Undergraduate Students

OCM Policies

Policies and Mutual Expectations for Students

Students must agree to comply with these expectations in order to use the Office's services. Failure to comply with these policies will result in a student's forfeiture of participation in the Office's programs and services.

The Office of Career Management (OCM) is dedicated to providing Undergraduate students in the Robert H. Smith School of Business with assistance in maximizing their career opportunities. This is accomplished by preparing students to effectively search for career opportunities and by providing students with many experiences to meet and network with employers.

The increasing success of our graduates in the job market demonstrates the strength of the relationship between the OCM and Smith students. You are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of all programs and services offered by the OCM to supplement your individual job search. To ensure that the recruiting process is fair and efficient, the OCM has developed mutual expectations that are to be followed:

From the Office of Career Management

You can expect us to:

• Provide you with opportunities to interview and network with prospective employers from domestic and international companies of many sizes and from many functional areas and industries regarding summer, part-time and full-time positions.

• Provide the most up-to-date resources and training programs in job search strategy and career management.

• Keep all statistics, records and conversations confidential unless we have your consent to release such information. (Note: Submission of a resume for inclusion is implied consent to release of your information to employers who are using SOURCE.)

• Be sensitive to your needs and open to your suggestions on how we can better serve you.

• Consistently offer the highest level of customer service.

From Students

While the OCM staff develops opportunities designed to enhance your job search, we expect you to take individual responsibility for your career development.

• You should be working on individual career-related activities from the start of your first semester.

• You are honor-bound to present your qualifications accurately to all potential employers.

• You are expected to adhere to common rules of courtesy when representing the Smith School.

Interviewing

On-campus recruiting is crucial to the success of your job search. We devote time and energy to developing our interviewing program. We expect that you will participate in a highly professional manner at all times:

• Pursue only those positions in which you have a genuine interest. Do not use these interviewing opportunities as "practice." Participate in a "mock interview" instead.

• Respond to all invitations from companies inviting you to sign up for an interview, preferably within 24 hours of receiving the invitation—even if your response is to decline the interview.

• Arrive at the OCM at least ten minutes early for scheduled interviews. Do not be late.

• Dress appropriately (business professional) for your on-campus interview, just as you would for one held at a job site.

• Prepare for the interview by thoroughly researching the company. Many resources are available for you to gain this information in the Career Library. Consult the company’s web site, as well.

• Give a complete and honest account of your experience and education on your resume, and truthfully answer all interview questions.

• Thank you letters are recommended. Be sure to correctly spell all company and recruiter names.

Invitations to Interview

When a company invites you to interview with them, you must respond as soon as possible (preferably within 24 hours of receiving the invitation) even if your response is to decline the interview. Failure to respond to an invitation results in other candidates missing out on this job opportunity. If you do not decline an employer’s invitation, the OCM will treat the instance in the same manner as a missed interview (see below).

Missed or Canceled Interviews

Failure to report for an interview prevents other students from using a valuable interview slot and jeopardizes our relationship with the employer. If you fail to show up for an interview, you must write a letter of apology to the recruiter and submit a copy to the Managing Director for Career Services in the OCM. If, under extraordinary circumstances (extreme sudden illness, death in the family, major car failure, etc.), you are unable to attend a scheduled interview, you must call the OCM (301-405-2301) immediately. Even during these emergency situations, we ask that you write a letter of apology to the employer to explain why you missed the interview. If more than one scheduled interview is missed, your on-campus interviewing privileges will be revoked.

Interviews may only be canceled in the event of extreme emergency or if you have already accepted another job. Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled time. Failure to do so will result in the same penalty as missing an interview.

Inclement Weather Policy

If the University is closed due to bad weather, on-campus interview activities are also cancelled for that day. Whenever inclement weather occurs, we work closely with the affected companies to reschedule as quickly and conveniently as possible.

If you are a student whose interview is cancelled due to a University closure, an OCM staff member will send you an email through HireSmith updating you on the situation and rescheduling information. When the University reopens, we encourage students with questions or rescheduling issues to stop by the OCM or call: 301-405-2301.

Accepting a Job Offer

Accepting a job offer is a contractual agreement, and you are bound to uphold the commitment. Upon accepting a job offer, discontinue your job search and notify the OCM and all other potential employers for both summer and full-time positions. It is important that all of the pertinent information of this acceptance be reported to the OCM so that we can maintain accurate information about our students’ progress.

Reneging on Job Offers

It is not acceptable by OCM standards to withdraw your acceptance of a full-time or internship job offer. It is called reneging and is viewed as unethical. If you have any concerns about a job offer, please contact the Office of Career Management for guidance.

Requests from Employers

Resume books for full-time job opportunities and summer internships are distributed to companies. Some employers choose to contact students directly. Respond to employers in a timely and professional manner, even if you have no interest in the company. Please remember that the impression a recruiter retains of you may affect their impression of the Smith School.

Employer Presentations

A company presentation is an excellent way to gather company information and meet prospective employers.

• Sign up for all presentations via HireSmith

• Business professional attire should be worn unless business casual attire is specified.

• If an employer schedules a presentation before an on-campus interview day, you are expected to attend if you are interested in the company. If you have already been chosen for an interview, your attendance is required.

Signing Up For/Withdrawing From Events in Hiresmith

To sign up for an event:

• Click on the ‘Sign Up’ link for that event.

To withdraw from an event (must be at least 48 hours prior to the event):

1. Click on ‘Events’ on the main navigation bar.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the webpage and click on the link for the desired event.
3. On that event’s webpage, click on the ‘Cancel Event Signup’ link.

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