Launch Your Career

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).

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.)
• Connect experiences to skills using:
  • Career Readiness Skills (external page) — Skills from college.
  • Industry-specific Skills (external page) — Skills from your major.
  • Skills-First Initiative (external page)  — Skills from common jobs.

Build and add credentials.

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

Apply Early and Secure an Offer

Many opportunities open 3 to 6 months in advance.

• Search jobs and employers in Handshake, an employment network for college students. 
  (Find keywords to search in What Can I Do with This Major.)
• 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.