Employment Search

Organizations provide opportunities to help you explore career paths, build your professional skills, gain discipline-specific experience, and launch your career upon graduation.

Quick Look

• Options While in College
• Options Upon Graduation

Options While in College

Organizations provide unique employment options for college students. They typically post these opportunities with the Career Center and often come to campus to table on campus, provide information sessions and on-campus interviews, and hire at job fairs.

• Internships - An internship is an off-campus experience that provides real-world exposure in a business, non-profit, or government setting. View the opportunities listed on Handshake.
• Micro-Internships - Micro-internships allow you to work remotely on short-term projects as an freelancer/independent contractor. View the opportunities listed on Micro-Internships: Parker Dewey.
• Fellowships - Fellowships are typically merit-based scholarships for advanced research of an academic subject. Learn about fellowship opportunities provided by the National & International Scholarships and Fellowships Program
• Part-time Student Jobs - Employers offer part-time employment off campus to help students build professional skills and explore potential career paths. View the opportunities listed on Handshake.
• Student Jobs on Campus - On-campus student jobs are a great way to gain skills and experience in a professional setting. View the opportunities listed on Handshake.
• Student Jobs in Government - The Federal government and California provide student employment and internship pathways for entry into professional careers. Learn about student jobs offered by USAJOBS: Explore Hiring Paths and CalCareers: Student Employment.

Options Upon Graduation

Employers usually recruit transitioning college students in the fall and spring before graduation. They typically post these opportunities with the Career Center and often come to campus to provide information sessions and on-campus interviews and hire at job fairs.

• Internships After Graduation - Yes, you can do an internship after graduation. Several organizations offer internship programs specifically for recent graduates, typically within six to nine months after graduation. Learn what you should know about internships after graduation.
• Recent Graduate Fellowships - Fellowships are available for your first year of work after graduation (but you must apply in your last year of study) and for professionals with less than five years experience. They are also available for graduate, professional, and doctoral study. Learn how to find fellowships for any level of your career. 
• Recent Graduate Rotational Programs - If you unsure of which job would be best for you, you may want to consider a rotational program at an organization of interest. Rotations give you a chance to try out at least three different roles in different departments within the company. Read about the 4 reason why you should consider a rotational program after college. 
• Recent Graduate Programs in Government - The Federal government and some departments in California provide recent graduate employment pathways into professional careers. Learn about student jobs offered by the Federal government at USAJOBS: Recent Graduate Programs.
• Full-time Jobs, Post-Graduation - Employers offer college students entry-level and career-advancement positions that either do not require prior experience or consider your academic experiences as relevant work experience. View the opportunities listed on Handshake, the job board designed to help college students and recent graduates find jobs.
• Freelance or Independent Contract Work - Freelancers do short-term, project-based work for companies without being an employee of the company. Learn about Three Reasons Why Freelancing is Right for You by Forbes Business Magazine. Explore the Steps to Creating your Freelance Career. Identify the best freelance job search platform for your goals by reading about Fiverr vs Upwork and Fiverr vs Freelance.
• Consultant - Consultants help organizations improve their outcomes and achieve specific goals. Consultants have a specific area of expertise and experience to help the organization solve problems. They may work within the organization or provide temporary services through a consulting firm or independent practice. Learn more about How to Become a Consultant and How to Find Consulting Jobs.
• Entrepreneurship - Entrepreneurs are business owners rather than employees. Visit the IRS for the basics of setting up a business. The State of California provides support for setting up and managing a small business or startup. Depending upon the type of business you operation, there may be federal, state or local requirements for professional licenses. The State of California provides this professional licensure guide.

Little success comes to those who send the same application to hundreds of employment postings. If you focus your efforts on a specific type of work, you can increase your success. Use these resources to get started.

Quick Look

• Career Pathways by Major
• Career Pathways by Industry (by activity, product, or service)

Career Pathways in Government

• Federal Occupations by Major - Search this list of academic majors and the matching federal job titles.
• California State Occupations by Industry - Search this list of jobs in the State of California by industry of interest/job family. An industry/job family is a group of jobs based on the work performed, skills and education required.

