International Terp Career Development
The International Terp Career Development program aims to equip international students and early career scholars with the skills and resources they need to succeed in their professional journeys. This program is a result of collaboration among various university units, including the International Student & Scholar Services Office, Engineering Career Services, Professional and Career Services for Ph.D., the University Career Center, and Smith Career Services.
Participants in the program will take part in workshops, networking events, and webinars covering topics such as resume building, interview skills, job search strategies, and cultural competence in the workplace. By engaging in this program, international students and scholars will gain a clear understanding of the U.S. job market, improve their employability, and build a strong support network. The program is designed to support professional growth and foster community, providing participants with reassurance and confidence as they connect with peers, mentors, and professionals.
A description of this semester’s offerings and the registration information is provided below.
Writing an effective resume is essential to obtaining interviews in the US. This workshop reviews the fundamental information that should be included, proper formatting, how to make yourself stand out, and common mistakes students make. (Graduate and undergraduate students are welcome!)
Monday, Aug 19, 2024
4:00-5:00 pm ET
1202 Martin Hall
Facilitator: Engineering Career Services Staff
Registration
Need help with your internship search? Learn about the most effective strategies from this panel of UMD international students. Following the panel, you will have an opportunity to network and ask questions 1:1.
Tuesday, Aug 20, 2024
4:00-5:00 pm ET
1101 AJC
Facilitators: STEM international students and Engineering Career Services Staff
Registration
This webinar overviews the University Career Center's Handshake system, emphasizing handy tools and features for international students. Handshake is a career management platform for UMD students and Alumni. Use Handshake to RSVP for workshops and employer events, apply for interviews, or schedule an appointment with a career advisor.
Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024
12:00-1:00 pm ET
Facilitator: University Career Center Staff
Virtual
Registration
This session will review the best US networking strategies for international students and discuss leveraging LinkedIn, UMD—Terrapins Connect, and other strategies.
Friday, Sep 13, 2024
3:00-4:00 pm ET
1202 Martin Hall
Facilitator: Engineering Career Services Staff
Registration
Are you interested in hearing how H-1B sponsorship happens from the inside? Dan Beaudry, former head of campus recruitment at Monster.com, shares the potent job search system many international students use to find US employment opportunities.
Friday, Oct 4, 2024
1:00-2:00 pm ET
Facilitator: Dan Beaudry
Virtual
Registration
In professional conversations (interviews or networking), you often get this question, “tell me about yourself.” In fact, most people trip over this question, but you can open up possibilities if you practice the storytelling technique. In this workshop, you will collect, choose, and craft the stories most relevant to your professional identity as an international scholar.
Friday, Oct 11, 2024
12-1:30 pm ET
2124 Lee Building
Facilitator: Dr. Yi Hao, The Graduate School
Registration
Landing a job in today's competitive market can be challenging, but understanding job descriptions is crucial to success. This session will apply insights from Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology to help you decode the language used in job postings. You'll learn how to identify the essential skills, qualifications, and responsibilities described within the job listings, enabling you to tailor your application materials effectively. Additionally, we'll explore strategies for optimizing your online presence, particularly your LinkedIn profile, to match the requirements of your desired roles, increasing your chances of being noticed by potential employers.
Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024
12-1:00 pm ET
Facilitator: Fatima Diallo, ISSS
Virtual
Registration
This session, led by an International Student Advisor, will assist International Students in applying for work authorization, or CPT. This authorization allows F-1 students wishing to participate in an off-campus training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum. CPT authorization must be obtained BEFORE you begin working.
Monday, Nov 4, 2024
1:30-2:30 pm
Facilitator: Kuan Zhai, ISSS
Virtual
Registration
Discover how to transform your LinkedIn profile into a powerful tool for global networking at our workshop, "Global Advantage: Leveraging LinkedIn for Global Connections." Learn expert tips on maximizing your profile's impact and strategically building connections that can open doors to career opportunities where you can leverage your global skills. Join us to elevate your professional presence and expand your global network effectively!
Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024
12:00-1:00 pm
Facilitator: Asia King, Education Abroad
Virtual
Registration
This workshop is designed to help international students and scholars navigate the unique challenges of job interviews. The session will cover cultural differences, effective communication strategies, and common questions to expect. Participants will gain practical tips and confidence to succeed in the interview process, regardless of their background.
Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024
12-1:00 pm
Facilitator: University Career Staff
Virtual
Registration
How can I sign up for these events?
These opportunities are advertised on the ISSS calendar of events, UCC events page, and announced in the ISSS weekly newsletters.