Hawk Flight Career Plan: Yearly Milestones

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.

Priority Career Milestones

• Explore Your Interests: Take career assessments to identify your interests, values, personality, and skills
• Connect Majors to Careers: Learn how different majors align with career paths
• If You’re Undecided: Meet with a Career Advisor to explore your options and clarify your direction
• Engage Early: Attend career workshops, panels, and campus events
• Start Building Your Résumé: Draft your first résumé using high school achievements and new college experiences
• Create Your Career Profile: Set up your Hawk Connect and LinkedIn profiles
• Get Involved: Join student organizations or online communities related to your interests
• Volunteer: Participate in community service to develop soft skills and gain experience
• Use Campus Resources: Visit the Career & Professional Development Center’s website to explore career planning tools, events, and opportunities

Launch strong: Your career journey begins with knowing yourself.

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.

Priority Career Milestones

• Build Experience:
  • 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
• Develop Skills:
  • Identify and begin developing skills relevant to your career goals
  • Start connecting what you’re learning in class to real-world applications
• Prepare for Internships:
  • Begin your internship search for next summer
  • Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your field
• Strengthen Your Professional Brand:
  • 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
• Engage with the Career & Professional Development Center:
  • Attend career fairs, networking events, and employer info sessions
  • Participate in workshops and seminars on job search strategies

The more you explore, the clearer your destination becomes.

Now that you’ve explored and engaged, it’s time to take flight. In your junior year, focus on deepening your experience, expanding your network, and sharpening your professional identity. This is your moment to soar through meaningful opportunities that prepare you for life after graduation.

Priority Career Milestones

• Gain Professional Experience:
  • Apply for internships, co-ops, or part-time jobs in your field
  • Take on leadership roles in student or professional organizations
• 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) if applicable
• Enhance Your Professional Brand:
  • Update your résumé with new accomplishments and relevant experience
  • Strengthen your LinkedIn profile, Hawk Connect, and/or digital portfolio
• Build and Leverage Your Network:
  • Network with alumni, faculty, and professionals in your industry
  • Conduct informational interviews and attend career fairs and networking events
• Prepare for Applications and Interviews:
  • Meet with a Career Advisor 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

Soar higher by turning experience into confidence and connections.

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.

Priority Career Milestones

• Finalize Your Post-Graduation Plan
  • 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 Advisor 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
• Gain Meaningful Experience
  • 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 Advisor for one-on-one support and salary negotiation tips
  • Visit The President’s Professional Clothes Closet to obtain professional interview attire
• Network & Promote Yourself
  • 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)
• Celebrate and Share Your Success
  • 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.