UMBC Careers Unleashed

🎙️ Inside Internships dives into real UMBC student stories—how Kayla and Anil navigated their internships in unexpected ways and turned them into game-changing career experiences. From graphic design at a top research lab to operations and political science at a major financial firm, they share how you can apply your major in creative and unconventional ways.

💡 Get inspired by real-world advice on landing internships, using transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, leadership, and Excel, and making the most of every opportunity—even if it’s not your dream job (yet).

Whether you're in STEM, social sciences, arts, or humanities, this episode offers practical tips for: ✔️ Finding internships without a 4.0 GPA ✔️ Building a powerful skill set (teamwork, adaptability, data analysis, and more) ✔️ Rethinking what your career path could look like

🔗 Plus, check out our article on unconventional internships for even more inspo.

Perfect for college students, transfer students, and early-career explorers looking to unlock the full value of their degree.

Continue the conversation with Kayla and Anil in Episode 5: Non-linear internships! https://youtu.be/RguJTgEijm0

@umbc @UMBCCareers

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.

Ever wonder why everyone keeps telling you to “get experience”—but no one tells you what that really means? In this episode, we’re diving into the world of experiential learning—what it is, why it matters, and how it can totally transform your education, your resume, and your confidence.

We bring you real stories, relatable examples, and plenty of laughs as we explore the power of learning through doing. Yes, internships are great—but they’re just the tip of the experiential learning iceberg.

Tune in for an energetic, down-to-earth conversation about some of the many ways to gain experience:

• Research opportunities

• Volunteering

• Student leadership roles

• Part-time jobs

• Service-learning projects

• Job shadowing

• Creative projects and portfolios

• Campus clubs and orgs

• Practicum courses and co-ops

• Freelance work or side gigs

• Hackathons and case competitions

Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next opportunity, this episode will help you find a path that meets you where you are—and gets you where you want to go.

💡 Expect insights, inspiration, and a reminder that you don’t have to wait until you graduate to start building your future.

Resources:

Inbox: [email protected]

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

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

Webpage: careers.umbc.edu

Shriver Center: https://shrivercenter.umbc.edu/

Mock Trials: https://politicalscience.umbc.edu/student-organizations/umbc-mock-trial/

CoLab: https://summer.umbc.edu/summer-at-umbc/beyond-the-classroom/colab/

PRAC Course to Support Experiential Learning: https://careers.umbc.edu/students/find/internship/earn-academic-credit/

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.

Hey Retrievers! 🐾 Did you know that Career & Self-Development is one of the top skills employers want? (Check out the full list in the report below!) But between classes, work, and life, finding time for career prep can feel impossible.

No time? No problem. The UMBC Career Center makes career growth accessible on your schedule, whether virtually or in-person (and is a big reason for starting this podcast!) In this episode, we’re bringing Career Center Appointments to you—appointments are your personalized way to get career guidance, job search support, and networking strategies without disrupting your busy life.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

🔎 How to maximize Career Center resources—on your time

📆 The different types of career appointments and how they help- what you can do to get started on your own today

💼 Job search, networking, and interview tips straight from career coaches

📈 How to start building your Career & Self-Development skills today

Buckle up—this episode is packed with insider advice, expert tips, and practical tools to get you moving. Save this episode so you can revisit these insights throughout your job search journey!

🔗 All career tools & resources linked below! 💼✨

Top Competencies for Career Readiness

Resources to Get Started:

📩 Contact us: [email protected]

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

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UMBCcareers

🌐 Career Center Webpage: careers.umbc.edu

📝 Personal Statement Guide

📖 Career Guide

📄 LinkedIn Connection Guide

❓ Sample Interview Questions Worksheet

🎥 Big Interview Platform

💼 Retrievers Connect (Mentorship & Networking)

🚀Handshake Appointments & Job Listings

#UMBC #CareerSuccess #Networking #JobSearch #Internships #CareersUnleashed

Timestamps:

2:00 Controversy: Do you have to engage with the Career Center directly to get value from the Career Center? 

14:00 Unleashing Resume Appointment- what to expect and answers to common questions

18:30 Cover Letter and Personal Statement Appointment- tips and structure

27:00 Internship and Job Search Strategies Appointment

33:15 Interview Preparation Appointment

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, Graphics by Dustin Eby, Sam Nguyen, and Tolulupe Ajabade.

