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. The experiences below are for college students.

• Internships - An internship is an off-campus activity that provides real-world exposure to professional development in a business, non-profit or government setting. View the opportunities listed on Cal State LA Handshake.
• Micro-Internships - Micro-internships allow you to work remotely on short-term projects. Projects can include research and strategy, operations and support, IT and cyber, marketing and others. View the opportunities listed on Cal State LA 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 work off campus to help students build professional skills and explore potential career paths. View the opportunities listed on Cal State LA Handshake.
• Student Jobs on Campus - On-campus student jobs are a great way to gain skills and experience in a professional setting. No experience is required to apply to many student positions on campus. Learn about students jobs on campus from the Career Center website Find a Job on Campus.
• Student Jobs in Government - Federal and State governments provide student employment and internship pathways for entry into professional careers. Learn about student jobs offered by USAJobs: Student & Recent Graduates and CalCareers: Student Employment
• Full-time Jobs, Post-Graduation - Employers are eager to hire Cal State LA students and recent graduates, and they provide opportunities that usually do not require prior experience. View the opportunities listed on Cal State LA Handshake.
• Freelance or Independent Contract Work - Freelancers do specific work for companies without being an employee of the company. 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.
• 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.

Career Pathways by Major

If you are unsure about what jobs relate to your major, the resources below can help you obtain information about the career possibilities.

• What Can I Do with My Major? - This website is a great starting point for viewing related fields, job titles, work places and professional organizations related to an academic major.
• Career Interviews by Major and Industry - Search by a major to view interviews from working professionals who majored in that discipline. You can also search by an industry that interests you. An industry describes the activity of the company and includes people with different occupations who work for the same type of business.
• Search Open Jobs by Major: Cal State LA Handshake - When you sign up for this college student job site, you can search for current job openings by a major. You can also search job openings by industry, which is the type of business activity a company or organization performs.

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 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. 

You can explore employers by a wide variety of interests. Use these resources to help your research.

Companies

• Employers by Major - Search this list of employers in California who have hired college graduates with the major.
• 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.
• 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. It is important to customize your résumé to each job description to prevent your résumé from being declined. Additionally, job seekers who network decrease the time it takes to get a job. Networking allows you to gain specific insights before applying to the job. We provide the resources below to help you connect with employers who are seeking Cal State LA students and graduates.

Cal State LA Handshake - Handshake is a job board for college students. The jobs and internships posted here align with the qualifications that college students possess. The employers who post on Handshake are specifically looking to hire Cal State LA students and graduates. You can access this exclusive network only on Handshake.

Cal State LA Micro-Internships - Organizations also post short-term, paid, professional projects similar to those given to interns or new employees. These are called micro-internships. We connect you with these opportunities using Parker Dewey.

Job Search Database - This website lists hundreds of specialized job boards. Search by your career interests.

Job Application Tracker - 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. 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 for College Students - Use this checklist provided by LinkedIn to create your profile.
• Career Center 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

• Cal State LA 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.

• Professional Brand Template - Use this handout to start creating your professional brand introduction.
• Professional Brand Review Rubric - Use this rubric 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 Cal State LA 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 for career exploration and decision-making. Learn about the organization's mission, values, and work culture, which career pathways are available, and how to successfully apply.
• On-Campus Interview Program - Apply to positions and be invited to interview for the opportunity. Interviews are typically on campus.
• Career Fairs - Attend our campus-wide career fairs offered twice a year, typically in early October and March.

What Should I Wear?

We encourage you to dress in business casual clothing. Business casual blends traditional business professional clothing with a professional casual style. This style includes business dress pants or khakis, knee-length skirts, button-down shirts or blouses, an optional cardigan or blazer, closed-toed shoes like loafers or low heels, and simple accessories like a belt or subtle jewelry. Watch our video for tips and examples of how to look your best in business casual.

Learn more about the types of business attire and how to define business casual by industry (e.g., agencies, education, entertainment, finance, medical, tech).

If you are experiencing financial hardship that prevents you from purchasing professional clothing, please visit our 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. Learn more at Job Scams Consumer Advice by the Federal Trade Commission.

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.

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.
• Salary Negotiation Course - Attend a free facilitator-guided virtual workshop or online self-guided course to learn to successfully advocate for yourself and close the pay gap.

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 Cards

• 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. For international students, view the IRS Taxpayer Identification Number Information for International Students to learn more about ITIN 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.