Co-sponsored by the University Career Center & The President's Promise and the Study Abroad Office
Step 1. Setting Goals & Managing Expectations
Step 2. Establishing a Timeline
Step 3. Researching & Networking
Step 4. Following Through
Other Important Considerations

Wisdom From Abroad

"Make contacts overseas, either through correspondence or friendship with international students at Maryland.  With any job, knowing somebody in your field whom you can contact for advice or even a job is very important.  When trying to find a position internationally this becomes even more important." - Andrew Parker, UM '05,
Civil Engineer, Cuenca, Ecuador

Step 3: Researching & Networking

Researching and networking are part of the most fundamental and laborious steps in the process.

Keeping in mind the goals that you have established, your next step is to gain an understanding of the types of globally engaged opportunities available to you and how to access those opportunities.

Understanding Your Options
Network, Network, Network
Researching Hints
Important Considerations

Understanding Your Options

As a UM student, you are encouraged to be globally engaged. In general, a globally engaged experience is one that allows you to immerse yourself in a new international environment, meet local people and better understand a different culture. Within this broad range of experiences, there are many opportunities available to you.

Researching Hints

Researching your options can be very overwhelming when it seems that there is a world of opportunities at your fingertips and questions to ask throughout the search process. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind as you sort through your options.

  • Take advantage of your local resources! The University of Maryland has many campus resources at your disposal
  • Meet with a University Career Center career counselor or Study Abroad Advisor to discuss your options and how to prepare yourself for international work, intern or volunteer opportunities
  • Attend UM events on campus that are related to your field or region of interest
  • Use the Office of International Programs’ International Directory to identify professors, faculty and staff with related experience in your field or region of interest
  • List your basic criteria for a globally engaged experience including the duration, location and financial considerations involved. Keeping this in the forefront of your mind as you search and network will help you sort through your options
  • Pay attention to health and safety considerations for the location or type of work you plan to do. Refer to the Department of State travel advisories for reviews of such considerations for every country
  • Keep a thorough record of organizations and people you have spoken to and done research on
  • Talk to friends, family and colleagues who may have had international experience to get their advice
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Informational interviewing can assist you in understanding the ins and outs of a certain organization, position or program
  • Make sure you are aware of any eligibility requirements that are necessary to apply for a position or program
  • If you are considering a position or program with an organization, check the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been registered complaints for that organization or employer
  • Network! This can be a powerful tool in identifying specific opportunities or in providing information about working, interning or volunteering abroad

Network, Network, Network

Networking is the process of making contacts at organizations within your field or area of interest that allows you to gain specific information about that organization or field. Through networking, you are also exposing yourself and your qualifications to people in your desired field that may be able to assist you in identifying positions within that field.

Networking can happen formally (through informational interviewing or at an event such as a Career Fair) or informally (through family or friends). Either way, it can be an extremely powerful tool in opening avenues for employment.

Take advantage of many on campus events, groups and resources to network with professors, guest speakers & professionals in your particular international field of interest:

UM is also lucky to be within miles of Washington D.C., the nation’s capital and also a hub for international organizations and cultural events which lend themselves to networking opportunities for seeking international experiences.