Career Development

Six ways to prepare for interviews

Timothy Grassley — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:12:32 +0000

Six ways to prepare for interviews Timothy Grassley Tue, 03/11/2025 - 08:12

A&S Embedded Career Services

Interviewing is a crucial part of the job or internship search. The good news is that by the time you get to an interview, the employer has already decided you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and wants to learn more about you. As an A&S student at CU, you’ve gained many valuable skills in and out of the classroom to showcase!

An interview allows you and the employer to evaluate whether you’d be a good fit for the position and company culture. It is your chance to highlight your experiences, personality and potential. Here are some tips to help you prepare for an interview and feel confident, whether your interview is in person or virtual.

Research the company and position

Employers want to know that potential employees have taken the time to get to know their company and the position. They may even ask specific questions about the company or position to ensure you’ve done your research. You are well prepared to do a research deep dive from the many and varied class projects and assignments you've done over the years. Here are a few ways you can prepare before the interview.

Research the company’s size, location, organizational chart, product lines, history, top clients and competitors. Use Handshake, LinkedIn, the company’s website and social media channels, search engines and business articles to help you do thorough research. Use Coco, the AI tool within Handshake, to ask questions about the job.
Visit employers at career fairs and networking events to gain an extra edge and insight into the organization.
Be familiar with the job description and consider how your skills and experience can benefit the company.
If you have the names of the people interviewing you, look them up on the company’s website and LinkedIn. This will help you to become familiar with their job functions and experience.

Practice interviewing

Knowing the exact questions you will be asked is impossible, but you can develop responses to commonly asked interview questions. Incorporating real experiences and previous work into your answers is also great for demonstrating your strengths. For example, rather than saying you are very organized, share how you helped your student group organize an event and the positive results. To do this, try explaining your responses using the STAR method:

Situation: Provide a specific and concise overview, including the timeframe and place.
Task: Explain the task or goal you worked on and how it relates to the skill they asked about.
Action: Describe your actions and the steps you took.
Result: Describe the outcome, if possible. This is your time to take credit for your work or show what you learned.

You can also use Quinncia, offered by Career Services, to practice interviewing. Quinncia lets you do practice interviews and provides short tips and feedback as you go. You will receive a more detailed interview analysis after you finish. To get started, you need to upload your resume.

You will get specific tips related to the content of your interview, the pace of your speech, your eye contact with the computer and more. You can apply what you learn by doing additional mock interviews with Quinncia.

Be prepared to ask questions

An interview is a two-way street. Just as they are asking questions to learn about you, you should ask questions to ensure this is the right job for you. If you don’t come prepared with questions, the interviewer might assume you haven’t done your research.

You can ask about the day-to-day responsibilities of the job, the company culture or important qualities needed to excel in the position. Use your research to develop detailed questions.
You can also leverage generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, for questions to ask based on a job description and company.
Write a few questions down to take with you to the interview. Being prepared shows you are invested in the position and curious about how to be the best fit.

Get organized

Set yourself up for success and make a positive impression by having everything ready before your interview start time.

If you have a virtual interview:

Become familiar with the platform used for the interview (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.) to avoid technical issues.
Test your camera and microphone.
Find a quiet location where you won’t be interrupted.
Make sure nothing is distracting in your background.
Use good lighting.

If the interview is in person:

Plan to arrive early, about 10 to 15 minutes before the interview’s scheduled start time. Leave time to navigate traffic delays or parking challenges.
Ensure you know how to find the specific interview location and the name of your contact person.
Bring any necessary additional materials, including your list of questions, paper, a pen, copies of your resume, transcripts, references and work samples.

Make a plan for what to wear

Different employers have different expectations for interview attire. Make sure your clothes reflect your identity and align with the job you’re seeking. Plus, how you dress can boost your confidence and help you get in the right frame of mind for the interview.

If you aren’t sure how professionals dress in the field, consider asking people in your network.
You can also look at photos on the organization’s website to see how employees dress.
Even with a virtual interview, it’s best to dress confidently from head to toe. You never know if you’ll need to stand up during your conversation.

Follow up after the interview

The interview doesn’t stop when you leave. Write a thank you email to your hiring committee. Use your resources to write a thoughtful note. You’ve had plenty of practice with impactful writing from your A&S classes so draw from that!

