By Melisa Steffens, Assistant Director, Career Development and Placement

Do you have some free time over winter break? Are you wondering what to do with this time? Not only is winter break a great opportunity for you to take a load off from classes, but you can also take advantage of this time to explore your career interests. The Career Development Center (CDC) has some ideas to help you occupy your time while preparing you for life after UMBC:

1. Job Fairs: These events provide a great opportunity for you to meet with local employers to learn about internships, full-time job opportunities and what recruiters are looking for in a candidate. Mark your calendar and don't miss the Central Maryland College Job Fair on January 23 at Towson University from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. Part-Time Jobs: This is a great way to get some hands-on experience with the skills you are learning in your classes or just earn some extra money. Check out the following part-time job binders in the Career Resource Center (CRC), MP 212:

Part-Time Major Related
On-Campus/Off-Campus

3. Full-Time Jobs: If you are thinking a full-time job better suits your needs, then check out the following full-time job binders in the CRC:

*Degree Required
*No Degree Required
*Government Employment
*Community, Public Affairs and Social Service
*University and School Systems

4. CDC Web Site: For those of you who already have a fun-packed schedule for winter break, check out www.careers.umbc.edu to learn about upcoming events and career resources. Events are listed on the home page; click on "Students" and then "Career Web Sites" for direct links to job banks. (A great tool to search specific careers right from the comfort of your home!)

5. Internships: You are in a unique position to try out many different career-related interests without making a long-term commitment. Most internships last one semester, enabling you to try out many interests during your time hear at UMBC. Contact UMBC's Shriver Center at (410) 455-2493 to learn about internship opportunities.

6. Learn a New Skill: Consider learning a new skill to help prepare you and your resume for the job market, such as Power Point, CPR, JAVA, public speaking, etc.

7. Job Shadow: Have you have been thinking about a couple of career options and are wondering which would be the best fit for you? Job shadowing and informational interviewing are great ways to get exposure to the work environment while building networking skills and making great contacts.

8. Don't Procrastinate: We all have hectic lives and, at times, neglect important areas of our personal and professional development. Let the CDC help you explore major/career options, learn about professional organizations, practice interviewing skills and much more. Make an appointment today!

9. Resumes: So, you're thinking you might be interested in the ideas mentioned above, but you don't know where to start with your resume. Take a look at resume guidelines and examples in the free Career Development Guide at www.careers.umbc.edu and make an appointment with a Career Specialist in the CDC to get a personalized resume critique.

For more information, contact the CDC (Math/Psychology 204) at (410) 455-2216, careers@umbc.edu or visit www.careers.umbc.edu.