Career Launch
Application Deadlines
Applications for Career Launch 2026 are closed.
Career Launch is a “choose-your-own-adventure” project-based program that provides résumé experience through a personal project and mentoring.
Because of the experience and connections gained in the program, students participating in the program experience a high rate of internship acceptance. The Career Launch program is funded by Break Through Tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for the Career Launch program?
Career Launch is open to all UMD students who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- First- or second-year degree-seeking undergraduates at UMD in Fall 2025 or part of the Freshman Connection program
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (for continuing students)
- Do not receive an early warning grade in Fall 2025 computing class(es) (for first-semester students)
- Currently or previously enrolled in at least one computing course (or have received equivalent AP or transfer credit): BMGT 302, CMSC 106, 122, 125, 131 or higher, INST 123, 126 or higher, IMDM 127 or higher, ENME 202 or higher, GEOG 276 or higher, or PHYS 265
- Eligible to work in the United States in January 2026, including at UMD
- Must reside in the United States in January 2026
- Able to commit to meeting regularly with your group members and supervisors, as well as attend required workshops
- Preference given to students who have participated in TechStart
- Have not previously had a computing-related internship, Sprinternship or job
- Have not previously participated in Career Launch
What are the key components of Career Launch?
Career Launch has two components that are ideally completed together—industry mentorship and a project—but students may choose to only complete one part.
Does it cost money to participate in Career Launch?
Participate free of charge!
Is there an option to participate in Career Launch virtually?
Participation can be entirely virtual—however, participants must reside within the continental U.S. for the length of the program.
How do Career Launch projects work?
To kick off projects, students are divided into groups to decide on the area they want to focus on for three weeks. They are given the liberty to choose any area of technology and any topic of their interest to pursue during the program.
