UMBC Careers Unleashed

🎓 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 Appointments
UMBC Student Resources
Tools 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

What happens when you mix finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership? You get Shriya Menon, a rising UMBC entrepreneur breaking barriers and redefining student success.

In this episode, Shriya shares how she:

Revived UMBC’s Entrepreneurship Club and Investing & Trading Club, transforming them into thriving student communities.

Learned key lessons about business and innovation from her family’s entrepreneurial roots.

Discovered the importance of delegation, collaboration, and time management through multiple leadership roles.

Turned her passion for finance and entrepreneurship into an upcoming Goldman Sachs internship.

Uses manifestation, networking, and strategic planning to create opportunities instead of waiting for them.

💡 Her biggest message? Don’t wait for opportunities — create them.

Connect with Shriya: LinkedIn and UMBCcareers: LinkedIn and Instagram

Learn more about the UMBC Entrepreneurship Club: entrepreneurship.umbc.edu

🎧 Tune in for inspiration, practical advice, and a reminder that leadership starts with initiative.

#careeradvice #studentsuccess #entrepreneurship #leadership #finance #womeninbusiness #umbc #careersunleashed

We’ve all heard the phrase “starving artist.” But UMBC alumna Gaby Echiverri proves it’s a myth. From considering law school to pursuing violin full-time, Gaby shares how she built a meaningful career in music—backed by UMBC’s supportive faculty, global study abroad experiences, and a master’s fellowship in performance.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to manage nerves and perform with confidence

• Why the “starving artist” stereotype is outdated

• The power of UMBC’s music community and alumni network

• Ways to combine creativity, communication, and advocacy into a career

• How artists can use their voice to uplift underrepresented composers

Perfect for students, creatives, and anyone curious about blending passion with purpose.

What happens when you mix computer science with entrepreneurship? For Adam Baji, VP of UMBC Entrepreneurs and Computer Science major, it means building skills, launching ideas, and shaping a more well-rounded future.In this episode, Adam shares:AI controversies: the challenge of digital content authenticity and what the AI–cybersecurity intersection means for the futureAdam’s interest in the intersection of AI and CybersecurityBuilding Courselens, a platform designed to help students make smarter class-registration decisions- winning investment money and partnering with UMBC.How entrepreneurship shaped his skill set beyond CS and made him a more versatile problem-solverCareer crossroads: choosing between opportunities at companies like Microsoft or starting your own ventureWhy “doing it scared” is a strength, not a setbackThe truth behind Rate My Professor and the power of your real networkStories from internships with the Ravens, research lab, and leading student organizations________________________________Adam leaves listeners with one big takeaway: immerse yourself in the spaces you’re in — that’s where growth happens.Follow Adam on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambaji/ and @Courselens on InstagramProveIt Competition Information: https://sga.umbc.edu/proveit/UMBC Entrepreneurs: https://entrepreneurship.umbc.edu/entrepreneurs-club-at-umbc/ @umbc  #careeradvice #studentsuccess #entrepreneurship #startup #ai #aiatwork

From whether your major defines your career path, to if unpaid internships are worth it, to the idea of needing “the perfect resume,” this episode is packed with real talk, insights, and practical advice to help you feel more confident about your career journey.Our very own from UMBC Career Center, Michelle and Marykate, are on the podcast today to help debunk some of the biggest career myths students face and drop some Retriever knowledge. 🐾 What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why your major doesn’t have to define your career path • The real value of unpaid internships (and how to make the most of them) • Whether you need a big-name internship to land a job • The truth about the so-called “perfect resume” • How to showcase experience as a student (yes, you have some!) • Why it’s okay if you don’t know your lifelong career path yet🔗 Helpful Links:- Career Advising Appointments: https://careers.umbc.edu/appointments/- Handshake (Jobs & Internships): https://umbc.joinhandshake.com/- UMBC Internships: https://careers.umbc.edu/employers/internships- Tools for Exploring Majors: https://careers.umbc.edu/tools/tools-for-exploring-majors-careersTimestamps:0:00 - Welcome Retrievers!01:43 - Myth 1: Your Major Must Align w/ Your Career Path05:21 - Myth 2: Are Unpaid Internships Worth It?09:03 - Myth 3: You Need to Work For a Reputable Company13:44 - Myth 4: I Have No Experience Because I Am a Student18:49 - Myth 5: The Perfect Resume27:15 - Myth 6: Needing Industry Experience for an Industry Job32:57 - Myth 7: All Internships Should Lead to Full-Time Employment 39:25 - Conclusion & Thank You!Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next big move, this episode will help you think outside the box and bust the myths holding you back.#careeradvice #careerpodcast #college #collegeadvice #internship #collegepodcast

Think recruiters don’t actually read your application? Think again. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on how recruiters really review resumes, what makes you stand out at a career fair, and the key traits hiring managers actually look for beyond your GPA.

