exploring opportunities early and stay proactive. Leverage campus resources like career services and networking events to gain some exposure and be prepared. Stay focused and make the most of every learning experience.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
What I liked most about my position was the opportunity to learn and apply my skills to real-world healthcare data, directly contributing to precision medicine. The Career Center played a key role in preparing me by offering its valuable resources, which were instrumental in helping me secure this internship.

The Career Center is collecting new and gently used professional clothing for "UMBC Suits You" as part of Career Month.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about dressing professionally and then be able to select one free outfit to use for job interviews, career fairs, networking opportunities and much more.. We are asking staff, faculty, alumni, and affiliates to donate new and gently used professional attire at collection bins around campus from February 17th - February 28th.

Starting February 17th, professional clothing can be dropped off at the following on-campus locations:

• The Shriver Center, Public Policy Bldg., 1st Floor - 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon-Fri)
• Career Center, Math/Psych 201 - 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon-Fri) 
• Campus Information Center, The Commons, Lobby
• Admin Building, 1st Floor near elevators
• Performing Arts & Humanities Building, 1st floor across from the ticket booth
• OCA Mocha, 5410 East Dr, Arbutus, MD

Welcome back Retrievers! We hope you had a good winter break, but now it’s time to talk about something important — your future.

No matter where you are in your academic career, there is always the looming pressure of starting your career after graduation. Many students make the mistake of waiting too long to start their search, only to realize that opportunities have passed them by. Don’t be one of those students! Here are some steps you can take right now to set yourself up for success and launch your career.

1. Update Your Resume and Cover Letter
   Your resume should reflect your most relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. It should also align with the top skill-based keywords found in job descriptions of interest. Remember, a well-formatted resume that is optimized for the job is more likely to make it past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and into the hands of a hiring manager or recruiter. Make sure it’s in good shape!
2. Strengthen Your Online Presence
   Believe it or not, recruiters are now checking LinkedIn profiles before looking at resumes and reaching out to candidates. Make sure your LinkedIn is up-to-date with a professional photo, an engaging “About” section, and relevant experiences with skills attached. You can similarly update your Handshake profile and share your profile link publicly with employers. To learn more about how to set this up, check out this article.
3. Research and Apply to Jobs Early
   According to Talentworks, Inc., there is an 8 TIMES ADVANTAGE to applying within the first 96 hours of a job being posted. In fact, the start of the new year is a peak hiring period, so don’t wait until after graduation to start applying. Set aside time each week to browse job search sites, attend career fairs, and tap your network for leads.
4. Practice Your Interview Skills
   Confidence in interviews comes with preparation and practice. Explore the practice question sets in Big Interview, record responses in real time, and send your videos to the Career Center for feedback. Then, schedule a Practice Interview appointment with the Career Center to get comfortable answering common questions and to brainstorm questions to ask the interviewer.

Don't let your job search become a last-minute scramble. Use your time wisely by being proactive and strategic. Whether it’s fine-tuning your resume, networking with industry professionals, or practicing interviews, every step you take now brings you closer to securing a job you love.

To get more personalized support, attend Resume Rescue on February 4 from 10 AM to 4 PM and get feedback on your materials. 

Name: Hira Khan

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Semester of Internship: Summer 2024

Major: Biology

Current Class Level: Junior

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Kennedy Krieger MCH-LEARN Program

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

Title of position: MCH-LEARN Scholar

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
The day-to-day experiences at Kennedy Krieger's MCH-LEARN program involved weekly lectures and presentations from established professionals in the public health field, ranging from organizations such as the NIH to CDC. In a typical day, we had our Research Seminar and Undergraduate Research Accountability Group, where students collaborate with mentors to work on their summer research poster for presentation at the Johns Hopkins University CARES Symposium and abstract writing for ABCRMS. Additionally, collaborative Friday Professional Development and Advocacy seminars covered tips for building a network, maintaining professionalism, job searching, and discovering personal strengths and weaknesses. Fridays also included CDC Optimal Opportunities for Prevention to Promote Health, where students from different programs prepare interactive presentations on public health issues. MCH-LEARN also provided opportunities to attend conferences such as Room to Grow and Maryland Developmental Disabilities Day, as well as a visit to NIH's Career Fair.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I first heard of Kennedy Krieger through personal experience with my family using their services. However, I did not know they offered internship opportunities until I found the UMBC Public Health major's internship page. I began searching for internships during the fall semester and submitted my application a week after it opened.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
I used UMBC's Career Center to tailor my resume for this position. Being proactive and aware of internship deadlines was crucial since they can easily slip by.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
I have truly enjoyed the experience of conducting research and presenting at a high level. This was my first time engaging in such activities, and I grew to enjoy public speaking. I also loved the supportive environment at Kennedy Krieger, where people go above and beyond to guide and help you every step of the way.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
My research poster focused on children facing ADHD and anxiety. While presenting my research at CARES, many students and educators expressed how these issues need more attention in our society. Students with ADHD or anxiety shared how they wished people were more knowledgeable about their experiences. It made me realize my research was addressing an overlooked aspect of people's lives.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Stay proactive and determined. It can be challenging to search for internships during a busy semester with difficult courses and extracurricular activities, but it is worth the effort. Build long-lasting relationships at your internship and think about the experiences you want to explore. For instance, as a Biology major, I wanted to explore the public health field, and this internship gave me valuable insight. Don't feel discouraged if you don't have the "correct" major or experience—try anyway! You never know what opportunities it may lead to.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center:
"I liked building connections and feeling the power of community here. I think UMBC's Career Center connects to you personally and provides personalized resources and support to help you find the internship that matches you."