If you have each person’s name and contact information, address an individual thank you note to each hiring member.
If not, you can email the person who arranged the interview. Reinforce your excitement for the position, that you are a good fit and that they can reach out with any additional questions.
You can also use AI tools, like ChatGPT or Gemini, to craft an email. However, don’t rely solely on the results. A thank you letter should be sincere. Make edits and only take from AI what you need to create a solid and authentic thank you note.

Resources for interviewing

For more tips to help you with your job or internship search as an A&S student, check out programs and workshops from Career Services or schedule an appointment to meet with a peer career advisor.

Want more career-related content?

Off

Traditional

White

Three ways to develop leadership skills this semester

Timothy Grassley — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 19:46:59 +0000

Three ways to develop leadership skills this semester Timothy Grassley Thu, 03/06/2025 - 12:46

A&S Embedded Career Services

There are many ways to be a leader in your community and plenty of opportunities on campus to build new skills. Here are a few ways to gain leadership experience this semester as an Arts and Sciences student at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

Work on campus

On-campus jobs are a convenient way to gain experience, earn money and build leadership skills. There are many student job roles with some positions offering opportunities to take on more responsibility over time. It’s a fantastic complement to your A&S degree. Search for on-campus jobs on Handshake.

Participate on a student board or committee

Use your voice and help make decisions that affect our campus community. Here are some opportunities to consider.

Center for Student Involvement (CSI) Board: Develop programs and educational opportunities to enrich the campus experience for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� students. /involvement/about/csi-board
CU Student Government (CUSG): Serve your peers, make a difference and leave your mark at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� by participating in student government. /cusg/join-us
CUSG Recreation Board: Promote the improvement of the Recreation Center and the university community through planning and positive action. /recreation/about-us/cusg-recreation-board
Distinguished Speakers Board: Bring well-known speakers to campus and develop your skills in planning and implementing large-scale events. /studentgroups/dsb/faqs#
Environmental Center Board: Advocate for campus environmental policy, determine funding for innovative sustainability projects, get practical experience and more. /ecenter/get-involved/cusg-environmental-board
National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH): Provide recognition for students and staff in the residence halls who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and who have made outstanding service contributions to their communities, CU and beyond. /living/student-leadership-programs/nrhh
Residence Hall Association (RHA): Foster and facilitate community among on-campus residents and promote a safe and comfortable living environment. /living/student-leadership-programs/rha
Senior Class Council: Keep seniors informed and involved while building pride, tradition and community among the graduating class. /seniors/join-us
UMC Board: Create policy, develop creative solutions to challenging issues and grow your leadership skills. /umc/board/join
Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) Board: Through policy making, leadership and outreach, being part of the VRC Board can help you advocate for and provide services to meet campus and community needs. /volunteer/joint-board/join

Look out for your fellow Buffs

Being a leader on campus can be more than joining a program or holding a position in your student organization. Our Colorado Creed reminds us that we build character based on our decisions and actions toward others. If you see something concerning, don’t hesitate to call for help. Know how to be an effective bystander and look out for other community members.

Gaining leadership skills and experience as an A&S student to add to your resume can help when looking for a job or internship. Learn more about how to build professional skills and experience with Career Services.

Learn more about getting involved this spring:

Download the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Life app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and X.
Check out upcoming student events.

Want more career-related content?

Off

Traditional

White

Three ways AI is shaping the work world

Timothy Grassley — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 23:58:29 +0000

Three ways AI is shaping the work world Timothy Grassley Wed, 12/11/2024 - 16:58

A&S Embedded Career Services

Artificial intelligence (AI) has influenced our culture and reshaped how industries operate, including the nature of many jobs. As an A&S student, you can benefit from understanding these shifts as you select your major and prepare for your job and internship search.

The emergence of AI can feel intimidating because of how it may impact your chosen career path. Yet, these technological changes can also be exciting and open the door to new career opportunities for A&S students.

Improving job efficiency

As companies explore and invest in AI, repetitive tasks may become automated to increase productivity. Reducing the time it takes to complete tasks like data entry, content writing, research and customer service can give workers more time to focus on tasks that require higher-level thinking, like problem-solving, creativity and strategy.

For example, a doctor could use AI tools to research health symptoms to find a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for patients. Marketers could use AI to analyze data and identify trends to create optimized campaigns and sales strategies.

The consensus is that AI won’t cause a loss in the number of jobs but instead will cause a shift in how efficient people can be in their roles.