Are you feeling nervous about interviews? Wondering what job and career options there are for you? Have you been applying for jobs and internships for months with no progress? 🎙️Welcome to UMBC Careers Unleashed!This episode is packed with practical advice and resources tailored for your career journey. You will walk away with top tips on navigating your nerves, networking and job searching, preparing or not preparing, figuring out what you can do, and tons of tools and resources you can access RIGHT NOW, wherever you are.📝Comment with other questions you have!We will do this segment every so often so we can tackle head on what you need answered now. Questions answered in this episode:  "What do I do if I’m nervous in an interview?" | “How do I answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ | “How do I figure out what I am interested in?” | “I have been applying for months online and still don’t have a job, what do I do?” 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

📩 Questions and Inquiries?[email protected]

👩‍💻Interview Prep Platform:Big Interview 

💼Find Jobs & Internships: Career Center and On-Campus Recruiting |Handshake | LinkedIn | Idealist📚Explore Majors & Careers: FOCUS2 Assessment |Stepping Blocks|Additional Tools

🔍Network Like a Pro: Retrievers Connect | UMBC LinkedIn Alumni📅Career Appointments: Schedule Here

Episode Highlights:

⏰ 2:23 – "What do I do if I’m nervous in an interview?"

⏰ 6:00 - Preparing- what does that look like?

⏰ 9:00 - Answering “Tell Me About Yourself”

⏰ 14:45 - “How do I figure out what I am interested in?”

⏰ 23:10 - “I have been applying for months online and still don’t have a job, what do I do?” 

⏰ 33:00 - “How do I find and get a job or internship?”

Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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, Graphics by Dustin Eby, Sam Nguyen, and Tolulupe Ajabade.

Struggling to make networking feel natural? In this episode, Isaiah Dunn, Marykate Conroy, and Stephanie Taylor Okoukoni share their personal experiences and expert advice to help you navigate the world of networking with confidence. Learn how to approach professionals and peers authentically—whether at a career fair, in a coffee shop, or during everyday encounters. Packed with actionable tips and honest conversations, this episode will inspire you to overcome your fears, make meaningful connections, and take charge of your career journey. Don’t miss this must-listen guide to stress-free networking! Comment with your questions and share what approach to networking has worked for you.

Resources:

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

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

Political Science Mentor Program: https://politicalscience.umbc.edu/mentor-mentee-program/

Timestamps:

2:58: Controversy- Which is more important: Who you know, or what you know?

10:59: What is Networking...for real

31:46: "But it all feels so calculated..."

37:30: The pressure is on, time is of the essence– how to navigate the urgency

39:00: I’m underrepresented or I don’t know anybody, how to be strong in a position of disadvantage

50:55: I only have 1-2 min to interact with someone and make an impression (like at a career fair or mixer)

53:33: What someone appreciates when being "networked" with

55:00: Resources to reduce your stress and fear around networking

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 funded and hosted 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.

In this episode, we dive into the realities of job hunting for college students, tackling imposter syndrome, virtual interview challenges, and the frustration of applications that lead to silence. Get practical tips to build confidence, make the most of your interviews, and handle the dreaded 'no response' situation with resilience. Whether you're prepping for interviews or recovering from a tough job search experience, this conversation is packed with relatable insights and advice to keep you motivated.

How do I prepare for and navigate an interview effectively? How do I cope with my nerves during an interview? What questions are asked and how do I communicate the best version of myself in interviews?

Hear from Isaiah Dunn's experience interviewing for an RA position and internships and Stephanie Taylor Okoukoni's experience as a recruiter and career coach!

Resources:

⁠⁠Big Interview⁠⁠

⁠⁠Career Coaching Interview Prep Appointment⁠⁠- Career Center, Appointments

Episode Timestamps:

2:45 How much should you prepare?

10:10 Understanding personality differences in preparation

12:25 RA Interview Process- Isaiah's experience

16:20 Navigating Nerves in the Interview

23:45 Elements of your "Elevator Pitch"/ Your Intro

27:33 STAR Method guide for answering behavioral interview questions

29:34 Flipping the Script- Questions for the Interviewer

35:07 How to Close the Interview

40:46 I Forgot the Question! What do I do?

Ever wondered:

This week on UMBC Careers Unleashed, we are taking it Beyond the Resume and diving deep with Stephanie Taylor Okoukoni and Isaiah Dunn. Join the discussion, should your resume be only one page? Why do we choose the major we study? What if I have multiple interests?