Our guest, Ashley Bell, Campus Relationship Manager & Early Talent Senior Recruiter at T. Rowe Price, brings a decade of recruiting expertise and drops gems every student should hear—from resume clarity to navigating rejection.

👉 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How recruiters scan a resume in seven seconds (and what they notice first).

• The truth about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—and why writing for a human matters most.

• Can recruiters really remember you from a career fair? The surprising answer.

• Ashley’s favorite part of her job and what she and her colleagues value most in candidates.

• Resume tips: crafting powerful bullets, writing effective summaries, and keeping clarity front and center.

• Why being coachable, adaptable, and aligned with company values is more important than being “perfect.”

• What NOT to do when following up with recruiters—and smart alternatives that actually work.

• How to turn rejection into your career advantage.

• Ashley’s sage advice on interviews, networking, and career growth.
  

🔗 Helpful Links:

• Retrievers Connect: https://careers.umbc.edu/students/network/retrieversconnect/

• Handshake: https://app.joinhandshake.com/

• T. Rowe Price Internship Program: https://www.troweprice.com/corporate/us/en/careers/students-and-recent-graduates/internships-us.html

  Study: How recruiters scan resumes: The Ladders https://www.theladders.com/static/images/basicSite/pdfs/TheLadders-EyeTracking-StudyC2.pdf

Thanks for tuning in to Season 1 of UMBC Careers Unleashed!As we get ready to launch Season 2 in August, we're excited to share this collection of top career tips, inspiring student and alumni stories, and expert advice from our first season.Whether you're a student exploring majors, a recent graduate navigating the job market, or a professional planning your next move, these episodes are packed with actionable insights to help you build your resume, grow your network, prepare for applications and interviews, and level up your career.This podcast was created to support you at every stage of your career development wherever you are—on campus, during summer break, on your commute, at work 😉. So take some time this summer to rewatch, share, and apply what you learn. Your future career starts now.Follow us for more career guidance, internship insights, and job search strategies—Season 2 is just around the corner!#careeradvice #careerdevelopment #careerguidance #umbc  @umbc   @umbcDPS   @umbcdivisionofstudentaffairs  #resumetips #interviewtips #podcast #careerpodcast #experientiallearning #studyabroad #tips #careerreadiness #highereducation

This week’s episode is a must-listen if you are feeling overwhelmed by your academics or the job search. We sat down with Dr. Rowena Winkler for an honest, vulnerable conversation about her academic and career journey, the mental health challenges she faced along the way, and the tools that helped her persevere. Are you burning out trying to land the “perfect” job? Struggling with self-doubt or feeling like your best is never enough? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through it alone either.

Dr. Rowena shares powerful insights on the emotional toll of academics and the job search, especially for high-achievers, and how embracing vulnerability can actually help you move forward. You’ll learn how to create your personal “care team”—including friends, mentors, therapists, and coaches—and how to tap into resources like UMBC’s Retriever Integrated Health to support your mental well-being.This episode is for anyone whose academic schedule feels overwhelming—or who has ever felt stuck, stressed, or silently spiraling while trying to figure out what’s next.

🔗 Resources: Retrievers Integrated Health (RIH) online tools

Didn’t land the internship? Feeling stuck or unsure of what to do next? You’re not alone.

In this episode, we’re talking directly to students who are early in their academic journey, facing hiring freezes, or just haven’t been able to secure the internship they hoped for. Maybe you’ve applied to a bunch of roles with no response—or maybe opportunities in your field seem limited right now.

Don’t stress. There are ways to keep growing, building skills, and boosting your resume—even when traditional internships aren’t available. This episode is packed with practical, flexible options to help you keep moving forward and become a stronger candidate for the future.

