Employment Search

Explore short-term and long-term opportunities during college and after graduation. Most roles can be found on Handshake or through employer events.

While You're in College

• Internships – Ten to twelve weeks, major-related experience. Visit: Handshake
• Micro-Internships – Short, project-based work; five to forty hours, often remote. Visit: Micro-Internships: Parker Dewey
• Fellowships – Funding for professional development or research. Visit: National & International Scholarships and Fellowships Program
• Part-time Jobs (Off Campus) – Flexible work aligned with future career goals. Visit: Handshake
• Campus Jobs – On-campus roles to build professional skills. Visit: Handshake
• Student Jobs in Government – Federal and state pathways for students. Visit: USAJOBS: Explore Hiring Paths and CalCareers: Student Employment

After Graduation

• Internships – Ten to twelve-week experiences offered within six to nine months after graduation. Learn: Internships After Graduation
• Fellowships – Funded professional or research opportunities (apply during final year). Learn: How to Find Fellowships
• Rotational Programs – Short-term roles across departments to explore careers. Learn: 4 Reasons to Consider a Rotational Program
• Government Recent Graduate Programs – Federal and state career pathways for new alumni. Learn: USAJOBS: Recent Graduate Programs
• Full-time, Early-Career Jobs – Entry-level roles that value academic experience. Visit: Handshake.
• Freelance/Contract Work – Project-based work for companies as an independent contractor. Learn: Fiverr vs Upwork and Fiverr vs Freelance
• Consulting – Expertise-based work helping organizations solve problems. Learn: How to Find Consulting Jobs
• Entrepreneurship – Start a business; may require registration or licensing. Learn: IRS Business Basics, California Small Business Support, and California Professional Licensure Guide

Before using job boards, take the time to identify the roles that align with your interests. Avoid sending the same résumé to every posting; focused applications lead to better results. Review the 'Explore Career Paths' section, then use these job boards to find roles that match your goals.

Cal State LA Resources

• Handshake – National job board for college students and new alumni; postings targeted to Cal State LA.
• Micro-Internships: Parker Dewey – Short-term, paid professional projects.

Other Resources

• Professional Associations Search – Find associations by career field and access their job boards.
• Corporate Inclusion Programs – Companies offering internships for students and recent grads.
• Early Career Employers – Companies with entry-level jobs for new alumni.
• Employers by Major – See which California employers hire graduates from your major.
• Business Finder – Find industries and employers by type of work.
• Corporate Scorecard – Find companies that match your values. Learn: Ten Ways to Research Company Culture.

Specialized Resources

• Job Search Database – Hundreds of career-specific job boards.

Arts, Media, and Entertainment Resources

• Mandy Network – Creative, cast, and crew jobs.
• Staff Me Up – Media production jobs.
• Entertainment Careers – Entertainment & digital media roles.

Sustainable Green Jobs Resources

• Green Jobs Board – Green economy careers.
• Remote Climate Jobs – Climate roles from 80+ sources.

Startups

• Wellfound – Startup job openings.

Government, Nonprofit & Fellowships

• CalCareers – California state jobs. Visit: Steps to State Job
• USAJobs – U.S. federal jobs. Visit: Working in Government
• GovernmentJobs – Public sector job board.
• Idealist – Nonprofit and social-impact jobs.
• ProFellow – Fellowship opportunities.

Unsure what to apply for? Focused applications lead to better outcomes. Explore these tools to discover roles that match your interests and strengths.

By Major or Job Title

• What Can I Do with This Major – See common career areas, employers, and strategies.
• Education Crosswalk Search – Match majors to job titles or search by interests: Browse by Interest.
• Professional Associations Search – Find associations by field for career insights.
• Career Experiences with Forage – Try virtual job simulations from real companies.
• Employers by Major – See which California employers hire graduates from your major.
• Health Professions Info – Explore pathways into medical and health careers.

By Industry

• Careers in Los Angeles by Industry – Explore LA industries, employers, and career videos.
• Careers in the U.S. – See top careers, growth outlook, and required skills.
• Vault Guides to Jobs – Learn about key industries and job activities.

In Government

• CA Jobs by Industry – Explore California state jobs by field.
• Federal Jobs by Major – Match majors to federal job titles.

