Land Hands-on Experience

Apply Early for Hands-on Experience

Many opportunities open 3 to 6 months in advance.

• Search in Handshake, an employment network for college students. 
  (Filter by internship, fellowship, on-campus, or part-time.)
• Search keywords that match your interests. 
  (If you're unsure, use What Can I Do with This Major.)
• Explore other hands-on experience types on the Internships page.

Customize Your Résumé and Cover Letter

Customize your résumé and cover letter to each position.

• Create documents in the Résumé & Letter Builder.
• Use the College Résumé Sample (document) as a guide.
• Use the Cover Letter Samples (document) if a letter is requested.
• Get feedback provided in the builder.

Practice interviewing.

• Complete practice interviews in the Interview Practice System.
• Review tips and examples on how to answer each question.
• Complete Fast Track or Mastery Track lessons to improve.
• Get feedback provided in the system.

Visit the Career Clothing Closet to dress confidently for interviews.

Attend Employer Events

Explore careers and get advice directly from professionals using Handshake events and networking tools.

• Find events in Handshake. (Events tab — labeled employer info, hiring, or career fair)
• Dress professionally. (Visit the Career Clothing Closet.)
• Develop your introduction with the
  Professional Brand Template (document).

Update Handshake and LinkedIn

Keep your profiles current so employers can see your skills and experience. 

• Add class projects to your profiles.
• Upload a professional photo. (Take one at the Career Photo Booth.)
• Write your “About” section with the Professional Brand Template (document).
• Build LinkedIn using the LinkedIn Profile Checklist (document).