UMBC Careers Unleashed

In this episode of UMBC Careers Unleashed, we pull back the curtain on the doctoral journey with PhD candidates Neil Kpamegan and Claire McDonald. We’re moving past the ivory tower stereotypes to talk about the actual grit it takes to survive research, the reality of living on a stipend, and what happens when your academic ego finally meets its match. Neil and Claire open up about their paths thro...

What can a hackathon actually do for you? In this episode, we take you inside the world of Hackathons, guided by none other than Bella Goltser, UMBC's very own Hackathon President. We're here to explore how college students can build real skills in just 24 hours. We talk about how Hackathons help you develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that go far beyond coding. You...

In this episode of UMBC Careers Unleashed, we get real about what it’s like navigating today’s tough job market. We know what it's like to send out applications every day with zero responses, deal with “ghost jobs”, and face the uncertainty of graduating! Isaiah shares his personal experience as a senior applying consistently and facing silence, while we break down what’s actually happening be...

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. Ma...

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 academi...

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 tha...

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 s...

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...

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 recommendati...

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...

🎓 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 effectivel...

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...

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 confid...

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 inte...

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 stu...

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 recruitin...

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 ar...

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 fe...

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 st...

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...

🎙️ 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 o...

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 throug...

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 startin...

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, pre...

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...