Are you currently employed on campus? Let's take that experience a step further!

We're excited to introduce PRAC 102: Building Skills for Career Success, an opportunity exclusively designed for you. This isn't just another class; it's your chance to make your on-campus employment and college experience even more impactful.

Why Enroll in PRAC 102?

• Enhance Your Resume: Get a special notation on your transcript, highlighting your dedication to professional development for future employers.
• Minimal Commitment: No traditional classroom settings! Participate in a few targeted workshops and career events at your convenience.
• Prepare for Success: Equip yourself with essential skills and knowledge that will set you apart in the competitive job market.

Don't Miss Out!

Deadline for Enrollment: March 1, 2024

Eligibility: Must be a UMBC student employed on campus, working a minimum of eight hours per week.

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) - Spring 2024 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.

Syllabus Attached Below. See you in PRAC 102!

You've submitted your event registration. You have your resumes on hand and ready. You've got your power outfit picked out.

It may seem like you've got everything you need for a successful networking event but there's one more crucial piece of the puzzle: your pitch.

What is a pitch exactly? Usually taking about 30 seconds, your elevator pitch (or commercial) allows you to introduce yourself and make your personal brand known to employers. It's essentially the first impression that you make, so having your pitch well practiced and ready is important when approaching employers.

Keep these tips in mind when crafting your pitch. And if you want somewhere to practice, join us at the UMBC Connects event with ERT on Wednesday, February 28^th from 11 AM to 2 PM.

• Make a Strong Start. Exude confidence when you make an introduction. Have good eye contact, stand up straight, and give a firm handshake (if you're comfortable with it). Clearly introduce yourself and speak at a steady pace so you're understandable.
• Honor Your Personal Brand. Show your authentic self and establish who you are right out of the gate. Be ready to explain what motivates you to do what you do. You should also be able to very clearly express your why.
• Sell Yourself with Ease. After introducing yourself it's time to get into the heart of your pitch: your accomplishments. Highlight academic achievements, internships, other relevant experiences, and your strengths. Be clear, concise, and persuasive, and make sure there's evidence to back up your claims.
• Deliver with Poise. Before the fair you must practice, practice, and practice some more. Your pitch should not sound scripted or over rehearsed. Your goal is to make a memorable impression when you meet employers. Make sure that your delivery sounds natural but also confident.
• Close the Deal. The end of the pitch is when you tie your experiences back to the employer. Share how your goals and accomplishments can benefit the company you're pitching. They should easily connect the dots on how you're bringing value to them.

Marketing yourself is no easy task, but it's necessary when it comes to the job market. We hope these considerations were helpful. Feel free to check out this webpage for additional tips, and go to Big Interview to practice answering the question "Tell me about yourself." Best of luck out there and happy pitching! 

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

Has a professor or staff member made a positive impact on your career goals, employment, and/or graduate school preparation?  In the spirit of spreading kindness, please take a few minutes to recognize this individual as a UMBC Career Connector.

This is your opportunity to say thank you in a special way.

Thank a professor or staff member who has written a letter of recommendation, has helped you explore potential careers, reviewed your resume, introduced you to an alumni or employer, or who has made a positive impact on your life.

All those nominated will be recognized by the UMBC Career Center with a small gift and provided with a recognition certificate including your note of thanks. They will also be recognized on social media during Career Month in April. Be sure to follow UMBC Career Center on Instagram and LinkedIn to see your Career Connector Nominee recognized. 

Complete Your Recognition Today! 

To participate, please complete your brief recognition via our survey HERE.

Note: You can recognize more than one person by submitting the brief survey for each recognition. Again, your note of thanks will be shared directly with each person nominated with a small gift. 

DEADLINE: Sunday, March 30th, 11:59 PM EST

Nominated professors and staff will be recognized starting the first week of April.

• Assisted with the coordination and execution of reproductive health initiatives within the Reproductive Health Clinic, including managing the condom distribution program.
• Contributed to community outreach efforts aimed at raising awareness about reproductive health services and resources.
• Conducted literature reviews and data analysis to support my research project.
• Engaged in direct patient care within the clinic, performing tasks such as recording vital signs, guiding patient check-ins and check-outs, conducting various tests, and contributing to facility upkeep and sanitation.
• Conducted my own research project for school through the health department.

The Spring 2024 Career & Internship Fair is officially almost here! Before you join us at the Retriever Activities Center (RAC) on Friday, February 9, from 11:30-3:30 PM, we wanted to share a few final tips and recommendations so that you are fully prepared for the event and get the most out of your Career Fair experience.

• Research Employers Beforehand. We are breaking records by having the LARGEST number of employers to date at this event! To ensure you're speaking to the right-fit companies for you on Friday, do your homework beforehand. Download the Career Fair Directory, make note of employers of interest, and plan your route in advance. You can review employers on Handshake as well.
• For International Students: this year we've included a page in the directory listing employers hiring international students. Be sure to check that out on page 6!

• Dress the Part. Your outfit for the Career Fair should not be an afterthought. Plan a wardrobe that aims to impress by selecting business casual or even business formal attire. Some ideas include: dress pants and shirts, suits, dresses, blazers, and jackets. Pick colors and patterns that show your personality but are also professional. Make sure what your wearing is comfortable too, as you'll be walking around the RAC. Give yourself room to breathe by not wearing something too form fitting, and comfortable footwear should be considered too.

• Have Your Resume Ready.  List your contact information, accomplishments, skills, and experience. Need a little help with your resume? No problem! We have some tips and samples here, as well as hold live drop-in hours at the Center. Once your resume is good to go, be sure to print out around 15-20 copies and keep them in a folder or padfolio for you to carry around, and bring them with you to the fair. You may also want to bring pens, extra paper, and a place to hold onto business cards.
  
  
• Perfect Your Pitch. So you've done your research, you look professional, and you have your resumes on hand. Now it's time to know what you're going to say to employers once you walk up to their booths. This is where your 30-second commercial, or elevator pitch comes in. For your pitch, you should let employers know who you are, highlight a few accomplishments, and how you'd bring value to their organization. You can practice your pitch using Big Interview, where you can practice answering the "Tell me about yourself" prompt.

By taking these tips and recommendations into consideration, you should have everything you need to make the most out of the Spring Career & Internship Fair. Best of luck out there, and we'll see you at the Career Fair soon!