Job & Internship Search Process: Breaking Down the Big Picture

For many students, the job and internship search can feel overwhelming. Faculty and staff can help by offering encouragement, normalizing the process, and reinforcing the value of starting with small, intentional steps.

Key Messages to Share with Students

The process is a journey, not a one-time task

It takes time, effort, and persistence—especially for competitive roles or industries.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Mentors, career educators, job boards, alumni, and employers are all part of the support system.

Progress Looks Different for Everyone

The “right next step” depends on a student’s experience level, interests, and goals.

Tips for Talking with Students

  • Break it down into steps: A search is more manageable when students know what to do first, next, and eventually.
  • Celebrate action, not just results: Applying, networking, or revising a resume are meaningful forms of progress.
  • Model curiosity: If a student doesn’t know where to begin, start by asking what they’re curious about, not what they’ve already decided.

Sample Conversation Starters

  • “Have you thought about what kind of experience you want to get out of an internship?”
  • “What’s one small step you could take this week toward your search?”
  • “Would it help to talk to someone who can walk you through the process, start to finish?”
  • “Are there certain industries or companies you’re curious about, even if you’re not sure yet?”

Common Steps in the Job/Internship Search

  1. Clarify Goals & Interests
  • What are you hoping to learn or gain from this experience?
  • What kinds of work or environments appeal to you?

2. Research Opportunities

  • Use Handshake, LinkedIn, and other job boards
  • Explore employer websites and attend events or info sessions

3. Prepare Application Materials

  • Tailor resume and cover letter to the role
  • Highlight skills, coursework, and experiences that connect to the job

4. Apply Thoughtfully

  • Submit targeted applications—quality over quantity
  • Keep a record of where you’ve applied and any follow-up needed

5. Network and Connect

  • Conduct informational interviews with alumni or professionals
  • Reach out to employers or attend career fairs

6. Practice for Interviews

  • Schedule a mock interview through Career Services
  • Review common questions, prepare stories using the STAR method

7. Follow Up and Reflect

  • Send thank-you notes after interviews
  • Reflect on what you learned from the process and adjust as needed

Campus Resources to Share

Point students to helpful Career Edge resources, such as the Job Search and Internships & Experiences resource pages. See below for more details.

One-on-one support with career educators to support with every step, including strategy, search tools, applications, interviews, and decision-making.

Handshake is the Primary platform for internship and job postings; employer-hosted events are also listed here. Through Handshake, students can:

  • Discover job and internship opportunities tailored to their interests and major
  • Explore employer profiles and reviews
  • Register for career fairs, workshops, and networking events
  • Schedule career advising appointments
  • Receive personalized recommendations based on their activity and preferences

Job and Internship Fairs offer students a direct way to connect with employers, explore career paths, and learn about available opportunities. The Career Development Center hosts two on-campus career fairs each year, one in September during the fall semester and another in February during the spring and also promote additional fairs that our students are encouraged to attend.

We offer both drop-ins and appointments to help students craft strong, tailored resumes that reflect best practices and align with their target roles and industries. During these sessions, students receive personalized feedback and guidance. Drop-ins take place Monday-Friday from 10 am-3 pm.

Students also have free access to Jobscan, an online tool that compares their resume to a specific job description and provides suggestions to improve keyword alignment and increase their chances of getting noticed by employers.