Impacting job functions

AI is creating new job positions and changing the expectations for existing roles. If you are interested in pursuing a career in AI, there will be continued opportunities across industries. Current data shows that less than 1% of job postings are AI-specific, meaning that the job focuses entirely on AI development. Still, these roles increased by 33% at the end of the last decade, with more growth ahead.

Companies now use AI across work functions. According to an assessment of jobs completed in fall 2023 by Career Services, the most common job categories that included AI in the job description were:

Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Cloud and technology services
Consulting and specialized roles
Data and analytics
Management and leadership
Marketing and business development
Software development and engineering
UI/UX and designing

Requiring new skills

As AI evolves, the skills needed for some positions may change. The top technical skills for AI-specific jobs are machine learning, data science, software and business intelligence. However, in an ever-changing world, non-technical skills like leadership, management and innovation can help you adapt as AI influences your work. This is particularly important for A&S students who may not have a technical background!

If you aren’t interested in AI as a career, becoming familiar with specific software can still be helpful. While most people have heard of ChatGPT, today's tools may look completely different than in a few years. Even if you aren’t technical in your understanding, being proficient in AI systems can position you for success at work.

You can build skills now by practicing with AI when and where appropriate. Before using it in class, check out how AI relates to the Honor Code. You can also use it in your personal life, for side hustles and at work (again, when and where appropriate, according to your employer). Learn more about developing professional skills.

AI in your job search

Handshake is an effective tool for searching for jobs and internships and connecting with career events, like career fairs. Handshake incorporated an exciting new tool called AI Coco to make job searching easier for students and young professionals. Presented as a chatbot, Coco provides free and personalized career guidance and can help with goal setting, career research, interview prep and more. You can find Coco on the left-hand side of your Handshake screen when you log in or embedded within job and internship listings. Learn ways to use AI in your job search for maximum impact!

Tap into campus resources

You can find support for using AI in your job or internship search or with questions about how AI relates to your field of study or career path. Career Services offers workshops, resources, tools and appointments with career advisors.

Off

Traditional

White

How to make the most of your student job as an A&S student

Timothy Grassley — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:01:01 +0000

How to make the most of your student job as an A&S student Timothy Grassley Fri, 11/01/2024 - 12:01

A&S Embedded Career Services

For some A&S students, working on campus may be your first job. You can enhance your experience by learning how to contribute in a positive way that benefits both you and your team. Here are a few tips to make the most of your student job.

Ask questions and clarify expectations

Your supervisor should set the expectations and responsibilities for your position when you begin a new job. These expectations may include work hours, uniform or dress code, due dates for assignments, details about completing your job responsibilities and other topics to help you succeed at work.

Miscommunication can happen when people make assumptions. For example, you may assume it’s OK to arrive a few minutes late if your class runs over, but your supervisor may need you to arrive at the exact shift start time to have the necessary coverage. It’s best to ask questions to clarify expectations. It can sound like this: “Sometimes my last class before my shift runs late. If that happens, can I arrive at work a few minutes late, or should I change my shift to a different time?”

Communicate changes

You can develop the foundational skill of communication at your on-campus job, which can be useful now and in your future career. Communicating effectively with your supervisor will help them support you as you balance a part-time job and student responsibilities.

If you need to adjust your schedule, communicate these changes to your supervisor as soon as possible. When you start your job, ask your supervisor how they would like you to communicate changes—some may prefer a phone call, others prefer an email, etc. Learning the best method for timely communication will help you prepare for emergencies and avoid frustration with your work attendance and scheduling.

Practice time awareness

You can demonstrate time awareness by showing up to work on time and ready to start working. Talk with your supervisor to understand how to maximize your time at work. For example, clarify what projects and tasks you should prioritize and the due dates for projects. If you think a project or task might take longer than anticipated, communicate an updated timeline to your supervisor or team as soon as possible. These practices can make a good impression now and build habits to support your future career success.

Develop goals

Setting goals for your on-campus job can help you to be intentional with the skills you build. Goal setting can be done individually and with your supervisor or team. You can meet with your supervisor to discuss your current professional development goals and how to incorporate the goals into your tasks and projects. For example, you could work on public speaking, project management, event planning, content writing and other work tailored to skill development.

Track skills, experiences and accomplishments

No matter what your position is for your on-campus job, you are gaining experience and learning new skills. Tracking these skills and regularly updating your resume and online job profiles is important. Add the skills you develop through your role, leadership and project experiences, and highlight significant work accomplishments. You can explore MySkillsthrough Career Services to learn more about valuable skills for your job or internship search.

