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
Career Boosters
Freshman Year:
Sophomore Year:
Junior Year:
Senior Year:
Curriculum
For official curriculum for this major, please visit the online undergraduate catalog. This site is your one-stop location for academic policies, major requirements, academic support services, and the first year experience.
Other links you may find of use:
Resources
UMBCWorks
Search for jobs at UMBC. Click here»
