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Career Path

Health Administration & Policy

A Student's To-Do List: What You Need to Know and Do Along The Way

By the end of your FIRST OR SOPHOMORE YEAR you should be able to:

Task/Knowledge

  • Explore and describe what you are GOOD AT that you also like to do
  • Explore and describe what you enjoy LEARNING
  • Explore and begin to define WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO DO (e.g., accounting, medicine, engineering, teaching) and WHERE YOU’D LIKE TO DO IT (e.g., consulting firm, hospital, government agency, public school)
  • Identify SKILL SETS needed for jobs in potential career fields

How to make it happen

  • Meet with a Career Services Center (CSC) career specialist for assistance in developing short- and long-term career goals
  • Use FOCUS and VAULT available on CCS’s website
  • Take a variety of classes to clarify interests/skills
  • Use Careerpath (www.umbc.edu/careerpath) to explore majors/career paths
  • Visit University Counseling Services for self-assessment help
  • Access resources in Academic and Pre-Professional Advising

Task/Knowlege

  • Create a LIST OF CONTACTS who can assist you with career decision-making and implementation
  • Begin a CONVERSATION with at least one of those contacts (email, letter, phone, in-person)

How to make it happen

  • Learn how to conduct informational interviews
  • Login to UMBCworks’ ProNet to connect with alumni and employer mentors
  • Attend networking events (Career Week, Diversity Recruitment Banquet, etc.)
  • Stop by to talk with faculty offices during their office hours
  • Make a concerted effort to stay in touch with current and former employers, teachers/professors, co-workers, and advisors

Task/Knowlege

  • Begin putting together a RESUME focusing on the strengths, education and experiences of relevance to your career goals

How to make it happen

  • Access resume resources on the CSC and Careerpath websites
  • Get your resume reviewed during CSC’s walk-in hours

Task/Knowlege

  • Engage in an ON- or OFF-CAMPUS OPPORTUNITY that will help you gain career insight, make connections, and build relevant skills sets

How to make it happen

  • Log-in to UMBCworks to update your profile; upload your resume; and search for job, research, internship/co-op, and service learning opportunities
  • Obtain a part-time job related to your interests
  • Attend Campus Jobs Fair and/or Summer and Part-Time Job/Internship Fair
  • Connect with The Shriver Center coordinator for your major for relevant service learning, research, internship and co-op opportunities
  • Visit the Study Abroad Office to explore international opportunities
  • Join and contribute to an on- or off-campus club/organization

By the end of your JUNIOR OR SENIOR YEAR you should be able to:

Task/Knowlege

  • Fine tune your career goals in terms of:
    • FUNCTIONS (sales, community outreach, software development)
    • INDUSTRIES (pharmaceuticals, non-profits, defense contracting)
    • SPECIFIC COMPANIES (for example, Wyeth, Catholic Charities, Northrop Grumman)

How to make it happen

  • Utilize FOCUS and VAULT on CSC’s website
  • Meet with a CSC career specialist
  • Gain insight, connections and relevant experience by getting an internship/co-op, working part-time, and/or volunteering
  • Connect with professionals in your field (ProNet, Career Week)

Task/Knowlege

  • Maintain/expand your  LIST OF CONTACTS
  • Conduct/continue CONVERSATIONS with these contacts

How to make it happen

  • Continue to conduct informational interviews
  • Utilize UMBCworks ProNet
  • Join/be active in the professional organization for your field
  • Attend networking events (job fairs, Evenings with Industry, Career Week)
  • Develop and maintain contacts through work, internships, and volunteering

Task/Knowlege

  • Conduct an EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW

How to make it happen

  • Schedule a mock interview
  • Access interviewing resources on CSC’s website

Task/Knowlege

  • Develop a LIST OF TARGETED GRADUATE SCHOOLS
  • Understand/engage in the GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS

How to make it happen

  • Access the Graduate School Application Guide on CSC’s website
  • Talk with faculty about your graduate education goals
  • Visit CSC for help with statements and resumes
  • Attend the Maryland Career Consortium Graduate School Seminar (fall)

Task/Knowlege

  • Develop and implement a JOB SEARCH STRATEGY
  • Develop and fine tune your NETWORKING SKILLS and develop your brand

How to make it happen

  • Attend UMBC and other area job/career fairs
  • Participate in UMBC on-campus interviews
  • Attend employer events (i.e., Corporate Visibility Days, information sessions)
  • Utilize your UMBCworks account – post your resume/search for jobs

Task/Knowlege

  • Obtain a JOB OFFER OR GRADUATE SCHOOL ACCEPTANCE

How to make it happen

  • All of the above!  Be sure to complete the UMBC Graduating Student Report
Main Office: 220 Public Policy Building
Phone: 410-455-2342
Email: stuart@umbc.edu
Department Website: http://www.umbc.edu/happ/
Department Head: Ms. Mary Stuart
Sample Resumés: Health Administration & Policy