Tell your friends

You can help build the team of student employees here at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. If you love your job, tell your friends about your experience and encourage them to apply for an on-campus job. There is something for everyone, and part of a positive job experience is working with a motivated team. Check out open positions and share job opportunities with your friends. All student jobs are now posted in Handshake!

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� employs thousands of students each semester. These on-campus jobs cover a wide range of functions, allowing students to find their perfect fit. As an A&S student employee, you can learn new skills, gain experience, build your network and earn money in a flexible, student-focused role.

For some A&S students, working on campus may be your first job. You can enhance your experience by learning how to contribute in a positive way that benefits both you and your team. Here are a few tips to make the most of your student job.

Off

Traditional

White

How to gain professional experience during the Fall semester for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Arts and Sciences students

Timothy Grassley — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 22:02:11 +0000

How to gain professional experience during the Fall semester for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Arts and Sciences students Timothy Grassley Fri, 09/27/2024 - 16:02

A&S Embedded Career Services

As an A&S student, now is an excellent time to start thinking about what you can do this Fall for your future career success. Employers seek out students who have demonstrated skills through internships, relevant experiential projects and certificates. Additionally, students can use these experiences to understand their future career goals—what they want out of a job and who they want to work for. Students have access to innovative programs and opportunities to promote professional growth. These experiences add depth to your resume. They also provide examples to share during interviews to demonstrate your strengths and skills. Here are some opportunities to help you gain professional experience as an A&S student.

Find an internship

Internship experience is the most influential factor for employers when hiring A&S students, according to a job outlook survey by NACE. This type of experience shows employers that students have direct experience applying their skills. Students at CU say that internships are one of the best experiential learning opportunities for helping them achieve their goals. Internships are also the perfect professional experience to try out your passions, build new skills and meet people who can help you find jobs. There are thousands of available internships that you can choose from on Handshake. Handshake makes it easy to find and apply to internships, many of which aren’t posted anywhere else. Career Services can help you prepare your resume for applications.

Earn a Google Career Certificate

Get ready to stand out in the job market and gain in-demand job skills for your future. You can now access free Google Career Certificates through Career Services. Learn from experts and get qualified for roles in fast-growing, high-demand fields, including cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing and e-commerce, IT support, project management and UX design.

Google Career Certificates don’t require previous experience. You can complete the certificate program in three to six months with under 10 hours of flexible study per week. These certificates can demonstrate your initiative to learn on your own, show you have skills in specialized areas and help you stand out over other candidates.

Get an on-campus job

Student employees are a core piece of the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� team. Working on campus can help A&S students learn skills, build a professional network and have a flexible work schedule. There are job opportunities for you all over campus in various roles. You can find on-campus jobs posted on Handshake.

Learn about some of the departments that hire students, the types of jobs they offer and their current openings.

Simulate a job

It is hard to know what a job will be like until you try it out. Job simulations are an easy way to get a taste of what it is like to work for some of the world's biggest brands and top companies. Companies like Lululemon, JP Morgan, Lyft and Boston Consulting Group host great job simulations for CU students on Forage.

Give back and build experience

Volunteer experience can help you learn new skills, meet new people and make a positive difference. The Volunteer Resource Center has excellent opportunities for A&S students to volunteer throughout the year with varying commitment levels and ways to contribute. Volunteering can be crucial to a future job or internship application to nonprofits or government agencies, and it can also help set you apart in your job search.

Set yourself up for success

Career Services helps A&S students position themselves for success through workshops, events, training and other resources. You can also meet with a peer career advisor during scheduled office hours or schedule an appointment with a career advisor.

Traditional

White

How to start your Arts and Sciences job and internship search

Timothy Grassley — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 18:47:36 +0000

How to start your Arts and Sciences job and internship search Timothy Grassley Thu, 09/12/2024 - 12:47

A&S Embedded Career Services

Now is the time to begin looking for a job or summer internship to complement your A&S degree. While industries may follow different hiring timelines, many companies are actively recruiting ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� A&S students for a variety of positions. Career Services offers resources to help you in your search.

Use Handshake

Your ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Handshake account is ready for you! Career Services has customized tips and keyword searches for you to use to maximize your search. You can also use filters like job type, ‘remote opportunity’, and major to set up saved searches with criteria that match your interests/A&S degree. You’ll receive an email notification when employers post a new position that matches your search.

