Appointments

Appointments may be scheduled online (via Handshake), by phone, or by stopping by the Career Center (Math/Psych 201). All appointments must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.  Currently we offer in-person, virtual (via Handshake), and phone appointments.

Schedule an Appointment

  1. Simply log into your Handshake account
  2. Click on “Career Center” from the menu
  3. Click on “Appointments”
  4. Click on the “Schedule a New Appointment” button

Begin by:

  1. Selecting an appointment category
  2. Select your appointment type
  3. Then select from the available appointment dates and times
  4. You can also filter by staff member or appointment medium – in-person, virtual on Handshake, or phone.

Also view our Career Center appointment video.

Students attending Shady Grove can use the UMBC Career Center on the Baltimore campus and also access support directly at USG. The Macklin Center for Academic and Leadership Success helps with resumes, cover letters, interview practice, LinkedIn, and graduate school preparation (USG appointments can made online or by emailing usg-macklin@umd.edu). The Office of Strategic Partnerships (OSP) connects students with employers and provides job and internship support, career mentors, CliftonStrengths coaching, and career workshops (email usg-partnerships@umd.edu for details).

USG Appointments

Appointment Types and Summer Hours

Career Counseling

Mon & Fri, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Virtual Only
Tues – Thurs, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. In-Person & Virtual

Drop-Ins: In-Person, No appointment needed

Tues & Wed, 2 – 4 p.m.

15-minute in-person sessions at the Career Center (Math/Psych 201), for résumé and cover letter critiques, Handshake questions, or an overview of our services. Last drop-in taken at 3:45 p.m. No appointment needed. Simply stop by the Career Center.

Express Appointments: Virtual

Mon & Thurs, 2 – 4 p.m.

15-minute remote sessions, for cover letter and résumé critiques, Handshake questions, or an overview of our services can be scheduled through Handshake. Simply log into your Handshake account, click “Career Center,” “Appointments,” “Schedule a New Appointment,” then select “Express Appointments,” and “Express Appointments (15 Minutes)”

Cancellation Policy

A minimum of 24-hours notice is required to cancel a scheduled appointment. This can be done through Handshake or by calling the Career Center (410-455-2216). For more information on late cancellations and counseling appointment no-shows see our Terms of Professional Conduct for Students.

Appointment Topics

Best if you’re undecided about your major, considering a change in major, or planning a career transition and want clarity on your next steps. In addition, we can help you design a career plan and interpret career assessment results (iFOCUS2, MBTI).

  • Career exploration and goal setting – 60 min

Schedule an Appointment

These appointments support resumes, CVs (Curriculum Vitae), cover letters, and personal statements. Refining a draft, just getting started, or tailoring documents for specific roles or opportunities. Please remember to upload your documents to Handshake before appointments!

  • Résumé/CV Reviews – 30 or 60 min
  • Cover Letter Review – 30 or 60 min
  • Personal Statements – 30 min (non graduate school)

Express Application Material Review (Peer Reviewed) – 15 min

Best when you need a quick check of your cover letter or resume. These express appointments provide fast, focused feedback to help you submit with confidence.

  • Express Résumé or CV Review – 15 min
  • Express Cover Letter Review – 15 min
  • Visit us during Drop‑In Hours or Schedule a Virtual Express Appointment

Schedule an Appointment

Best if you’re actively searching for an internship and want a clear, personalized plan to move forward with confidence. These appointments help you build an effective search and networking strategy, use Handshake and LinkedIn more strategically, and develop outreach skills that connect you with real opportunities.

  • Job & Internship Search Strategy – 30 min

Schedule an Appointment

Best if you’re actively searching for a professional position and want a clear, personalized plan to move forward with confidence. These appointments help you build an effective search and networking strategy, use Handshake and LinkedIn more strategically, and develop outreach skills that connect you with real opportunities.

  • Networking & LinkedIn Strategy – 30 min or 60 min

Schedule an Appointment

Best if you have an upcoming interview and want to feel confident and prepared going in. These appointments help you understand interview formats, practice strong answers using the STAR method, and get targeted feedback—from quick prep and etiquette tips to a full mock interview that simulates the real experience.

Schedule an Appointment

Best if you’ve received a job or internship offer—or expect one soon—and want to make a confident, informed decision. These appointments help you evaluate offers, understand salary and benefits, and weigh the pros and cons. Practice negotiation strategies with effective, tailored responses.

  • Job Offer Review & Salary Negotiation – 30 or 60 min

Best if you’re applying to graduate school or fellowship programs and want expert guidance through the process. Discuss the application process, learn how to explore programs, refine application materials (e.g., personal statements), and prepare for graduate school interviews.

  • Graduate School, Fellowship Application Strategy – 60 min
  • Graduate School, Fellowship Personal Statement Review – 60 min
  • Graduate School, Fellowship Interview Prep / Practice Interview – 60 min
  • Personal Statement Review – 30 min

Schedule an Appointment