Career Pathways in Nonprofit Organizations

• Degrees Nonprofits Look For: Nonprofit Careers - This article connects majors to job titles at nonprofit organizations.

Career Pathways in Freelance

• Freelance/Contractor Career Fields - Read this article to find the top career fields for freelance jobs. Freelancers do specific work for clients without being employed by a company. They are professionals who choose to be self-employed individuals. Learn more about figuring out your freelance focus and the seven fast-growing industries for freelancers. 

Career Pathways in Entrepreneurship

• Entrepreneurship - Review this website to learn the basics of setting up a business. Entrepreneurs are business owners rather than employees. Entrepreneurs can provide a product or service in practically any career field imaginable. Learn more with this introductory short course on entrepreneurship.
• Depending upon the type of business you operate, there may be federal, state, or local requirements for professional licenses. To help you determine the type of education and licenses needed for your business goals, visit the State of California professional licensure guide.

Employers post their open positions on the company website usually under the careers section. An effective way of find an opportunity that aligns with your career interests is to identify the companies you want to work for and search directly on their website. You can explore employers by a wide variety of interests. Use these resources to help your research.

Quick Look

• Employers by Major - Search this list of employers in California who have hired college graduates with the major.

Companies

• Business Finder by Industry - Search this list of industries by location to find employers near you who perform a business activity of interest.
• Corporate Scorecard - Search this index to find companies that match your career values. For more information, read about Ten Ways to Research Company Culture.
• Employers with Dedicated Early Career Programs for Young Talent
• Guides to Jobs - Research these guides to learn about key careers and industries by job activities of interest.

Government

• USAJobs: Working in Federal Government - Review this website by the federal government for help with how to find opportunities and apply;
• CalCareers: Steps to a California State Job - Review this website by the state government for help with how to find opportunities and apply. For more information, read the CalCareers: California State Job Search FAQ.

Getting hired takes time and focus. The average time to find a job takes several months. You can increase your chances of getting hired by limiting your job search. Apply for specific roles that align with your specific career interests and qualifications rather than submit the same résumé to any position you find. Use these resources to get started.

Cal State LA Resources

Jobs & Internships: Handshake - Handshake is a job board for college students. The employers who post on Handshake are specifically looking to hire Cal State LA students and graduates.

Micro-Internships: Parker Dewey - Organizations also post short-term, paid, professional projects similar to those given to interns or new employees. You complete projects as a freelancer/independent contractor rather than an employee.

Other Resources

• ProFellow - This database lists fellowships for professional development and graduate study.
• California Government Jobs - The State of California offers a wide variety of careers and jobs, ranging from accounting to zoology.
• U.S.A. Government Jobs -The U.S. government is looking to fill positions that are in high demand.
• Idealist - This database lists opportunities at nonprofits, social-impact businesses, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
• Job Search Database - This website lists hundreds of career-specific job boards.
• Mandy Network - This website lists jobs for cast, crew, and creative professionals.

Manage Your Job Search

We provide an application tracking tool called Huntr. This tool helps you organize your employment search. You can share your job tracking board with a career advisor for coaching support.

Log In: Job Application Tracker

Add jobs to Huntr using the Chrome browser and the Huntr Chrome Extension. For help getting started, watch the video Introducing Huntr Job Search Tracker and review the Huntr Job Seeker Guide.

LinkedIn is an employment and business focused social media platform. Students and professionals connect, share, and learn from each other on LinkedIn. You can also find internships and job openings.

How to Set Up Your LinkedIn Profile

• LinkedIn Profile Checklist - Use this checklist provided by LinkedIn to create your profile.
• Career Photo Booth - Stop by the Career Center to get your professional photo taken; no appointment is needed. 

How to Use LinkedIn to Network and Job Search

• Introduction to Networking on LinkedIn  - Read this guide to learn how to build your connections and network on LinkedIn.
• LinkedIn Job Search Checklist - Use this checklist provided by LinkedIn to search for jobs.
• Join the Career Center LinkedIn Group - Group memberships on LinkedIn provide a place for professionals with similar interests to share their insights and experiences, ask for guidance, and build professional connections. The Career Center group is exclusive to Golden Eagles and our partnered companies.