Take time to complete your Handshake profile to showcase your skills and experiences. When you have a more complete profile you are more likely to get job recommendations that match your skills, experience and preferences, and employers will be able to contact you directly about available opportunities. You can also use Handshake’s AI tool, Coco, to ask questions like: Where are interesting places to work in the Denver area? What industries are currently in high demand for people with my skills/degree?

Plan to attend career fairs

Find opportunities and connect with employers at career fairs this fall—particularly the Roam Anywhere Fair on 10/8. Career fairs are free online and in-person events where you can network and meet with recruiters who are hiring.

Review the schedule of upcoming career fairs and mark your calendar for the ones you’re interested in attending. Sign up to participate on Handshake and review the list of employers who will be attending.

Students with complete Handshake profiles have a better chance of meeting one-on-one with employers at virtual fairs. Review these steps to complete your Handshake profile, and make sure it’s on the ‘public’ setting so employers can view it.

Work on your application materials

You want to act fast when you find an internship or job posting of interest to you. It can help to create a template resume and cover letter with your experience, skills and accomplishments. These core documents give you a starting point to tailor your experience and examples for each application. You can save time and focus more on adapting your documents rather than starting from scratch each time.

Review tips from Career Services on how to perfect your resume and personalize your cover letter. These documents usually make the first impression with potential employers, so take the time to represent yourself well.

Meet with others

You may feel like you don’t have a professional network yet, but you may be surprised to know you already have one. Your network includes previous employers, supervisors, A+S advisors, A&S professors, family friends—anyone who has supported your career growth or has the potential to do so. Now is a great time to reconnect and see if they know of upcoming opportunities.

You can also build professional relationships with others in your field of interest. Join the Forever Buffs Network to start connecting with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� alumni. They can help with resume feedback and interview preparation. And some may be open to informational interviews or mentoring. Your LinkedIn profile can help you build your network and find opportunities throughout your professional career.

Start today

Job and internship searching can feel intimidating, but if you spend 10 minutes four times a week on your search, those small bits of time will add up before you know it. Sometimes, we may talk ourselves out of applying if we don’t think we meet all the qualifications listed in the description. If you’re interested in a position and believe you can do it well, apply—even if you don’t meet every item on the list. Most employers will interview candidates if they meet most of their criteria.

It can take some time to find an internship or job that’s right for you. Stay patient and persistent and know that Career Services is here to help you every step of the way.

For more tips, check out weekly programs and workshops from Career Services. These free workshops will share best practices for finding internships, preparing for career fairs and more.

Now is the time to begin looking for a job or summer internship to complement your degree from the College of Arts and Sciences. While industries may follow different hiring timelines, many companies are actively recruiting ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� students for a variety of positions. Career Services offers resources to help you in your search.

Traditional

White

How to avoid these common job search mistakes

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:38:17 +0000

How to avoid these common job search mistakes Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/25/2024 - 10:38

A&S Embedded Career Services

An unintentional mistake can keep you from a great job or internship opportunity. When searching for jobs or internships, be intentional with your approach and pay attention to the details in how you present yourself to potential employers.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid some common pitfalls when seeking employment.

Adapt your resume to match the job description

Stand out from other applicants by tailoring your resume and cover letter for each opportunity, even if the jobs or internships seem similar. You don’t have to start from scratch each time, but you can make a few updates to add keywords and skills that match the job description. Using strong action verbs to start each bullet point will help you tailor your resume to get noticed, and you can find a list of these verbs on our website. Your resume will get more traction if you follow this strategy.

It’s difficult to know exactly what skills to hone for a specific industry, but rather than guessing, you can request a skills report from MySkills. This report will help you narrow down the skills you should focus on to get a leg up in your desired field.

Use the AI resume builder by Quinncia to get personalized feedback on your resume and make improvements. This online resume review tool leverages data science, machine learning and natural language processing to provide feedback based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices.

Proofread

Little mistakes on your resume or cover letter can stand out in a big way. These oversights can influence the employer’s overall perception of you as a candidate. Double-check names, job titles and companies on your application materials to ensure they match the job you are applying for—especially when creating tailored documents for each application.

Try proofreading your resume and cover letter starting at the end and moving backward to catch typos or errors. Ask a friend, family member or Career Services team member to proofread your materials.

