Internships and Co-ops
The UCC@CMNS recommends pursuing internship and co-op opportunities to gain experience, develop your skills, and expand your network as an emerging professional. In fact, more than 85% of all Computer Science graduates in 2023 completed at least one internship during their undergraduate education.
One of the first steps to finding these opportunities is creating a profile on Handshake. This platform can connect you with various employers looking to hire University of Maryland students. Additionally, bi-annually, the Computer Science Department has a Career Fair that allows students and employers to meet and discuss the opportunities for internships and full-time employment. The University Career Center (UCC) also has a career fair at which students may interact with employers. You can find events that will assist you in preparing for our career fairs via the STEM Career & Internship Fairs resource guide. The Computer Science department also encourages students to check our the CS Newsletter or the Computer Science Undergraduate Advising ELMS course frequently for internship and employment opportunities.
Traditionally, students participate in internship opportunities during the summer term, but students can also find opportunities during the fall, winter, and spring terms. For students interested in completing an internship during the fall or spring semester (sometimes known as a co-op), please visit the following resources for additional information:
Finding an Internship
Having strong application materials such as a resume and cover letter, are essential for making yourself a competitive applicant. The University Career Center & The President’s Promise offers several resources and services to assist you in this process. Consider reviewing our resume basics module, booking a resume/cover letter review appointment through Handshake, or enrolling in our career course: EDP108i. Students can also reach out directly to our college-specific career services team by emailing cmnscareers [at] umd [dot] edu. If you have questions regarding internships, co-ops, and career information (including resume guidance) please visit the UCC@CMNS website for more information or email them.
Statement on Recruiting
We are thrilled that so many outstanding companies are interested in our computer science students at the University of Maryland. As such, our students often find themselves under a great deal of pressure to make a decision about where to start their careers. The University Career Center & The President's Promise recommends that if a student is offered a full-time position at the end of a summer internship, they have until the end of October to make a decision about that offer. If students are offered a position during the fall or spring semester, it is requested that students have three weeks from the date of a written offer to make a decision. The same holds true for students being offered summer internships in August or September.
Evaluating Job Offers
Receiving and Evaluating Offers
Once you receive an offer, the hardest part of the job search might be over but you still need to make an important decision - so take some time to give it serious thought. You are not obligated to accept a job on the spot, and in fact, the UCC@CMNS recommends giving yourself time to fully evaluate the offer. It’s easy to get swept up in the moment, but instead of immediately giving the employer a “YES,” it is recommended that you thank them and express your enthusiasm about the opportunity to join the team. You may also let them know that you’d like to review the full offer, as this is not a decision you take lightly.
Once you receive the offer in writing, you have the opportunity in most cases to negotiate your offer and fully evaluate if the package will work for you. UCC@CMNS has a tip sheet to help you with this process, but is also available to meet with you. You may also find it helpful to check out this LinkedIn Learning Guide. Email cmnscareers [at] umd [dot] edu if you are in urgent need of advising as you negotiate.
Managing Multiple Applications and Offers
If you receive an offer, but still have pending applications with other companies, be sure to reach out to the other employers to explain your situation and ask for an additional week or two to make a final decision. (Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for an extension; this looks like you are not planning ahead.)
Consequences of Reneging on an Accepted Offer
Before you renege on an offer, consider the implications.
Have you communicated any and all concerns with your recruiter or hiring manager? Many times, concerns can be addressed. You matter! The University Career Center is here to support and guide you through your decisions. Please reach out to discuss your situation and strategize about options before making a decision to renege. You can reach advisors specific to our college at cmnscareers [at] umd [dot] edu.
If you decide to renege on your commitment to accept a different offer, be aware, there will be consequences.
Reneging damages your professional reputation and that of the University of Maryland. Your actions jeopardize opportunities for other students. Your Handshake account will be disabled and you will be required to meet with a University Career Center (UCC) advisor. You will be required to compose a sincere letter of apology, explaining your actions, which the University Career Center will review and add to your file, before you submit it to the recruiter with a copy to your University Career Center contact. Future recruiting privileges will also be evaluated at that time. Learn more about the center’s policy here.
More advice to consider.
Your professional identity is impacted by reneging. Recruiters do not always stay at the same employer and you could cross paths with a recruiter whose offer you reneged on later in your career. Recruiters from different companies also communicate with each other, either informally at career fairs or more formally through industry/professional association networking events. Recruiters who feel particularly let down by a candidate reneging could choose to warn counterparts about that candidate’s behavior or share the school they graduated from, affecting the candidate and their fellow students.
Employer Rescinds or Defers Employment
An employer rescinding a job offer is rare, but unfortunately, it does happen. An organization should only resort to this option when there are no realistic alternatives, such as when an employer is downsizing. If a company/organization rescinds or defers its offer of employment to you, please notify our University Career Center team immediately by contacting cmnscareers [at] umd [dot] edu. Advisors will be able to support you in navigating next steps.
The NACE Advisory Opinion: Rescinded and Deferred Employment Offers recommends that if an employer must revoke an offer, the employer should let the candidate know as soon as possible. The employer should also consider offering some type of assistance to help the student get back into the recruiting process, such as providing outplacement services or a stipend to help the student cover expenses.
What to do upon receipt of a co-op offer:
If you decide to participate in a co-op, please contact the undergraduate office as well as the Engineering Co-op and Career Services office. Together both offices are able to help students ensure that they have successful experiences.