People who are working in organizations or positions that interest you are often willing to support students and recent graduates. They provide valuable advice about how to prepare and succeed in the employment search. Building a relationship with professionals working in areas that interest you is called networking. Use these resources to get started.

What is Networking?

• Networking 101: How to Network - Watch this video for an introduction to networking.
• What are Networking Events? - Learn about the different types of events where you can network with professionals and potential career mentors.
• Networking is a Waste of Time or Is it? - Learn about the benefits of networking and get a sample meeting agenda and questions to ask.

Who should I network with?

• Ten Types of People to Network with During Your Job Search - Find out how to identify who to network with when you are job searching.
• Six Ways to Find Contacts Inside Companies - Use these digital tips to find contacts inside of companies.

Networking Communities to Join

• Jobs & Internships: Handshake — Handshake is a online career community for college students. You can explore career options, find jobs/internships, and connect with employers hiring Cal State LA students.
• Career Center LinkedIn Group — Group memberships on LinkedIn provide a place for professionals with similar interests to share their insights and experiences, ask for guidance, and build professional connections.
• Alumni Mentoring Program — The Cal State LA Alumni Association provides one-time and traditional mentoring for students and recent graduates.

How do I introduce myself to professionals?

When you network with professionals you will most likely be asked, "What do you do?" This typical introductory question is asking for your professional introduction or your elevator pitch. Use the resources to create your professional introduction and continue the conversation.

To create your professional introduction, you first need to define your professional brand and your goal for networking. A professional brand is how employers see you in your major and career. It reflects who you are as a professional.

• Brand Template - Use this handout to start creating your professional brand introduction.
• Brand Review Guide - Use this guide to see how you can continue to advance your brand.
• Career Conversation Questions - Use these questions to identify your goal for networking and what to ask when developing a career mentoring relationship.

If you would like to invite a potential career mentor for a career conversation, an email or LinkedIn message may be appropriate. Use these tips to convey your professionalism when you reach out to professionals in writing.

• Business Writing Etiquette Introduction - This guide provides sample emails and best practices for writing professionals.
• Business Writing - Watch this video to get tips on business writing.

Employers want to engage with college students and recent grads to build a mentoring relationship and share job opportunities. Here are some of the ways that employers recruit college students on campus. Sign up for these employer events using Handshake.

• Outreach Tables - Visit an employer outreach table outside of the Career Center to learn about part-time and internship openings.
• Information Sessions - Attend these employer presentations to learn about career pathways are available and how to apply.
• On-Campus Interview Program - Apply to positions and be invited to interview for the opportunity.
• Career Fairs - Attend our campus-wide career fairs offered twice a year, typically in late September/early October and late March/early April. Our fairs are organized in sections, including arts, media, and entertainment; applied STEM and research; business and computer science; education and social services; and health and life science.

Depending upon your industry, you may dress in business casual or business professional clothing.

Business casual is between casual and formal. This style includes business dress pants or khakis, knee-length skirts, button-down shirts or blouses, closed-toed shoes like loafers or low heels, and simple accessories.

Business professional is in more conservative settings or industries like finance, government, or law. This style includes well-tailored and tidy dresses, dark-colored suits and ties, neat button-down shirts or blouses, and closed-toed business shoes like Oxfords or low heels.

Learn more about the levels of business attire. If you’re unsure about the event setting, you can ask the person who invited you.

The Career Center provides new and gently used interview and career-appropriate clothing in partnership with basic needs support programs and community partners.

Visit: Career Clothing Closet

The employment search process can be challenging and tiring. When you are feeling tired or down about your search you may be more vulnerable to job scams. We are available to help you review an opportunity before you click on the links or hit the apply button. Use this resource to improve your awareness of scam opportunities: Job Scams Consumer Advice by the Federal Trade Commission.

Negotiating can increase your potential to earn more, gain more vacation days, create a more convenient work schedule, and obtain other benefits to enhance your career prospects. Use these resources to learn how to research your salary and find the right words to be confident when negotiating better benefits and pay.

