Professional Standards

The Toppel Career Center website may provide links to external organizations, tools, and resources. These links are provided for informational purposes only. The University of Miami does not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of external sites.

The University of Miami is an institution that prides itself on its reputation for affecting change in our community through education, research, innovation, and service. We want to be the touchstone for integrity, excellence, and responsibility. 

UM students and alumni uphold the highest standards within the community, through their research and creative activities, and with the organizations that employ them post-graduation. 

As a result, companies invest resources, time, and money by participating in recruitment events and sharing relevant internship and job opportunities for University of Miami students. UM students have the unique opportunity to develop personal relationships with university partners and recruiters that can ultimately lead to employment offerings.

It is the explicit expectation of the Toppel Career Center that you will attend the events for which you have committed.

• These events may include, but are not limited to, career fairs, one-on-one meetings, information sessions, employer workshops, shadowing opportunities, and interviews.
• If you are unable to attend an event, you must cancel 48 hours before the event so we can notify other interested students of the opportunity.
• If you fail to attend an event and do not provide proper notice of cancellation, we will restrict your access to Handshake and remove your name from future opportunities and invitations. 

The University’s relationships with the community, employers, and partners rely upon the respect that we have for each other and each other’s time. Resources, jobs, and employers are finite, and therefore you have a moral duty to follow through with your commitments and maintain high standards of integrity. Your actions are not only a reflection of you, but of your peers, family, our alumni, and the institution. The Toppel Career Center is confident in your ability to reflect the best of the U and we are here to help along the way.

The no-show policy applies when a student does not appear for a scheduled on-campus interview and/or when a student does not cancel their interview with at least 48 hours advance notice. All interview cancellations must be made in writing to HireACane@miami.edu, including emergencies.

First Offense - The student will:

• Lose full access to Handshake until they attend a meeting with the Associate Director, Employer Engagement
• Contact the Career Center to schedule the meeting by phone (305-284-5451) or via email
• Provide a letter of apology addressed “Dear Recruiter” in electronic format

Falsifying data such as your identity, GPA, dates of graduation, major/minor, work experience, or other information is unethical and in violation of the Toppel Career Center’s standards. If you falsify documents or misrepresent yourself to any employer, whether via our recruiting program or in your independent job search, the Career Center has the right to rescind your privileges to use our services. You may also be subject to additional repercussions from the Dean of Students Office and from employers themselves.

Once you accept a job/internship offer, whether via our recruiting program or in your independent job search, you are expected to withdraw completely from the job search process. If you are uncertain as to whether you should accept an offer or would like guidance on salary negotiations, please consult with a Toppel Career Center staff member. Rescinding is unprofessional and jeopardizes UM's reputation in the employment community, as well as your own professional reputation. Should you renege on an offer, the Career Center may block you from participating in any additional on-campus interviews or revoke your access to Handshake.

The Toppel Career Center does not recommend or endorse specific employers. Although the Center makes every effort to screen employers and job postings on Handshake, unfortunately, some individuals may post “fake” jobs for the purpose of identity theft, fraud, or illegal activities. When using Handshake or other job sites, students should be mindful and use caution when applying for or accepting any position. 

Things to Look for:

• The posting appears to be from a reputable, familiar company, but they are contacting you with a personal email or social media (and not one associated with the company).
• The position requires an initial investment, such as a payment by wire service or courier.
• You are asked to provide personal financial information, such as bank account numbers, credit card information, or copies of sensitive documents.
• You are pressured to decide quickly about the role or meet in unusual locations.
• You are guaranteed an internship without an interview.
• The job description provides vague details, broken links, or websites with errors (e.g., spelling/grammar).
• You are offered a large payment or reward in exchange for allowing the use of your bank account (often for depositing checks or transferring money).

• Never give your personal bank account, PayPal account, or credit card information.
• Do not agree to have funds or paychecks directly deposited into any accounts by a new employer.
• Do not cash a check from the organization in order to send funds to another account.
• Do not meet with an employer in any questionable or unsafe locations, such as a private residence or secluded park.

The University of Miami's Toppel Career Center advocates for the constitutional right of students to peacefully assemble. We know that during times of injustice, students may have questions about how participating in a peaceful assembly will look to future employers and graduate programs.

Employers and graduate programs often look at students holistically when making hiring or admission decisions. If a student were to be arrested while peacefully assembling, they would often have space in an application to explain the context if there was an arrest record made. At this time, many professional associations have also issued statements that support a person’s right to peacefully assemble. We feel these statements may give insight into how employers and graduate programs will handle these scenarios in an application. If a student would like to speak to a career coach about any specific questions, they can please contact us at toppel@miami.edu for assistance.