Navigating Your Experience

Review the Graduation Checklist. Make sure you apply for graduation by the deadline.

If you plan on going to graduate school immediately after graduation, begin the application process for your chosen schools a year before you graduate.

Visit the MyUMUC student portal regularly to view your progress and any outstanding documentation.

Print out the Student Planner use it to plan your semester. You can find the Student Planner for the current semester in the Advisor Corner of the Connect@UMUC Web site.

Contact your Academic Advisor to discuss your progress in your program. Check which of your courses require prerequisites, so that you can schedule your courses properly. Ask if your program has a Capstone course and when you should take it.

Visit Graduation Services to learn of graduation processes and activities.

Use the Effective Writing Center so that you can continue to improve your writing skills.

Make sure you are familiar with the Information and Library Services.

Research the Tutoring and Support Services to see if any could supplement your classes.

Contact other students in your classes to form study groups.

If you plan to change jobs or careers in the next year, begin reviewing local job listings to find out what you skills you still need to qualify. Sign up for Career Quest.

Check Career Services to learn of upcoming events.

Consider whether graduate school is an option for you, or if it is a requirement in your chosen field. If so, learn the process and admission requirements.  Consider UMUC's graduate programs.

Schedule a consultation with Career Services to receive guidance on your career strategy and career plan.

Communicate with your mentor(s). (Check out the Art of Mentoring article.)

Research your industry and learn about latest trends and practices: find local workshops, seminars, or conferences to attend.

Meet students in your classes and in the academic clubs who share the same or similar career aspirations and commit to staying in touch with them.

Put your education to work by applying what you learn in each course to something valuable in your desired career.

Develop an ongoing portfolio of lessons learned, assignments, experiences, and other items to ensure you are ready to demonstrate your preparation for your desired career.

Learn about the Alumni Association and join the online alumni community.

Volunteer to become a mentor in the Allies Mentoring Program.

Volunteer for UMUC 411, to meet other students, faculty, and to help prospective students.

See if you are eligible for any honor societies.

Review the list of online Academic Student Clubs and join one or more that meets your interests. Student Clubs enable students to meet other students with similar interests, provide student and leadership development opportunities, and help students to learn more about career fields. 

Participate in the annual History Essay or the Social Sciences Essay competitions.

Join UMUC's social network by following UMUC on Facebook, Twitter, YouYube, LinkedIn, Flickr, and the Experience UMUC blog.