At Nonprofits

• Nonprofit Careers – See how your major connects to nonprofit roles.

In Freelance

• Freelance Career Fields -– Discover top freelance paths, fast-growing industries, and how to get started. Learn: Three Reasons Why Freelancing, Steps to Your Freelance Career, Your Freelance Focus, and the Seven Fastest-Growing Industries. 

In Consulting

• Learn: How to Become a Consultant and How to Find Consulting Jobs.

In Entrepreneurship

• Entrepreneurship Basics – Learn how to start your own business in any field.
• CA Small Business Support – Find free advising, training, and funding resources to start or grow a business in California.
• CA Professional License Guide – Check if your business idea requires a license.

Stay organized during your search with Huntr, an application-tracking tool that helps you save jobs, track progress, and share your board with a career advisor for support.

• Log In – Job Application Tracker
• Add Jobs Easily – Use the Huntr Chrome Extension.
• Get Started – Watch Introducing Huntr Job Search Tracker and review the Huntr Job Seeker Guide.

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where students and employers connect, share insights, and find internships and jobs. Use these tools to build your presence and start networking with confidence.

• LinkedIn Profile Checklist – Create or update your profile using LinkedIn’s official checklist.
• Career Photo Booth – Visit the Career Center for a free professional photo (no appointment needed).
• Introduction to Networking on LinkedIn – Step-by-step guide to building connections.
• LinkedIn Job Search Checklist – Use LinkedIn’s checklist to find and apply for jobs.
• Join the Career Center LinkedIn Group – Connect with fellow Golden Eagles and partner employers in an exclusive networking community.

Learn how to build a strong profile and online presence. Watch: Standout on LinkedIn

Connecting with people who work in roles or industries you’re interested in can give you insights, advice, and opportunities. Networking simply means building relationships with professionals who can help you learn and grow. Use these tools to get started.

What is Networking?

• Networking 101 – Learn the basics of networking.
• What are Networking Events? – Understand different types of events and how to use them.
• Is Networking a Waste of Time? – Learn the benefits, plus get a sample agenda and questions.

Who Should I Network With?

• Ten Types of People to Network With – Identify the best people to connect with.
• Six Ways to Find Contacts Inside Companies – Tips for locating professionals online.

Networking Communities to Join

• Handshake – Explore careers, find jobs/internships, and connect with employers hiring Cal State LA students.
• Career Center LinkedIn Group – Join an exclusive group for Golden Eagles and partner employers.
• Alumni Mentoring Program – Access one-time and ongoing mentoring from Cal State LA alumni.
• Professional Associations Search – Find associations connected to your field for industry insights and networking.

Reaching Out to Professionals

Use these resources to write effective emails or LinkedIn messages.

• Business Writing Etiquette – Email samples and best practices for contacting professionals.
• Business Writing – Quick tips for clear, professional communication.

How Do I Introduce Myself?

Professionals often ask, “What do you do?" This is your professional introduction or elevator pitch. These tools help you define your brand and start strong conversations.

• Brand Template – Create your professional brand introduction.
• Brand Review Guide – Strengthen and refine your brand over time.
• Career Conversation Questions – Identify your networking goals and what to ask mentors.

Learn how to introduce yourself clearly and confidently. Watch: The Elevator Pitch

Employers connect with students and new alumni to share opportunities, answer questions, and build relationships. Sign up for all events through Handshake.

• Outreach Tables – Stop by employer tables outside the Career Center to learn about part-time jobs and internships.
• Information Sessions – Attend employer presentations to explore career pathways and learn how to apply.
• On-Campus Interviews – Apply for select openings and interview with employers right on campus.
• Career Fairs – Meet dozens of employers at our campus-wide fairs held twice a year (late Sept/early Oct and late March/early April). Fairs include sections for: Arts, Media & Entertainment; Applied STEM & Research; Business & Computer Science; Education & Social Services; and Health & Life Science.

See how to prepare, approach employers, and stand out at career fairs. Watch: Career Fair Success

Different industries expect varying levels of dress, ranging from business casual to business professional attire. 

