Each year, the University of Maryland's Campus Assessment Working Group conducts a survey from recent alumni to learn more about their undergraduate experiences. 837 recent alumni completed the survey, and were prompted to reflect upon their experiences at UMD during their undergraduate career.
Looking back at their undergraduate experiences, 64 percent of responding alumni reported that they wished they had had more opportunities for mentorship (a relationship extending beyond the classroom, in which professors, advisors and other UMD staff members offer general guidance).
"I could have been more active in seeking out advice and/or assistance from my professors in both an educational and advice-seeking way," reported one student who completed the survey.
Respondents to the survey mentioned that they wish they had formed relationships with mentors who could provide networking opportunities, recommendation letters and general career advice.
"I wish I had been able to form more concrete relationships with the faculty and staff," wrote one student. "Now that I am out of school I don't have any contact with any professional or someone I feel I could advise me about future education."
Responding alumni also emphasized the value of a broad college experience in addition to what is required for their major, including different academic areas, global issues and being exposed to other points of view. Other students also expressed regret in not taking advantage of the opportunity to study abroad.
A high percentage of alumni stressed the importance of honoring their writing, speaking, leadership and time management skills during their undergraduate careers, but also expressed difficulty in identifying skill-building classes within their majors.
"I was not aware of any options available in [my] program," said one respondent, "and familiarizing oneself with the classes offered through [another] department seemed a little daunting."
Responding alumni also realized, looking back, that in order to prepare for future educational and career positions, they could have taken advantage of the campus's available services and resources.
"The university gives us a sense of stability when we are students, but after graduation, each student is on their own and it's hard," reported one student.
Based on the responding alumni's advice, here are some of the campus resources and services available to help you get the most out of your college experience and graduate with fewer regrets:
Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research - www.ugresearch.umd.edu
University Career Center and President's Promise - www.careercenter.umd.edu
Education Abroad - www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad
Leadership and Community Service Programs - www.thestamp.umd.edu/lcsl
Counseling Center's Campus Resource Directory - www.counseling.umd.edu/infodata
