The start of a new semester always feels like opening a fresh notebook, full of blank pages, possibilities, and potential. The air is just a bit crisper, campus is buzzing with old and new faces, and after a long (and hopefully) restful summer, it is time to dive back into the beauty of routine. Like every year, this September also kicked off with peak recruiting season as internships and new-grad roles continue to open up left and right. For many QUESTees this means learning to balance rigorous classes, social responsibilities, and a recruiting season in full swing, all at once. This month, I had the opportunity to connect with two senior QUESTees who had plenty of advice on how to best prepare and survive the start of the Fall semester.
Esha Mishra (Cohort 42), a senior Finance and Economics double major, shared that one of the first things she does each semester is set clear priorities. She maps out her classes, club meetings, and study blocks on Google Calendar and pairs it with a personal habit tracker to stay consistent day-by-day. “Waking up with an itinerary of the goals you want to accomplish that day is helpful when making sure you stay on task and do not fall behind on work” she explained. “Once the first round of exams comes up, work will start to pile and exams, interviews, and assignments will be back-to-back”. Staying ahead will give students the mental space to approach opportunities and assignments with confidence and not overwhelm themselves.
This planning also frees up time to take advantage of the career support around her. Mishra highlighted how semesterly career fairs and alumni networking events, such as our recent Accenture Federal Services Networking Prep Event connects students and employers. “These events are great for getting resume feedback, exploring roles, and building meaningful recruiter connections.”
Beyond QUEST, departments across UMD often host smaller corporate tabling events in building lobbies where sponsors meet students one-on-one. Redeat Hailu (Cohort 42), a Computer Engineering major, noted how these low-pressure spaces make it easier not just to discover opportunities but to build real connections in a smaller pool. “I have always found it more impactful to attend events and use resources like GitHub to find a list of opportunities that interest me so I can better tailor my experience to positions around me”.
Once those opportunities come, preparation and mindset become key. Hailu reflected on how landing her past internship at Amazon came down to doing countless mock interviews with friends. “Being in the hot seat is tough. Do as many mocks as you can, even if you have to beg people,” she laughed. She also found it helpful to view interviews as conversations with someone rooting for her to succeed, which helped her stay calm and confident. And no matter the outcome, she stressed staying in touch with recruiters, even after rejections, as a way to build long-term relationships.
Finding Balance Amid the Hustle
As the semester gains momentum, Hailu and Mishra are proof that success doesn’t come from hustle alone, but from balance. By staying organized, leaning on the vibrant career support at QUEST and UMD, and embracing every opportunity with curiosity, students can thrive through this hectic season. And just as importantly, they can still find time to enjoy friendships, join social events, and recharge.
Opportunities are all around, you just have to reach out. Everyone is eager to help, and we couldn’t be prouder of our QUESTees for chasing their dreams with passion, poise, and heart. Here’s to a semester full of growth, new connections, and exciting possibilities. And be sure to attend the QUEST Networking Event on October 6th!