• Business Casual – A step above casual. Includes dress pants or khakis, knee-length skirts, button-down shirts or blouses, closed-toed shoes, and simple accessories.
• Business Professional – Common in more formal industries like finance, government, and law. Includes dark suits and ties, tailored dresses, neat button-down shirts or blouses, and closed-toed business shoes.
• Career Clothing Closet – Access free new and gently used professional clothing through the Career Center’s partnership with basic needs and community programs.

If you’re unsure what to wear, ask the event organizer for guidance. Learn: The Levels of Business Attire and Watch: Business Casual

Job searching can be stressful, and scammers often target students and new alumni. If something feels off, the Career Center can help you review an opportunity before you click a link or apply.

• Job Scams Consumer Advice (FTS) – Learn how to spot and avoid common job scams.

Negotiating your offer can help you increase your pay, improve your schedule, and gain benefits that support your career and well-being. Use these tools to research salaries and feel confident during negotiations.

• Review Your Job Offer: State-by-State Guides – Understand your rights on non-compete agreements, salary transparency, contract protections, and more based on your state.
• Negotiating Your Job Offer and Salary – Use your free LinkedIn Learning access through MyCalStateLA to take a one-hour course on negotiation before and after receiving an offer.

Learn how to prepare for a negotiation, choose the right language, and make a confident counteroffer. Watch: Negotiating an Offer

During your job search, you may wonder if, or when, you should share sensitive information such as a disability, prior criminal history, or citizenship status. These resources explain your rights and offer guidance on when and how to disclose information if you choose to.

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Learn about prohibited employment practices and your legal protections.
• Disability Disclosure (JAN) – Guidance on deciding if, when, and how to share disability-related information.
• Criminal History Disclosure – State of California resources to help applicants understand their rights and reduce unnecessary barriers to employment. Includes information and a video on Fair Chance hiring. Learn: Your Rights, and watch: Fair Chance Access to Employment.
• Citizenship Disclosure – EEOC guidance on what employers can ask about citizenship status before you accept a job offer.

With a clear plan, pregnancy does not have to limit your job search. Use these resources to understand your rights, explore real experiences, and find support.

• How to Apply For and Get a Job While Pregnant – Tips for navigating applications and interviews.
• 5 Questions About Job Searching While Pregnant – Answers to common concerns.
• 4 Women Share Their Experiences – Real stories from pregnant job seekers.
• Working During Pregnancy – Learn about balancing work and pregnancy.
• CalWORKs - – Support for pregnant individuals and families with children under 18. Learn more from the LA County Department of Public Social Services. More info: CalWorks LA County Department of Public Social Services.

Depending on your immigration status, you may need a specific visa or work authorization to be employed in the United States. Use these resources to understand your options and determine your best pathway.

• Working in the United States – Overview of work visa types, including employment-based visas (EB), temporary work visas (such as H-1B for specialty occupations), options for entrepreneurs, and employment pathways for students and exchange visitors.
• H1-B Employer Data Hub – See which employers have submitted petitions to hire H-1B workers in specialty occupations.
• F-1 Student Visa and Employment – Learn about on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and other training opportunities. More info: Training Opportunities in the United States.
• J-1 Exchange Visitors and Employment – Understand employment options for J-1 visa holders, including part-time on-campus work.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) – Learn how to request an EAD if you are eligible to work based on status (e.g., asylee, refugee, DACA), a pending immigration application, or other circumstances requiring work authorization.

When you begin working, whether as an employee, independent contractor, or business owner, you’ll be asked to provide tax information. Each year, you may also need to file federal and state tax returns. Use these resources to understand tax IDs, withholding, and filing requirements.

Tax Identification Numbers

• Social Security Number (SSN) – Required for most employment. Learn more or watch a video on what you need to know about your SSN. Learn: Social Security Number and Card
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) – For individuals who do not have and are not eligible for an SSN.
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) – For international students; learn when you need a TIN vs. an SSN.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) -– Required for businesses or organizations, even without employees.

Tax Withholding

• IRS Employee Withholding Information (W-4) – Guidance on completing federal tax withholding forms.
• California Employee Withholding (DE 4) – Guidance on completing state tax withholding forms.

Tax Returns

• IRS Federal Tax Filing – Learn how to file federal tax returns.
• California Board Tax Filing – Learn how to file California state returns.
• Cal State LA VITA Program – Free tax preparation services for Cal State LA students and community members.