UMGC Career Connection Unlocking Your Ideal Career

When embarking on your academic journey at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), it's important to know there's no perfect time or single path to use Career Services. You may wonder when to reach out for guidance or think that the best time is right before graduation. However, the ideal time to start leveraging Career Services begins as early as your freshman year.

Preparing for your career path strategically means using all available resources to boost your career growth. Knowing the benefits of Career Services helps you make smarter choices and take proactive steps toward your professional success. 

To kickstart your career development, activate your CareerQuest account today to enjoy free lifetime access to invaluable career resource tools. By joining, you will gain access to all of the resources listed below and those found in the CareerQuest Overview Guide.

Freshman Year: Self-Discovery and Direction

Your first year at UMGC is the perfect time to start building a solid foundation for your future career. By engaging with Career Services, you can explore your interests, strengths, and values through self-assessment tools. This initial exploration will help you choose a major that aligns with your passions and career goals, setting you on the right path from the start.

• Community Connect allows you to network with alumni career champions and industry professionals who can provide career guidance and tips. Request an informational interview or send a short message to initiate a connection.
• Steppingblocks is a data-powered career exploration tool where you can take a deeper look into over 60 million personal career journeys and unlock the skills and education needed to get hired.
• UMGC CareerQuest Groups offers 20+ groups. Make connections by joining a group where you can gain access to professional associations, honor societies, interest-based and academic-focused groups, discussion boards, and special events.

Sophomore Year: Practical Experience and Skill Development

By your second year, gaining relevant experience in your field of interest becomes crucial. Career Services can assist you in finding internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering opportunities, allowing you to develop practical skills and build a strong resume. These experiences not only enhance your employability but also provide valuable insights into your chosen career path.

• InternPLUS is UMGC’s unique resource designed to help students and alumni identify experience-based opportunities to build their resume. These opportunities include project-based micro-internships, virtual job simulations, volunteer opportunities, and onsite and virtual internships. 
• Projects & Freelancing opportunities are a great way to gain work experience virtually via a job simulation, micro-internship, or case challenge. Take a moment to review the opportunities that can be found via Forage, Parker Dewey, and WeSolv.

Junior Year: Networking and Professional Development

Junior year is pivotal for networking and professional development. By attending career fairs, networking events, and workshops, you can build connections with industry professionals. Career Services can help you refine your LinkedIn profile, practice your elevator pitch, and prepare for informational interviews. These connections and skills are invaluable as you start considering potential employers and industries to target.

• Aspire is VMock's AI-powered, optimization tool for LinkedIn, allowing you to create a consistent narrative from your resume to your LinkedIn public profile for target career tracks.
• Candid Career+ provides thousands of informational interview videos featuring industry professionals.

Senior Year: Tailored Job Search Support and Increased Confidence

In your final year, the focus shifts to the job search and application process. Career Services can support you in identifying job openings, tailoring your resume for specific positions, and preparing for interviews. Mock interviews and one-on-one career counseling sessions can boost your confidence and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Tailored support ensures you're well-prepared for the competitive job market.

• VMock is a self-service, AI-driven tool, offering instant feedback to improve your resume and optimize your LinkedIn profile.
• Vault is a career intelligence platform designed to help you research career fields and employers, plan your best career path, and prepare to land a highly competitive position. Vault hosts over 230 downloadable online Career Guidebooks featuring career-specific advice on resumes, interviews, and more.

Graduate Students: Specialized Guidance and Career Advancement

For graduate students, Career Services offer specialized guidance throughout your entire academic journey. Whether you're seeking internships, research opportunities, or full-time positions, you will be provided tailored support to meet your unique needs. This continuous support helps you navigate the complexities of the job market and advance your career. 

• Job Search enables you to browse through thousands of positions and highlights connections within UMGC’s community members who have previous work experience with related companies.
• Handshake optimizes your internship or job search by providing personalized job recommendations based on your major and interests.

Military Resources

Career Services offers specialized resources for Veterans, Reserves, Active Duty, Spouses, and Dependents at any stage in their academic journey.

• Military Connected features the One2One mentoring program for peer-to-peer support, a monthly newsletter, events, tools, and  resources.
• Vessey Virtual Student Union is a tool available to veterans as well as all transitioning members of the military who are planning to separate within the next two years.