Don’t let your social media tell the wrong story

Employers regularly search the internet to look for more information about candidates. If an employer searches your name online, what will they find? Will the information and photos they see help or hurt you in the job search? As you review your online activities, think about your online presence from an employer’s perspective. Ensure your privacy settings are up to date, and if there’s anything that could be perceived as negative or concerning, consider removing it.

Your online presence could be an asset in your job or internship search. Update your profiles to ensure they accurately reflect you, your activities and your interests. Be active in your field of interest on social media. Especially on LinkedIn and Forever Buffs Network, you can post industry-related news, questions, quotes or articles. Follow inspiring people and companies in your field, but avoid connecting with hiring managers unless invited or until that person has hired you. Social media can be a useful networking tool. Connecting with professionals on Linkedin and reaching out for informational interviews can build your network, provide insight about career paths and possibilities, and help with the job search process.

Avoid job scams by researching postings

It is important to ensure a job posting is valid before applying or giving out any personal information. Using vetted job boards like Handshake and LinkedIn can confirm that a job posting is real, and doing your own research before applying to a position is helpful. You should never give out banking or private information during the hiring process; that can all be done after you have accepted a position.

Don’t be afraid to go for it

The only way to not be considered for an internship or job is never to apply. We can talk ourselves out of great opportunities if we don’t think we meet all the qualifications listed in the description. If you’re interested in a position and think you could do the job well, apply—even if you don’t meet every single item on the list. Most employers will interview candidates if they meet most of their criteria.

For more tips on finding an internship or job, check out weekly programs and workshops from Career Services. These free workshops will share best practices for resumes, networking, making progress in your search and more.

Off

Traditional

White

How to get ready for the Just in Time Career Fair on April 3

Anonymous — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:31:58 +0000

How to get ready for the Just in Time Career Fair on April 3 Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 03/21/2024 - 08:31

A&S Embedded Career Services

Are you looking to find a job or internship as an A&S student? Career Services hosts the Just in Time spring career fair to connect A&S students with potential employers. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet with employers hiring for various positions across industries. You can make a great first impression and set yourself up for success by preparing before the fair. Here are some tips for making the most of the Just in Time Career Fair.

Sign up to attend on Handshake

Sign up on Handshake to attend career events. Handshake is the number one way college students find jobs and internships. If you don’t have a Handshake account, follow these steps to set up your profile. This online resource can help you search for jobs, see event details and promote your resume to potential employers. Check the list of upcoming career fairs to see which events are the best fit for the type of job or internship you’re looking for. On the week of the fair, be sure to check the events tab to catch employer information sessions that are hosted throughout the week. ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� students and alumni from all majors, experience levels, and backgrounds are welcome to attend.

Make a plan for the fair

Review the list of employers attending and consider who you’d like to speak with at the fair. New employers sign up to participate daily, so check Handshake frequently before the events you plan to attend. Brush up your resume and prepare to share it with employers with print copies or digital access. Plan to aside enough time to visit your priority employers. Remember that lines can get long; connecting with each employer may take longer than you think.

Update your resume

Create a resume that highlights your skills, abilities and experience. Make variations of your resume tailored to each company or type of job that interests you. Review these tips for creating a memorable resume. You can also use Quinncia, a free online tool from Career Services, to get personalized, instant feedback and suggestions to improve your resume.

Complete your Handshake profile

Completing your Handshake profile can improve your opportunities with potential employers. Review your profile to ensure each section is up-to-date and complete. Stop by Career Services to use the free photo booth to add a professional photo to your profile. Update your profile details, particularly your qualifications and GPA. Set your profile to public so that employers can see your information.

Prepare to make a good first impression

Research your priority employers and prepare a few questions to ask when you talk with them. Ask insightful questions to help demonstrate your interest in the employer and allow you to learn more about their company and opportunities.

Perfect your introduction or elevator pitch with Career Services. Visit Career Central or Office Hours for a quick drop-in, review techniques with prepare for the fair events or get in-depth with an advising appointment.

Dress for success

Wear clothes that reflect your identity and align with the context of the job you seek. This can put you in a confident mindset and help you to make a positive first impression. If you are unsure of the dress code expectations in specific industries or organizations, research online, talk with someone in that line of work or connect with Career Services to discuss your questions.

Take notes

When you meet with multiple employers, it can be challenging to remember the details of each conversation. Take a notebook and pen, or use your phone or laptop to take notes. After speaking with employers, write down a few things that you discussed. Take note of what you liked or didn’t like about the company. You’ll want to reference these notes later to recall the conversation if asked to schedule an interview or to add details to thank you notes or follow-up emails.

