Land Hands-on Experience

Hidden Rule #3 
Most internships open 3 to 6 months before they begin. 

Recruiters hire early and expect students to already have résumés with class projects, skills, and examples of their experience ready to go. 

Future First helps you prepare early by building strong applications, connecting your coursework to experience, and helping you apply with confidence.

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.)
  • Search employers in your industry to find openings on company websites.
• Search for jobs and internships that match your skills using FutureNav Compass.
• 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.
• Align your Career Readiness Skills (external page).
• Use the Cover Letter Samples (document) to follow up after applying.
• 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).