Career Growth & Readiness Resources

Start Here

We encourage you to begin with the stage and resource that best fits your current career needs. Whether you are exploring your strengths, building your skills, or preparing for your next opportunity, this guide is designed to help you take a clear and manageable next step in your career readiness journey.

Discover your Strengths is about building the skills needed to grow in your current role and prepare for future opportunities. Through self-paced LinkedIn Learning resources, staff can strengthen practical workplace skills, expand their knowledge, and support their career readiness over time.

Career /Skills Assessments

Explore self-assessment tools that help you reflect on your interests, strengths, and work preferences. Select the assessment(s) that may be the best fit for you.

• Career Exploration
  Engage in a self-guided, interactive experience developed by The Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship to reflect on your interests, explore possible career paths, and think more intentionally about your next step.
• CareerOneStop
  A helpful tool to learn more about your interests, skills, and possible career paths. It is a great place to start if you want to explore what may be a good fit for you.
• O*NET Career Exploration
  This tool helps you better understand your interests and how they connect to different types of work. It can help you begin identifying career areas that match your strengths.
• 123 Career Test
  A quick and easy career quiz that suggests career paths based on your interests. This is a good option if you want a simple starting point.
• Princeton Review Career Quiz
  A short assessment that helps you think about the kind of work environment and tasks that may fit you best. It is useful for reflection and early career exploration.

Note: Contact uhr-talent-acquisition@umd.edu for assistance with completing an assessment or understanding your results.

Stage 1 Complete

Upon completion of this stage, connect with a UHR Talent Acquisition specialist to discuss assessment results, explore career options at UMD, and identify potential next steps that align with your professional interests and goals.

This stage focuses on strengthening the skills, knowledge, and abilities that support career growth and advancement. Explore resources designed to help you grow in your current role, prepare for future opportunities, and take practical steps toward your professional goals.

Skill Building Opportunities

Explore free community learning resources  that support everyday career growth , such as ESOL support (including EnGen), computer and technology learning, and reading and writing support to grow at your own pace.

• AI and Career Empowerment Certificate
  The University of Maryland Smith School of Business offers a free online certificate that can aid working professionals transition to new jobs and career opportunities in the private sector and in AI-related opportunities with a business focus.
• Google Career Certificates
  Google Career Certificates are flexible, online programs designed to help individuals build practical, job-ready skills in high-growth areas such as project management, data analytics, people management, and more. They are a helpful resource for employees who want to strengthen their skills, explore a new area of interest, or prepare for future career opportunities.
• Community Learning Resources
  Explore free community learning resources that support everyday growth, including ESOL and EnGen opportunities, computer and technology learning, and reading and writing support. Whether you are building English skills, strengthening digital confidence, or looking for other foundational learning resources, this page brings together accessible options to help you move forward at your own pace. 
• EnGen: ESL Learning Resource
  EnGen is an free ESL learning resource available to UMD staff that help learners build English language skills through self-paced lessons focused on listening, speaking, reading, and writing for everyday and workplace use.

Stage 2 Complete

Upon completion of this stage connect with a UHR Talent Acquisition team member to discuss how your current skills, interests, and goals may align with future opportunities at UMD.

The Preparation for Advancement stage helps staff strengthen the tools and confidence needed for future opportunities by supporting resume development, interview preparation, personal branding, and career readiness support. 

Career Prep Readiness Tools

Stage 3 Complete

Upon completion of this stage, connect with a UHR Talent Acquisition team member for additional coaching & support, review and share feedback for your resume and identify next steps for pursuing roles within UMD that align with your skills, interests, and career path.