Career fairs are heating up at UMass Boston. Hosted by the Student Senate and Career Services, an international affairs career panel and discussion took place last week and included speakers giving tips on how to start a career. The panel was made up of students and experts in the fields of international business, development, health, and education.

The purpose was to expose students to opportunities in international professions. The panel was sponsored by the UMB Student Senate and featured speakers from World Bank, Citigroup, the U.S. State Department, World Health Organization (WHO), the JFK School of Government, and the Fletcher School for Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University.

John Greenwood of Citigroup urged students to learn a language and “make yourself available to opportunities.” Belinda Chiu of Tufts University advised students to network and “find your passion.” Others suggested that students look for fellowships to pad their resume and gain experience.

Camilla Catenza of Tufts University recommended that students volunteer or find internships in their chosen fields to become involved and develop skills. Other panelists advised students to find grants to assist in their educational goals and to utilize the summer by taking classes.

The panel also warned students about the downside of international careers, including the stress they put on family and friends.

Michael Gaskins, a Career Services counselor, gave students job-hunting tips and promoted the assistance offered by Career Services. “The key to success is information,” he noted.

The panel also gave out some tips on how to conduct a job search. They suggested students look for positions in larger organizations, not “niche players,” to maximize the opportunities open to them and to utilize career services on campus.

Jamal Brathwaite, student trustee at UMB, spoke as well, urging students not to forget the tremendous opportunities available right here in Boston. He encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities that the “intellectual capital of the world” has to offer. “See that skyline there?” he asked, pointing out the window at the financial district, “It’s there for a reason.”