What You’ll Learn:

• Ways to gain experience outside of internships

• On-campus programs and short-term projects you can join now

• Free and low-cost tools to boost your skills and confidence

• How to turn small opportunities into standout resume wins

Resources & Tools Mentioned in the Episode:

1. Micro-internships

Parker Dewey: https://info.parkerdewey.com/umbc

Retrievers Connect: https://retrieversconnect.umbc.edu/v2/

UMBC Woolies: https://welcomeretrievers.umbc.edu/woolies/

URA/ Undergrad Research Website: https://ur.umbc.edu/ura/

Handshake: https://careers.umbc.edu/handshake/

Google Career Certificates, Coursera: https://googlecerts.umbc.edu/enroll/

LinkedInLearning: https://learning.linkedin.com/

4. Leadership and Projects @ UMBC

In addition to in-class experiences: 

UMBC CoLab: https://iaac.umbc.edu/co-lab/

Maryland Public Service Scholars Programs: https://publicservicescholars.umbc.edu/

Student Organizations: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/studentorgs

Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program: https://meclp.umbc.edu/

Institute for Extended Learning, Professional Development Courses: https://ixlcourses.umbc.edu/umbc/course/course.aspx?catId=11

UpWork: https://www.upwork.com/

Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/?source=top_nav

Medium: https://medium.com/

Contently: https://contently.com/register

Kaggle:https://www.kaggle.com/

Freelancer: https://www.freelancer.com/

UMBC Career Center

Inbox: [email protected]

Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/umbccareers

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UMBCcareers

Webpage: careers.umbc.edu

Personal Statement guide link: https://careers.umbc.edu/students/documents/personal-statement/

Career Guide Link: https://careers2.umbc.edu/tools/guide.pdf

LinkedIn Alumni Group:  https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-maryland-baltimore-county/people/

LinkedIn Search Strategy Guide and Template: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1k1b0nTTmGTdoTT9OYuO-BZiZ4DBIIvF6wxAkla-Eo7g/edit?usp=sharing

Common/ Challenging Interview Questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ckm1iB7jFecSia-0F0UJ6rlZ5LV9DeA0HAhk9P4Cuxg/edit?usp=sharing

Link to Big Interview: https://careers.umbc.edu/tools/big-interview

Retrievers Connect: https://retrieversconnect.umbc.edu/

https://careers.umbc.edu/students/find/

Handshake Appointments: https://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus

Ever dreamed of studying or interning abroad but weren’t sure how to make it work with your schedule—or your wallet? In this episode, we dive into the transformative experiences of students who’ve studied in South Africa, Finland, and Japan. Join us in an inspiring discussion on how they made it work with their class schedules, got funding, and even earned money while overseas. We’ll bust the myth that you have to speak another language, share tips on finding the right program for you, and talk about how taking advantage of winter and summer breaks can open doors to unforgettable global experiences. Whether you're passport-ready or just starting to explore the idea, this episode is your guide to going global. @umbc   @umbcDPS  #podcast #careerready #studyabroad ResourcesOffice of Education Abroad: https://studyabroad.umbc.eduStudy Abroad 101: https://studyabroad.umbc.edu/study-abroad-101/ Sondheim Public Affairs Program: https://sondheim.umbc.edu/Global Communities and Social Change course: https://goabroad.umbc.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=40797ISEP Exchange : https://studyabroad.umbc.edu/isep-exchange/MLL 430 Internship Course: https://catalog.umbc.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=36&coid=109633Global (Abroad) Ambassador: https://isss.umbc.edu/global-ambassadors/#:~:text=UMBC's%20Global%20Ambassador%20Program%20brings,and%20undergraduate%2C%20current%20and%20future.Abroad Scholarships: https://studyabroad.umbc.edu/scholarships/Japanese Internships Abroad: https://mlli.umbc.edu/japanese-study-abroad/Thanks for listening to UMBC Careers Unleashed. If you have other questions about the job search or figuring out your career path, please comment, like, and subscribe. We are taking questions throughout the year and will be answering them here every other week. This podcast is sponsored by UMBC Career Center, Recording and Production by Judson Asomani, Directed by Marykate Conroy, Music and Intro by Isaiah Dunn, Hosted by Stephanie Taylor Okoukoni with co host and collaborator, Isaiah Dunn, Graphics by Dustin Eby, Sam Nguyen, and Tolulupe Ajabade.