• Review Your Job Offer: State-by-State Guides - Use these state-by-state tip sheets to understand your rights regarding non-compete agreements, verifying if your salary matching co-workers, negotiating contractual protections, and more.
• Negotiating Your Job Offer and Salary: LinkedIn Learning Course - Use your free student access to LinkedIn Learning located in your MyCalStateLA portal to take this one-hour training covering the pre-offer, offer, and post-offer stages of salary negotiation.

During the job search, you may wonder when you should share information that may be sensitive such as a disability, a prior criminal record, or citizenship status. Use these resources to help you know more about your rights and determine when and how to share this information.

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission outlines prohibited employment policies and practices.
• Disability Disclosure - The Job Accommodation Network provides guidance to help you decide if, when and how you want to share disability-related information.
• Criminal History Disclosure - The State of California Civil Rights Department provides guidance for job applicants to reduce undue barriers to employment for applicants with criminal histories. Use the link above to learn more, review their guidance to help you know your rights, and/or watch this view video about Fair Chance Access to Employment from the California Department of Corrections.
• Citizenship Disclosure  - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides information about pre-hire inquiries about citizenship status before accepting a job offer. 

With a job search plan, your pregnancy should not stand in the way of your job search. Use the resources below to get started.

• How to apply for and get a job while pregnant
• 5 questions you might have if you're job searching while pregnant
• 4 women share what it's like to get a job while pregnant
• All about working during pregnancy
• CalWorks - Designed to help parents or caretakers of kids under 18 and people who are pregnant. Eligibility will depend on things like your household income, resources, and age. Additional information about CalWorks LA County Department of Public Social Services.

Depending upon your immigration status or circumstances, you may need a specific visa or permit to work in the United States. Use these resources to determine the best pathway for you.

• Working in the United States - Learn about the types of work visas available, including employment-based visas (EB visas), temporary work visas filed by a prospective employer on your behalf (e.g., H visas for specialty occupations and STEM professionals), entrepreneur employment, and working as a student or exchange visitor.
• H1-B Employer Data Hub - The H-1B program allows employers to temporarily provide a work visa for occupations that require theoretical or practical application of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific specialty. Employers must have an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) for the specialty occupation. Search this data hub to find which employers have submitted petitions to employ H1-B workers.
• F-1 Student Visa and Employment - Learn about the employment options available during and after your studies. These include on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, you can also visit Training Opportunities in the United States.
• J-1 Exchange Visitors and Employment - Learn about the employment options available, including part-time on-campus employment.
• Other Permission to Work (Employment Authorization Document) - Learn about how to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you are authorized to work because: your immigration status or circumstances (e.g., asylee, refugee, DACA), you have a pending application for permanent residence, asylum or withholding of removal; or you have a status that allows you to be in the country but does not allow you to work without first seeking permission (e.g., F-1 visa).

When you start work as an employee, independent contractor, or business, you will be asked about your federal and state tax status and contributions. Each year in April, you may need to file federal and state tax returns. Use the resources below to learn more about tax withholding and tax preparation.

Tax Identification Numbers

• Social Security Number (SSN) - A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique identifier issued by the Social Security Administration and is used for work. Use the link above to find out more or watch this video about your Social Security number and card: what you need to know.
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - The IRS provides information about taxpayer identification numbers for individuals who do not have and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security number. Use the link above to find out more. 
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) - For international students, you may apply for an SSN or TIN. Use the link above to learn more about TIN and SSN options specific to your situation.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) - If you have a business or organization you will be required to have an employer identification number (EIN) for tax purposes, even if you do not have employees.

Tax Withholding

• IRS Employee Tax Withholding Information - Use this resource for guidance on how to complete the W-4 tax withholding form as an employee.
• California Employee Wage Withholding Information - Use this resource for guidance on how to complete the DE 4 tax withholding form as an employee.

Tax Returns

• IRS Federal Tax Filing Information - Learn about filing federal tax returns.
• California Franchise Tax Board Tax Filing Information - Learn about filing tax returns for the state of California.
• Cal State LA VITA Program - This Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is provides FREE tax return preparation services for Cal State LA students and members of the community.