Follow up

After the fair, get in touch with the company representatives you met via email, LinkedIn or Forever Buffs Network. They will chat with many students at the fair, so reintroduce yourself and thank them for their time. Use your notes to recall something you discussed or enjoyed about the conversation. Let them know you’re interested in moving to the next step in the process.

Use your resources

For more tips to help you prepare for career fairs, check out programs and workshops from Career Services. If you have questions about the fair, ask a Career Services team member through LiveChat on the Career Services website.

Off

Traditional

White

How to Gain Professional Experience at an On Campus Job as an Arts and Sciences student

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:50:42 +0000

How to Gain Professional Experience at an On Campus Job as an Arts and Sciences student Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/12/2024 - 08:50

A&S Embedded Career Services

Working on campus can be one of the best ways to gain professional experience as an A&S student. On-campus jobs offer students a flexible way to earn money while developing relevant skills that employers seek in young professionals.

Career Services offers resources to enhance your job search and prepare you for life after college. Consider how to position yourself professionally by gaining experience at an on-campus job.

Step 1: Identify the skills you want to develop

Think about the skills you want to develop for your future job or graduate school application. You can review foundational skills employers typically look for as a great starting point to establish your skill goals. Rounding out these skills will give you an edge in the ever-changing job market.

Request a skills report to help you determine specific skills you want to build in your on-campus job relevant to your future career interests and A+S major.
Review the skills you’ve identified, and choose one or two relevant to your on-campus job to focus on for growth. You can’t grow in all skills at once, so start small and continue to build.

Step 2: Talk to your supervisor about your skill goals

Meet with your supervisor to discuss your skill goals. Communication about how you develop skills related to your job and can benefit your work performance. Ask if you can initiate a project or complete a task related to a desired skill.

Explore ideas for developing specific skills.

Step 3: Follow through on your skill development plan

After your supervisor assigns a project or task related to your skill development, plan how you’ll complete the task or project within the designated timeframe.

Set small, achievable action steps. SMART goals can be a great reference point to start thinking about these steps. SMART Goals
Utilize resources to enhance your skill development. Explore LinkedIn Learning for access to online courses related to various skills. For example, searching for “improve written communication skills” will identify various related courses.
Ask your supervisor for input as you work on your project or task. It’s important to seek feedback to ensure your work aligns with your supervisor’s expectations. You can schedule specific check-in meetings or send examples of your work in progress. Communication here is key and is a skill you are building simultaneously.

Step 4: Add your completed project or task to your resume

Once you complete the project or task, update your resume and online profiles with the new information.

Write a strong bullet point about the completed project or task on your resume. Highlight the developed skill. Use an action verb to start your bullet point.
Add the new skill to your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles.

Student-focused and flexible

Unlike many jobs off campus, your on-campus supervisor understands that your primary focus is completing your education. Navigating your academic and job responsibilities can be more manageable as a student employee.

Find on-campus jobs:

Search the student employment job board.
Use the on-campus job filter in Handshake.
Check out student jobs with various departments on campus like the Rec Center, Campus Dining Services, Career Services, Environmental Center, Conference Services and others.

Traditional

White

Social Media Tips for Staying Hirable as an Arts and Sciences Student

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 17:19:34 +0000

Social Media Tips for Staying Hirable as an Arts and Sciences Student Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/27/2024 - 10:19

A&S Embedded Career Services

Social media touches almost every aspect of our lives and today’s world of searching for jobs is no different. How you engage on social media can impact your hirability, including managing your LinkedIn account well and maintaining a positive image on other social media platforms. Many employers and recruiting managers will utilize social media to learn more about you, so what you have out in the world will be seen.

Use LinkedIn to your advantage

LinkedIn has over 700 million global users, with around 60% aged 25-34. 70% of hiring managers use LinkedIn to source job candidates. Optimize your profile to connect with desired industry professionals and increase the effectiveness of LinkedIn by using it frequently! It is important to continually update your achievements, professional goals and keep your LinkedIn up to date as an out-of-date profile can be a warning sign to employers.

Build your brand: Showing who you are is important. Use the tips below to showcase yourself

Ensure the accuracy and completeness of your LinkedIn profile.
List your skills and request endorsements. This is what separates you from other applicants
Ask for LinkedIn recommendations from colleagues, mentors or managers.
Stay active by following relevant companies and influencers.
Post professional questions and interests to LinkedIn’s news feed.
Share articles, projects and news related to your professional field and experience.
Like, share or repost articles from other LinkedIn members to generate more engagement.

