Career Resources

Get started by joining UMD’s Handshake to explore job & internships, career resources, events, and more.

Discover the different career paths that align with your passions and academic interests.

1. Think about your general interests and passions, both in and out of school.
2. Take career assessments:
   • PathwayU (via Handshake) – platform that acts as a career compass that guides you in discovering education and career pathways that fit your unique interests and values.
   • Focus2 (via Handshake) – a guided exploration tool that can help you better understand what major or career would be most fulfilling to you.
3. Use career exploration tools:
   • Vault (in Handshake) – career guide with industry insights, job titles, salaries, and more.
   • ONet – job descriptions and integrated job board.
4. Talk to advisors about course options related to your interests.
5. Learn from career professionals:
   • Attend career events: Career chats, career channels, alumni panels, workshops, “career shuttles” (Handshake).
   • Talk to faculty.
   • Explore alumni profiles.
   • Connect with alumni on Terrapins Connect.
   • Register for the Intern For a Day program.
6. Additional career resources, such as major selection and industry paths, can be found here.

Build real-world experience that will make your resume stand out to potential employers.

1. Find internships, and build professional connections:
   • Use job boards like Handshake, Dice.com, Wellfound, LinkedIn, UXcel, and Dribbble —other platforms can also be useful!
   • Subscribe to the “INFOCareerNews” Email Listserv
     • Join the “INFOCareerNews” Email Listserv to learn about or share information science career events and internship/job opportunities. Email infocomm@umd.edu with the subject line “Subscribe to INFOCareerNews” to subscribe. Please include your name and preferred email address.
   • Develop a targeted search strategy within your field.
     • Identify companies to apply directly.
     • Join professional associations. View the full list here.
     • Easily track your internship applications with this free tool!
   • Engage in networking:
     • Add this Informational Interviewing resource to your ELMS to learn about how to 1) identify professionals to connect with and 2) conduct meaningful networking conversations with them.
     • Use Terrapins Connect and the LinkedIn Alumni Tool.
     • Network in your Capstone class.
   • Attend recruiting events.
   • Pay attention to major and program listservs and check with your major or graduate program to learn about potential internship opportunities.
   • Check out these Internship Tips from other INFO Undergraduate Students
2. Build relevant skills:
   • Use LinkedIn Learning, MOOCs, DataCamp, W3 Schools, Leetcode, and Tutorialspoint.
3. Get involved:
   • Join clubs and organizations via TerpLink or INFO Student Orgs/Clubs.
   • Participate in INFOthons like InfoChallenge and bitcamp.
   • Volunteer for events and opportunities.
4. Explore research opportunities:
   • Engage in research through the INFO Undergrad Research page, INFO Research Groups, or the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR).

Prepare for success by mastering essential job application skills like resume writing and interview techniques.

1. Workshops and trainings include:
   • How to Search for an Internship or Job
   • How to Evaluate & Negotiate Job Offers
   • How to Prepare for an Interview
   • How to Build Your Network
   • How to Prepare for a Career & Internship Fair
2. Self-guided training resources:
   • UCC’s Find Jobs & Interships
   • ELMS trainings
   • LinkedIn Learning
3. How to pitch yourself as an INFO student: (Coming soon from INFO Communications)

Launch your job search with strategic tools, networking, and professional connections to land the perfect opportunity.

1. Job boards:
   • Use job boards like Handshake, Dice.com, Wellfound, LinkedIn, UXcel, and Dribbble —other platforms can also be useful!
   • Make sure to track your job applications as you go! You can use and adapt this tool to help you.
2. Develop a targeted search strategy within your field.
   • Identify companies to apply directly.
3. Join professional associations.
4. Engage in networking:
   • Schedule informational interviews (ELMS).
   • Use Terrapins Connect and the LinkedIn Alumni Tool.
   • Network in your Capstone class.
5. Attend upcoming INFO career events and UMD career events.
6. Participate in networking events in the DC-Metro Area
   • DC Analytics Meetup– DC Analytics Meetup is a community for analytics enthusiasts to network, share insights, and explore topics like big data, predictive analytics, and social media analytics through monthly presentations and demos.
   • Data Science DC– Data Science DC is a nonprofit professional group that hosts monthly meetings on predictive analytics, machine learning, and data visualization, welcoming professionals, students, and enthusiasts to learn, network, and share their work.
   • Data Visualization DC– Data Visualization DC is a nonprofit professional group that brings together data journalists, scientists, and business intelligence experts for monthly discussions on data visualization, storytelling, and best practices.
7. Subscribe to the “INFOCareerNews” Email Listserv
   • Join the “INFOCareerNews” Email Listserv to learn about or share information science career events and internship/job opportunities. Email infocomm@umd.edu with the subject line “Subscribe to INFOCareerNews” to subscribe. Please include your name and preferred email address.