The advantages of attending University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) are many, and not all of them end when you graduate. Among the benefits most often cited by our graduates and returning students are our large and inclusive alumni community and the lifetime services we provide to all of our alums at no additional cost to them—some of which are available to students, as well.
"I have a whole new support network—a community that I can go to and interact with,” said David W., who graduated in 2021 with a BS in business administration. "There are a lot of very smart people in the UMGC family and a lot of opportunities. This is something you can be a part of for the rest of your life."
Alumni Association Membership
When you graduate from UMGC, you immediately join a global community of nearly 300,000 alumni. Founded in 1990, the UMGC Alumni Association was created to foster lifelong relationships between alumni and the university. Its ongoing mission is to support, enhance, and promote UMGC and its community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni worldwide.
“The UMGC alumni community is a vast, diverse, and supportive network,” said Nikki Sandoval, UMGC’s Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations. “It’s a joy to see them come together to support each other.”
The ability to connect with other UMGC graduates is a valuable extension of your shared student and professional experience. As you continue to build your career with the knowledge and skills you’ve gained at UMGC, you’ll find that the connections you forge and maintain with fellow alumni—both within and outside your field—will be invaluable.
"UMGC is not just an online college; it is a very rewarding community to be a part of," said Jennifer R., a 2021 UMGC graduate who earned her master's in healthcare administration. "The options for networking are absolutely amazing. We are a very strong community—we want to help each other."
Benefits for UMGC Alumni: Lifetime Career Services
As part of the university’s commitment to ensuring that your academic success leads to career success, UMGC provides a range of no-cost career services that you can access whenever you need them, from the day you enroll as a UMGC student to the day you graduate—and for the rest of your life.
“UMGC graduates often tell me how much they gain from the career resources and the global community network,” said Sandoval. “We're committed to delivering professional development and networking opportunities that are valuable resources for students and graduates.”
No matter where you are in your career, whether you're entering the workforce, changing jobs, or climbing the career ladder, UMGC is here to support you with services that include
- CareerQuest: You’ll always have access to this online one-stop shop for career resources. Connect with UMGC career advisors, browse the open-positions job board, get help with your resume and interview preparation, and much more.
- Networking Events: UMGC regularly hosts job fairs and employer recruiting events throughout the year. At these events, you can network, get job leads, and meet recruiters eager to hire UMGC students and graduates.
- Career Planning: If you need help deciding which field you'd like to enter or what kind of work you'd like to do within a specific industry, your UMGC advisors can help you create a plan for your next success.
- Alumni LinkedIn Group: Join the nearly 20,000 alumni and students who are members of the UMGC Alumni LinkedIn Group. Expand your network, learn about professional opportunities, and celebrate your achievements.
- Community Connect: Leverage UMGC's network of alumni and industry professionals to expand your connections, gain employer and industry insights, strengthen your interpersonal skills, and receive career support.
- Career Connection Blog: With content ranging from career tips and industry insights to job search strategies and more, you’ll find expert advice from UMGC’s Career Services team for every step of your professional journey.
More Benefits for UMGC Students and Alumni
As a UMGC student or graduate, you gain access to certain discounts and other perks, including
- UMGC Discount Program: Join and save up to 50 percent off top brands, retailers, restaurants, and more. Simply search by zip code and start saving immediately. This program is available to students and alumni.
- Farmers Insurance® Savings: Your UMGC Alumni Association has partnered with Farmers Insurance to offer you great savings on auto, home, life, motorcycle, RV, watercraft, and small business insurance.
- Alumni Student Business Directory: UMGC's Alumni Association created this directory to connect UMGC student and alumni business owners to members of the global UMGC community in an effort to support small businesses.
- Homecoming: Each year, members of our UMGC community around the world participate in our global Homecoming festivities, where alumni gather to share dreams, goals, and opportunities, and students are welcomed and encouraged to engage with the community after they graduate.
- Virtual Book Club: Available to both students and alumni, the book club is a great way to engage online with your UMGC community through the love of reading and lifelong learning.
- UMGC License Plate – Show your pride for your alma mater by applying for a University of Maryland Global Campus license plate. You can even skip the line at the MVA—just fill out the form and we'll mail the application to you.
FreeWill: As a member of the UMGC alumni community, we offer this free service where you can create a will to give your loved ones peace of mind in case something should happen.
We’re Committed to Your Next Success . . . and Your Next!
Since its founding in 1947, UMGC has grown to become the largest public university in the nation. Today, as always, we’re committed to helping you achieve a lifetime of success. Our exclusive alumni network is there to support your personal and career goals. Though your time as a UMGC student may go by quickly, your membership in the UMGC family is for life.
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