Searching for an Internship or Job requires a strategic approach.
Searching for internships or jobs requires a strategic approach and utilizing various resources to identify opportunities that align with your interests and qualifications. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to search for internships or jobs effectively:
- Self-Assessment: Start by assessing your skills, interests, values, and career goals. Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of expertise to narrow down your search and target opportunities that match your preferences.
- Create or Update Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Customize each application to align with the requirements of the internship or job you’re applying for.
- Use Handshake and other Online Job Boards: Utilize online job boards and career websites to search for internships or jobs in your desired field or industry. Popular job search websites include Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, CareerBuilder, and SimplyHired. Use search filters to narrow down results based on location, industry, job title, and other preferences.
- Explore Company Websites: Visit the career pages of companies you’re interested in to search for internship or job openings directly on their websites. Many companies post job opportunities exclusively on their own websites, so it’s essential to check regularly for updates.
- Network: Leverage your professional network to uncover hidden job opportunities and gain insights into companies or industries of interest. Inform family, friends, professors, alumni, and professional contacts about your job search and ask for referrals or introductions to potential employers.
- Attend Career Fairs and Networking Events: Participate in career fairs, industry conferences, and networking events where you can connect with recruiters, hiring managers, and professionals in your field. Bring copies of your resume and be prepared to engage in conversations about your interests and qualifications.
- Utilize Social Media: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to search for job postings, follow companies, and engage with professionals in your industry. Join industry-specific groups and participate in discussions to expand your network and stay informed about job opportunities.
- Consider Internship Programs: Research internship programs offered by companies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions. Many organizations have formal internship programs designed to provide students with hands-on experience and mentorship in their chosen field.
- Utilize ACES: Take advantage of resources offered by ACES. We provide assistance with resume writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, and access to internship or job postings exclusive to UMB students and alumni.
- Set Up Job Alerts: Sign up for job alerts and notifications on job search websites to receive updates on new job postings that match your criteria. This can help you stay informed about relevant opportunities and apply promptly when positions become available.
- Follow Up: After submitting applications or attending interviews, follow up with recruiters or hiring managers to express your continued interest in the position and inquire about the status of your application. A polite and professional follow-up can demonstrate your enthusiasm and persistence.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of the internships or jobs you’ve applied for, deadlines, and any follow-up actions needed using a spreadsheet or organizational tool. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss important opportunities.
By implementing these strategies and staying proactive in your job search, you can increase your chances of finding internships or jobs that align with your interests, skills, and career goals.
Finding an internship and/or job takes patience and diligence. Meet with a member of the ACES team for assistance and check out our resources on Handshake!
