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 or CV 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. International Graduate & Undergraduate Students are Welcome!
Friday, January 31
2:00-3:00pm ET
EGR 1202
Facilitator: Engineering Career Services
Registration
This session focuses on practical techniques for highlighting skills, aligning experiences with job requirements, and ensuring clarity in cover letters. Empower your career journey by learning about writing tools and approaches for effectively communicating your unique strengths to employers.
Friday, February 7
2:00-3:00 pm ET
ESJ 2204
Facilitator: Engineering Career Services
Registration
This workshop will equip international graduate students and scholars with essential tools to thrive in American workplaces. Learn to communicate effectively, set clear expectations, and understand cultural nuances. This session will provide practical tips and strategies to help you make a positive impact in your professional environment.
Wednesday, February 12
12-1:15 pm
Zoom
Facilitators: Dr. Yi Hao and Dr. Blessing Enekwe, Graduate School
Registration
This session overviews the University Career Center's Handshake career management system, emphasizing tools and features specifically for international students. Use Handshake to apply for jobs, register for fairs, workshops, and employer events, apply for interviews, connect with resources, and schedule appointments with a career advisor.
Thursday, February 13
12:00-1:00 pm ET
Zoom
Facilitator: Genienne Navarro, University Career Center
Registration
This practical workshop is designed to help international students confidently navigate the UMD spring career fair. This session will equip students with tools and insights to make a strong impression on potential employers and maximize their opportunities.
Friday, February 14
12:00-1:00 pm
ESJ 2204
Facilitators: Veronica Perrigan, Engineering Career Services, and Linda Lenoir, University Career Center
Registration
This workshop, led by an International Student Advisor, will assist students in applying for work authorization, known as CPT, which allows F-1 students 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.
Thursday, March 6
12:00-1:00 pm
Zoom
Facilitator: Dr. Guennadi Bratichko, ISSS
Registration
“Communicating Effectively in the Workplace: Speak with Impact, Lead with Confidence” is a dynamic workshop designed to help non-native English speakers master the norms of American professional communication. Attendees will learn to craft clear, impactful messages and develop strategies to communicate confidence, whether speaking in meetings, writing emails, or delivering presentations.
Thursday, March 13
12:00-1:15 pm
Woods 0104
Facilitator: Oral Communication Center
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.
Wednesday, March 26
4:00-5:30 pm
ESJ 2309
Facilitator: Dr. Yi Hao, Graduate School
Registration
Networking over food doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Career Bites: How to Nourish Your Network offers UMD international students a fresh approach to building professional connections in real-world, food-focused settings.
In this interactive experience, you’ll explore two distinct networking styles:
Happy Hour-Style Networking – Stand, mingle, and enjoy small bites while practicing meaningful small talk in a relaxed high-top setting.
Table-Style Networking –Learn to balance enjoying a plated course and table etiquette while engaging in meaningful, professional conversations.
This isn’t just about mealtime manners—it’s about discovering practical strategies to spark authentic professional connections, maintain them over time, and turn opportunities into outcomes. By the end of the evening, you’ll leave with the confidence to network like a pro, whether you’re balancing a plate at a reception or seated at a formal dinner table.
Spaces are limited—reserve your seat and get ready to feed your future!
Wednesday, April 2
4:00-6:00 pm
STAMP Colony Ballroom
Facilitators: University Career Center and Smith Career Center
Registration via Handshake
Each year, many of our international students land offers right around May graduation and in the 60 days that follow. Hear from a panel of former UMD students who successfully navigated Spring job searches to secure outstanding opportunities. Bring your questions to this interactive event!
Thursday, April 10
12:00-1:00pm
Zoom
Facilitators: UMD graduates
Registration
We know that the lead-up to graduation can be an exciting time. You have put in years of hard work to complete your degree! However, graduation is also a time of change and requires thoughtful planning. This session reviews Optional Practical Training (OPT), an option for temporary work authorization that allows F-1 students to work in the United States. Other employment-based statuses will also be outlined. We also recognize that options in your home country or other countries may provide excellent opportunities.
Tuesday, April 29
11:00 am-12:00 pm
Zoom
Facilitators: Aviana Symon and Yetnayet Lemma, ISSS
Registration
This session explores the unique challenges and opportunities international graduate students face in developing their careers in the U.S. Dr. Analia Gomez Vidal (UMD 2016, 2020) shares her experiences transitioning through several visa statuses, finding employment, and building a thriving career to provide actionable insights for your own journey. Participants will learn practical strategies to navigate immigration-related obstacles and leverage their unique backgrounds as strengths in the workplace. This workshop is a roadmap from an alum's perspective on navigating the complexities of career development as an international professional.
Friday, May 9
1:30-2:30 pm
Zoom
Facilitator: Dr. Analia Gomez Vidal, UMD alumni
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.