UMBC Careers Unleashed

UMBC Career Center

Unlock your career potential with UMBC Careers Unleashed—a career advice podcast for college students and early-career professionals looking for internship tips, job search strategies, professional development guidance, and real stories from UMBC Retrievers. Each episode breaks down what you need to succeed in today’s job market—from resume and interview tips to networking strategies, choosing a major, grad school advice, and building strong career-ready skills. Whether you're exploring majors, searching for internships, preparing for your first job, or planning your next step after graduati

  1. MAR 23

    4 Essential Job Search Tips (For Current Students)

    Are you looking to level up your professional game?In this shorter video compilation, Judson and some of our previous guests share four actionable tips to jumpstart your career search and your career readiness to make most of your college experience now.Topics Covered:The Power of the Resume Summary: Learn when to use a summary to explain major pivots and how to highlight transferable skills. Maximizing Academic Advising: Why you should talk to your advisor about more than just course registration. They can serve as mentors, provide career guidance, and connect you with campus resourcesExtracurriculars & Soft Skills: Discover why joining clubs can build "hidden" skills like public speaking and confidence, even if they don't match your major. Tailoring Your Story: Understand why there is no "perfect" resume format and how to shift your sections to showcase your unique experience in the best light. Chapters:0:00 - 4 Career Tips for the Spring Semester 1:05 - Is there a "Perfect" Resume? 2:00 - Getting more from your Academic Advisor 3:10 - Why Extracurriculars matter for your Career 4:40 - Using Resume Summaries for Career Pivots Learn more about UMBC Career resources:https://careers.umbc.eduFollow UMBC Careers:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umbccareersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/umbc/Website: https://careers.umbc.eduUMBC Careers Unleashed highlights real stories, insights, and career advice from students, faculty, and professionals to help you explore your future.

    6 min

  2. MAR 9

    Breaking Down PhD's with Dr. LeGates | Ep 25

    Thinking about pursuing a PhD? In this episode of UMBC Careers Unleashed, we sit down with Dr. Tara LeGates, professor in the Biology Department at UMBC, to break down what the PhD journey actually looks like.From deciding whether a PhD is worth the time investment to navigating graduate school, mentorship, networking, and work-life balance, Dr. LeGates shares honest insights from her own academic path. She also talks about discovering her passion for neuroscience, finding the right advisor, dealing with failed experiments, and what it’s really like mentoring students as a principal investigator.If you’re considering graduate school, research, or a career in academia, this conversation offers practical advice and real perspectives on the realities of the PhD journey.Here's what we talk about in this episode: Is getting a PhD worth it?Choosing graduate programs and advisorsThe importance of mentorship and networkingHandling failure and staying resilient in researchWork-life balance in academiaAdvice for students considering graduate schoolWhether you're a UMBC student or just curious about research careers, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate your path.Learn more about UMBC Career resources:https://careers.umbc.eduFollow UMBC Careers:Instagram:   /umbccareers  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/umbc-careers/Website: https://careers.umbc.eduUMBC Careers Unleashed highlights real stories, insights, and career advice from students, faculty, and professionals to help you explore your future.#UMBC #PhDLife #GradSchool #Academia #ResearchCareer #STEMCareers #CareerAdvice #GraduateSchool #UMBCcareers #HigherEducation

    40 min

  3. FEB 24

    Let's Talk Gap Years

    For many college students, senior year can feel filled with pressure to have the “next step” completely figured out. Grad school? Full-time job? Professional school? Or something else entirely?In this episode, we explore the gap year perspective, the pros, the cons, the reality of struggle; what it really means to take time after graduation, how to decide if it’s right for you, and how to use that time intentionally. From navigating uncertainty to building professional skills, we discuss the realities, benefits, and considerations of stepping off the traditional path.Whether you’re thinking about law school, another professional program, or still exploring your options, this conversation will help you reflect on what makes the most sense for your goals.Topics Covered: When a gap year might be beneficialHow to make your gap year meaningfulGaining professional skills before grad schoolNetworking and leveraging faculty connectionsNavigating post-grad uncertaintyIf you’re planning after graduation and unsure of your next move, this episode is for you.Follow Thomas Azari on LinkedIn  / thomas-azari-75158a155  Subscribe for more career insights and student stories.

    26 min

  4. FEB 10

    Career Readiness in a Changing World

    In this episode of UMBC Careers Unleashed, we sit down with Christine Routzahn, Director of the UMBC Career Center, to talk about career confidence, applied learning, and how students can make the most of their college experience. From internships and experiential learning, to navigating uncertainty and new technologies, this conversation highlights how UMBC supports students and alumni at every stage of their career journey.Christine also shares personal insights as a first-generation college graduate and offers advice for students who may be unsure of their path, helping them see the possibilities ahead and build a career story that reflects who they are and where they want to go.Whether you are a current student, alum, or exploring your next step, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement for preparing for life after graduation.🔗 Learn more about UMBC Career Center resources:UMBC Career Center: https://careers.umbc.eduMTIP: https://mtip.umbc.edu2025 / 2026 Career Guide: https://careers2.umbc.edu/tools/guide...Timestamps:0:00 - Opening Clip (Finding Your Place)0:31 - Welcome Back Retrievers!3:08 - Career Controversy18:44 - Where Do You See Yourself?28:50 - Getting a Foot In the Door35:00 - Parting Words

    39 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    What Employers Want on Your Resume: Skills & Structure with Live Edits from Career Coaches | Ep 22