Attention all UMBC student employees!  

What could be better than having an on-campus job?

Having an on-campus job and getting a notation on your transcript that tells employers you made the effort to enhance your professional development!

Interested in gaining a competitive edge in the job market? Sign up for PRAC 102- Building Skills for Career Success this Spring semester. Don’t worry, it’s not a formal class! With the minimal commitment of attending a few workshops and career events, you will be better prepared for the world of work and have the proof on your college transcript to show your employer.

DEADLINE TO REQUEST ENROLLMENT: Friday, February 28,2025

Make your campus experience count! Enroll TODAY! Enrollment is limited to the first 40 student employees. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!  

Open to all levels and majors. You must be a UMBC student employee working at least eight hours per week on campus. 

How to Register Online

1. Log in to Handshake, then navigate to Career Center > Experiences.

2. Click “Submit an Experience” and select “Career Center – On-Campus Student Employment (PRAC 102- Building Skills for Career Success)” as the Experience Type. Fill in the required fields and submit.

3. Your registration will be reviewed within two business days. The Career Center will enroll you directly upon review along with sending you additional details.

QUESTIONS, please get in touch with Stephanie Taylor Okoukoni (staylor18@umbc.edu) 

Name: Tomisin Akinlosotu

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Summer 2024

Major: Information Systems

Current Class Level: Junior

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Lockheed Martin

Location of the Organization (City, State): Grand Prairie, Texas

Title of position: Systems Engineering Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
During my recent internship at Lockheed Martin, I supported one of the company’s newer programs, which challenged me and deepened my passion for the defense field. A typical day involved using project management tools and workflow automation to streamline processes. I also learned from the cybersecurity team, gaining insights into assessing supplier risks and vulnerabilities. This hands-on experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of defense manufacturing.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I obtained this position at a career fair, which I believe was all by God’s grace. I actively engaged with professionals at the event, making meaningful connections. My efforts paid off when I was offered an interview, which went extremely well. I heard back from the company the same night that I had secured the position.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
Career Fairs, Alumni Networking, Student Organizations/Scholar Groups, LinkedIn, and other social media.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
Lockheed Martin’s use of cross-functional teams brings together diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering innovation and problem-solving. Collaborating with professionals in cyber, systems, and supply chain management broadened my knowledge and enhanced my ability to approach challenges from multiple angles. Visiting Lockheed’s Camden, AR facility, where I witnessed the assembly of parts firsthand, was another highlight.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I made an impact through my work by assessing supplier risks and vulnerabilities, which strengthened supply chain management and enhanced operational security. By collaborating with the cybersecurity team, I identified potential risks and implemented measures to mitigate them. My efforts contributed to streamlining processes and improving workflow efficiency, driving positive outcomes for the program and organization.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Some advice I would give to a student seeking an internship is to attend career fairs and put yourself out there. Engage with professionals, ask questions, and express genuine interest in their work. These events are excellent opportunities to make meaningful connections and learn about potential opportunities. Networking is crucial—connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn, attend relevant events, and seek informational interviews. Building a strong professional network can open doors to internship opportunities. Finally, stay persistent and positive. The process can be challenging, but with faith in God and persistence, nothing is too far to accomplish. Stay positive, keep applying, and continue improving your skills and resume.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center:
I valued collaborating with diverse teams, which deepened my understanding of the defense industry. The Career Center's support and resources were instrumental in preparing me for this opportunity, from resume building to interview preparation.