Your mapped-out journey to career success begins here. The Hawk Flight Career Plan is your year-by-year guide to growing personally and professionally, with clear milestones designed to help you Soar to Success. Checkout each year to explore key action steps that will prepare you for your future career.
Your mapped-out journey to career success begins here.
Check out each year, to explore key action steps that will prepare you for your future career. It provides clear milestones to help you stay on track and Soar to Success.
The Hawk Flight Career Plan is a year-by-year guide to your personal and professional growth.
Takeoff:
Discover your interests. Explore your options. Prepare for flight.
Explore Your Interests: Take career assessments to identify your interests, values, personality, and skills.
ConnectMajorstoCareers: Learn how different majors align with career paths.
If You’re Undecided: Meet with a Career Specialist to explore your options and clarify your direction.
Engage Early : Attend career workshops, panels, and campus events.
Start Building Draft yourfirst achievements
The first step in your Hawk Flight Career Plan is all about self-discovery and exploration. This is your time to get curious, ask questions, and learn about the many paths available to you at UMES and beyond.
Use Campus Resources: Visit the Career and Professional Development Center’s website to explore career planning tools, events, and opportunities.
Volunteer: Participate in community service to develop soft skills and gain experience.
Get Involved: Join student organizations or online communities related to your interests.
Your Résumé : résumé using and experiences .
Create Your Career Profile : Set up your Hawk Connect and LinkedIn profiles skills.
begins with knowing yourself.
BUILD SKILLS.
EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES.
CHART YOUR COURSE.
BUILD EXPERIENCE
DEVELOP SKILLS
PREPARE FOR INTERNSHIPS
STRENGTHEN PROFESSIONAL BRAND
ENGAGE WITH THE CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
In your sophomore year, it’s time to get involved, develop your skills, and gain hands-on experience. You’re now in the pilot seat—start actively navigating your academic and career journey with purpose and curiosity.
Join student organizations and take on leadership roles.
Participate in part-time jobs, volunteer work, or job shadowing.
Explore internship or research opportunities related to your interests.
Identify and begin developing skills relevant to your career goals.
Start connecting what you’re learning in class to real-world applications.
Begin your internship search for next summer.
Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your field.
Create or update your résumé to reflect new experiences.
Build and polish your LinkedIn and Hawk Connect profiles.
Visit The President’s Professional Clothes Closet to obtain professional attire.
Attend career fairs, networking events, and employer info sessions.
Participate in workshops and seminars on job search strate- gies.
Gain Professional Experience:
Apply for internships, co-ops, or part-time jobs in your field.
Take on leadership roles in student or professional organizations.
Enhance Your Professional Brand
Update your résumé with new accomplishments and relevant experience.
Strengthen your LinkedIn profile, Hawk Connect, and/or digital portfolio.
Refine Career Goals & Explore Next Steps
Clarify your career path and begin researching graduate/ professional programs.
Start preparing for entrance exams (e.g., GRE, LSAT, GMAT) if applicable.
Prepare for Applications and Interviews
Meet with a Career Specialist to review your résumé, cover letters, and applications.
Schedule mock interviews to practice and refine your interviewing skills.
Visit The President’ s Professional Clothes Closet to obtain professional interview attire.
Build and Leverage Your Network
Network with alumni, faculty, and professionals in your Industry.
Conduct informational interviews and attend career fairs and networking events.
focus on deepening your experience, expanding your network, and meaningful opportunities that prepare you for life after graduation.
Confirm your next step: full-time job, graduate/ professional school, or fellowship. Research application timelines, requirements, and deadlines for jobs or grad programs.
Meet with a Career Specialist to build and review your final plan.
Prepare and Apply
Finalize your résumé, cover letter, and personal statement.
Secure strong professional references (professors, mentors, supervisors).
Submit job applications, grad school applications, or fellowship materials on schedule.
Attend career fairs and employer events for final leads.
Connect with professionals, alumni, and mentors in your field.
Refine your online presence (LinkedIn, Hawk Connect, digital portfolio).
Complete the Graduation Clearance Survey. Keep the Career and Professional Development Center informed about your post-graduation plans we want to celebrate your accomplishments!
YOU’VE PREPARED FOR THIS MOMENT , NOW IT’S TIME TO LAND AND LAUNCH. Finalize your plans. Launch your future. Land with confidence.
Prepare and Apply
Finalize your résumé, cover letter, and personal statement.
Secure strong professional references (professors, mentors, supervisors).
Submit job applications, grad school applications, or fellowship materials on schedule.
Strengthen your résumé with impactful experiences like community service, research, internships, or study abroad.
Sharpen Interview & Job Search Skills Practice with mock interviews (virtual and in-person).
Research companies and prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the interview. Meet with a Career Specialist for one-on-one support and salary negotiation tips.
Visit The President’s Professional Clothes Closet to obtain professional interview attire.
Your journey is nearing its destination. Senior year is all about executing your plan, securing opportunities, and stepping confidently into your next chapter whether that’s full-time employment, graduate school, or another professional pathway.
Explore Your Interests: Meet with the Career Professional Development Center team and speak with a career specialist. Located in the Student Service Center Room 2158.
ConnectMajorstoCareers: Begin to explore potential careers, job search, work on curriculum vita, practice interviewing, and evaluate job offers.
Engage Early : Attend all Career Fairs at the University.
Your graduate journey is just the beginning of your professional flight …..
Use Campus Resources: Meet with Career team to discuss the NACE Career Readiness Core Competencies.
Create Your Career Profile : Request letters of recommendation or permission for reference use.
Get To Know: Research U.S. Labor Department Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Graduate school is your next great ascent. Whether you’ re pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, your time at UMES is an opportunity to refine your expertise, expand your network, and prepare for leadership in your field.