    What are employers really looking for on a resume—and how do recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) actually read it? In this episode, career coaches and trained peer reviewers edit three real resumes live, sharing insider feedback on what works, what doesn’t, and how to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Get an inside look at how human reviewers and ATS systems evaluate resumes, plus actionable tips you can apply immediately. We cover:The top skills employers are looking forWhat to include (and remove) from your resumeResume summaries vs. objectives—and when to use eachHow to pivot career paths and frame transferable skillsHow to talk about and keep associate degrees on your resumeSpace-saving and formatting strategiesWriting strong bullet points: what you did, how you did it, and the resultPrioritizing experiences so your resume gets noticedWhether you’re applying for internships, your first job, or making a career change, this episode gives you real-time resume edits, recruiter insight, and practical advice to help your application rise to the top.👉 Watch to see the edits in real time and listen for expert context you won’t find in generic resume guides.Check out UMBC Career Guide for More Advice and Resume Help : https://careers2.umbc.edu/tools/guide.pdf#resumereview #careeradvice #resumetips #atsreview #skills #collegeadvice #careerpivot #associatedegreeresume #jobsearch #applicationwriting

    46 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    Is Grad School Still Worth It? Skills vs. Degrees in Today’s Job Market

    Thinking about grad school but not sure if it’s the right move? In this episode of UMBC Careers Unleashed, we break down what employers value today, how to decide if grad school is worth the investment, and what steps you should take—whether you’re planning a gap year, building your program list, or looking for research opportunities with faculty. We cover everything from funding and recommendation letters to networking, CVs vs. résumés, and crafting a strong personal statement. ⏱ Episode Chapters00:00 – Intro: Is grad school worth it today?02:10 – Skills vs. Degrees: What employers care about most04:45 – Should YOU go to grad school? Key questions07:30 – Do big-name programs matter?10:55 – Gap years: Pros, cons & how to plan one13:20 – Finding research opportunities on campus16:40 – Navigating recommendation letters20:05 – Building your grad school list (deadlines, requirements, funding)23:40 – CVs vs. Résumés26:12 – Finding mentors & building your support system28:45 – Networking beyond job searching31:00 – Best career & grad school planning tools34:15 – Using campus and industry resources40:28 – Personal Statement vs. Statement of Purpose + Final Thoughts 🔗 Resources MentionedWhat Can I Do With This Major?Occupational Outlook HandbookSteppingblocksRetrievers ConnectFaculty Research DatabasesGrad School Funding ToolsUMBC Graduate FundingUMBC Career Guide 💬 Join the ConversationThinking about grad school? Drop your questions—we might feature them in a future episode! #careeradvice #gradschooltips #careerpodcast #collegeadvice #graduateschool @umbc @umbcdivisionofstudentaffairs @umbcDPS

    46 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Beyond the Major: The Path You Create

    In this episode of UMBC Careers Unleashed, host Isaiah sits down with UMBC student Anna Kim, who is designing her own path through an individualized major focused on Decision Neuroscience. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a college journey around your passions, this conversation is for you. Anna opens up about discovering her interests through real-world experiences, navigating campus life as a commuter, and building confidence through clubs, community, and on-campus jobs. She shares how involvement in organizations like Mock Trial helped shape her identity, skill set, and long-term career goals. Whether you’re an INDS student, undecided on your major, or figuring out how your experiences connect to future opportunities, this episode is filled with practical insights and Retriever-tested advice to help you move forward with clarity and purpose. Follow Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-kim-538b2a176 Individualized Studies Major: https://inds.umbc.edu/ Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome Retrievers!1:18 – Career Controversy5:00 – Working on Campus11:35 – Why Neuroscience?27:56 – Bye Retrievers! Keywords:#UMBC #IndividualizedMajor #DecisionNeuroscience #CollegePath #StudentLife #CampusJobs #MockTrial #CollegeStudentTips #DiscoverYourPassion #CareerAdvice @umbc​

    28 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    College Starter Pack: Time Management, Advisors & Finding Your Path | Ep 19

    🎓 College feeling overwhelming? Learn how to take control of your time, connect with the right advisors, and plan your academic path with confidence. In this episode, Dr. Ransome and host Stephanie share Retriever-tested tips and tools for better time management, organization, and balance — so you can thrive in college and beyond. 🐾 You’ll learn:• How to manage your time and schedule effectively• The power of connecting with academic advisors• Ways to plan your courses and career path with clarity• Tools to stay organized and stress-free• Tips for balancing academics, work, and personal life 🎧 Perfect for students looking for real college advice, academic success strategies, and productivity tips that actually work. 🔗 Helpful Links:Academic Advising AppointmentsUMBC Student ResourcesTools for Time Management & Organization 🕒 Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome Retrievers!1:15 – Time Management Tips That Actually Work5:40 – Making the Most of Your Advisors10:22 – Planning Your Academic Path15:50 – Staying Organized & Reducing Stress21:10 – Balancing Life, Work, and Classes27:05 – Key Tools & Resources for College Success32:00 – Final Advice #collegeadvice #studentlife #academicplanning #timemanagement #collegepodcast #UMBC #collegeproductivity

    49 min
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About

Unlock your career potential with UMBC Careers Unleashed—a career advice podcast for college students and early-career professionals looking for internship tips, job search strategies, professional development guidance, and real stories from UMBC Retrievers. Each episode breaks down what you need to succeed in today’s job market—from resume and interview tips to networking strategies, choosing a major, grad school advice, and building strong career-ready skills. Whether you're exploring majors, searching for internships, preparing for your first job, or planning your next step after graduati

Information

  • Creator
    UMBC Career Center
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UMBC Career Center
  • Show Website
    UMBC Careers Unleashed