Grow your network

Build a strong network before graduation by connecting with friends, alumni, colleagues, hiring managers, etc.
Personalize connection requests with a note. LinkedIn users are more likely to respond when you explain why you want to connect.
Start conversations with recruiters, mentors and professionals in desired industries. Do this to learn more information or to engage in meaningful conversation.
Accept connections from trusted sources such as peers, co-workers and previous employers

Be wise with social media use

According to a 2023 Harris poll, over 70% of employers admit to checking applicants’ social profiles during the hiring process. It is becoming increasingly common for employers to review a candidate’s online presence to see if they would be a good fit for the company culture and to get a sense of the person. Present yourself well online, including through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, BeReal, Snapchat and others.

Be mindful of your online image

What you post directly reflects you, so make sure it’s your best self!
Stay positive. Most employers are looking for reasons to hire someone, not necessarily digging to find anything negative.
Google yourself to see what information comes up. If something comes up that you wouldn’t like the world to see, consider making it private or deleting that content.
Keep your LinkedIn profile professional. Avoid any content that could impact your professional image.

Clean up your online platforms

Ensure that public accounts accurately represent you. Make accounts private or delete content that may present a red flag for employers, including anything illegal, explicit or profane.
Delete old social media accounts that you no longer use or may have reflected who you were at a younger age but no longer fit your current life.
Be honest if an employer asks you about social media content. It’s best to take responsibility and move forward confidently.

Know your rights

Employers can check your public social media platforms and other public content online. In some states, employers also have the right to ask for social media usernames and passwords. If employers ask for in-depth personal information that is unavailable online, be wary! You are entitled to your privacy and should not feel pressured to share anything that makes you feel uncomfortable with an employer.

If you think an employer is discriminating based on information they have found online, contact a Career Services staff member or submit an anonymous report to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC).

Find support with Career Services

Social media is a great place for employers to get a sense of who you are outside of your resume or application and see how you would fit with their company culture. Take charge of your online presence before you begin your job search to represent yourself well.

Connect with Career Services to learn more about the job search process.

Off

Traditional

White

Career Development

Six ways to prepare for interviews

Research the company and position

Practice interviewing

Be prepared to ask questions

Get organized

Make a plan for what to wear

Follow up after the interview

Resources for interviewing

Want more career-related content?

Off

Three ways to develop leadership skills this semester

Work on campus

Participate on a student board or committee

Look out for your fellow Buffs

Want more career-related content?

Off

Three ways AI is shaping the work world

Improving job efficiency

Impacting job functions

Requiring new skills

AI in your job search

Tap into campus resources

Off

How to make the most of your student job as an A&S student

Ask questions and clarify expectations

Communicate changes

Practice time awareness

Develop goals

Track skills, experiences and accomplishments

Tell your friends

Off

How to gain professional experience during the Fall semester for ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ Arts and Sciences students

Find an internship

Earn a Google Career Certificate

Get an on-campus job

Simulate a job

Give back and build experience

Set yourself up for success

Related Articles

How to start your Arts and Sciences job and internship search

Use Handshake

Plan to attend career fairs

Work on your application materials

Meet with others

Start today

Related Articles

How to avoid these common job search mistakes

Adapt your resume to match the job description

Proofread

Don’t let your social media tell the wrong story

Avoid job scams by researching postings

Don’t be afraid to go for it

Off

How to get ready for the Just in Time Career Fair on April 3

Sign up to attend on Handshake

Make a plan for the fair

Update your resume

Complete your Handshake profile

Prepare to make a good first impression

Dress for success

Take notes

Follow up

Use your resources

Off

How to Gain Professional Experience at an On Campus Job as an Arts and Sciences student

Step 1: Identify the skills you want to develop

Step 2: Talk to your supervisor about your skill goals

Step 3: Follow through on your skill development plan

Step 4: Add your completed project or task to your resume

Student-focused and flexible

Related Articles

Social Media Tips for Staying Hirable as an Arts and Sciences Student

Use LinkedIn to your advantage

Build your brand: Showing who you are is important. Use the tips below to showcase yourself

Grow your network

Be wise with social media use

Be mindful of your online image

Clean up your online platforms

Know your rights

How to gain professional experience during the Fall semester for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Arts and Sciences students