Launch Your Career

Hidden Rule #4 
Employers hire students who can clearly explain their experience. 

A degree matters, but employers also want students to explain what they’ve done, what skills they’ve built, and how they can contribute in the role. 

Future First helps you practice telling your professional story through conversations with employers and professionals—connecting your projects, skills, and experiences to real opportunities.

Attend Employer Events

Explore careers and get advice directly from professionals.

• 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).

Show Your In-Demand Skills

Highlight the skills you’re building through classes and experiences. 

• Add class projects and campus experiences to your résumé. 
  • Use the College Résumé Sample (document) as a guide.
• Identify your skills using FutureNav Compass. 

Build and add credentials.

• Complete virtual job simulations in Career Experiences with Forage (external link).
• Earn certificates on LinkedIn Learning.
• Explore high-value certifications with the Credential Value Index (external link).

Apply Early and Secure an Offer

Many opportunities open 3 to 6 months in advance.

• Search in Handshake, an employment network for college students. 
  • 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 that match your skills using FutureNav Compass.
• Find Resources for Applying to Graduate School.

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.