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Non-traditional/Older Students

As an older student preparing to enter the workforce, or to re-enter with new credentials, you may have questions or concerns that the Center can assist with. You may be concerned about discrimination or you may have questions about generational differences among workers.

There are tips and pointers that you may want to consider in preparation for your new status and the stereotypes you may want to address. Some of these may relate to your comfort with technology, willingness to work with younger team members, and your ability to adapt to changes in the work environment. While these are stereotypes, subtle changes in your resume, cover letter or personal interactions with recruiters may signal to them the positive characteristics you bring to their organizations. Let us help you to decide whether, when, and how to address your unique fitness for a job!

Top Career-Related Tips:

  • Familiarize yourself with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) which forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.
  • Consider developing new skills that can enhance your resume. Think about any new skills that are necessary for your current or future job that you either lack or have not obtained. Take some time to develop these skills through free classes, online courses, or consulting with an expert. 
  • “Age-proof” your resume to overcome the perception that your age is an “issue”. Your resume is not your CV, so you do not need to include everything you’ve ever done. Limiting what you include on your resume, by removing outdated experience, can help you avoid the stigma of being considered "too old" by a prospective employer.
  • Add to your existing network by joining (or rejoining) a professional association, revamping your LinkedIn profile, and reaching out to family and friends to aid in your job search and/or career development. 
  • If you are entering the workforce for the first time or re-entering with a second career, remember to find a job that fulfills your lifelong interests. Think carefully about what you want to do with this period of your life, and follow your passion. 

Recent Articles:

“Job Search Strategies for Older Workers” “Older Students Seek a New Normal at UMD” “Older Workers” (U.S. Department of Labor) “Resume Tips for Experienced Workers”

Internship Programs:

  • Goldman Sachs Returnship Program: paid, six-month fellowship designed for talented professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce. 
  • Path Forward: 16-week, mid-career returnship offering returning professionals the opportunity to restart their careers with companies that appreciate the skills they offer, the perspective they provide, and the contributions they can make. 
  • iRelaunch: mid-career reentry career program which works with about 30 large companies in a variety of programs.

Build Connections & Support

National Older Worker Career Center (NOWCC): proud to connect professionals, age 55+, with part-time and full-time opportunities throughout the country by providing skilled and experienced workers to government agencies. 

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