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.
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
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
The International Career Collective (ICC) Career Expo is the second annual career fair for all international students across 20+ different universities!
- Who: International students from all years are encouraged to attend.
- What: An opportunity to connect with employers and start building connections. All employers may not be hiring but could be in the future and this is the first step to explore who might be a good fit.
- What to Do in Advance: Add your resume to Handshake, have an idea of which employers you would like to connect with, and a practice your elevator pitch
- When: November 19 from 1-4pm EST
- Where: Hosted on Handshake
Please note: Professional dress is encouraged to attend the virtual career fair.
The ultimate goal of the International Career Summit is to create an ecosystem where international students can:
- Learn about the key components of career readiness.
- Prepare to become competitive candidates in the job market.
- Get informed about U.S. visa rules and policies for employment.
- Network and connect with peers, alumni, and hiring managers/HR professionals to learn about hiring trends, tips, and strategies.
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: Michael Waggoner, ISSS
Virtual
Registration
This session features an experienced immigration attorney. Topics will include a detailed discussion of the H1B visa, the most popular work visa in the US, Optional Practical Training (OPT), and options for pursuing permanent residence through employment. In addition, our speaker will provide practical strategies for talking to employers about work visa issues during interviews.
Thursday, Oct 30, 2024
Noon-1p.m.
Facilitator: Mark Rhodes
Online
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
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
Due to campus parking restrictions on Oct. 11th, we will make this session on Zoom. Once you register, you will receive a calendar invite with the Zoom link.
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
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
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
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
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
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.