CAREER COUNSELING APPOINTMENTS

Individual appointments are designed to assist students and alumni with career goal clarifications, resume and cover letter reviews, networking ideas, job search strategies, effective interviewing techniques and salary negotiations. Current students or alumni should contact C. Bryan Kempton, Associate Director of Career Services and Alumni Relations, at bkempton@umd.edu to schedule an appointment.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

During the academic year, career development workshops are offered to help School of Public Policy students gain a competitive edge when searching for jobs and internships. Topics include resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, job searching, networking and others. Dates, times and locations for these programs are advertised via email and on flyers throughout Van Munching Hall.

PUBLIC POLICY CAREER PANELS

Attend panel presentations where policy professionals and alumni share helpful information about their professional experiences, career progression and current trends in the public policy arena. Typically, panelists also provide guidance on preparing for your internship and job search processes and gaining important experiences while at the School of Public Policy.

WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

This unique program provides financial support for otherwise unpaid internships. Eligible internships will offer experienced-based learning in non-profit, community-based and governmental organizations. Students spend up to one semester working part-time, or one summer working full-time, on projects that allow them to apply the analytical skills they gain in class to real world situations. Further information and application materials (PDF) are available on-line.

PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWS (PMF) PROGRAM

The PMF Program is designed to attract outstanding students to the federal workforce. Through an extremely competitive process, finalists receive an initial two-year appointment and eligibility for conversion to a permanent government position and further promotional opportunities. Many School of Public Policy students receive PMF appointments. The School helps prepare students for the PMF selection process and job search by offering an in-depth mock assessment and information session.

MARYLAND MENTOR PROGRAM

This exciting program for second-year students approaching graduation supplements the formal curriculum by matching community and national leaders with second-year students that share similar interests. Mentors provide sound advice that can add immeasurably to students' opportunities for finding jobs. Maryland Mentors include presidents and directors of private and non-profit organizations and high-level government officials. Further information including a list of current mentors are available on-line.

CAREER NETWORKING NIGHT

Career Networking Night offers students the opportunity to interact with School of Public Policy alumni and employers from the non-profit, private and public sectors to discuss full-time and internship positions and receive job searching leads and advice. This exciting event is held annually each spring semester in downtown Washington, DC.

Students and alumni have access to the Office of Career Services' sizable collection of resources containing current internship and job openings as well as career-related job search guides. We also maintain numerous and extensive employer literature files. A listing of helpful web-based career resources is also available.

ONLINE CAREER CENTER

School of Public Policy students and alumni access current internships and full-time job lisitings, apply for jobs and contact employers through the School's Online Career Center. Employers also use this system to search for students who post their resumes in virtual resume books. The system can be accessed at www.umdpolicyjobs.com.

ON-CAMPUS RECRUITING

Attend employer information sessions and on-campus interviews for internships and full-time positions. This is a convenient way for employers to meet students and for students to learn about a variety of positions. Presentations and on-campus interview schedules are announced via email each semester.

PI ALPHA ALPHA (PAA)

This national honors society recognizes and promotes excellence in the study and practice of public affairs and administration.School of Public Policy recipients of PAA membership receive recognition at Spring Commencement and are invited to participate in chapter leadership and activities.