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 can be included in your college résumé.

• Volunteerism - If you volunteer in your academic discipline of interest, you can gain skills and experience that demonstrate how you fit in your future career. Learn about volunteer opportunities offered by the Center for Engagement, Service and the Public Good.
• Externships & Job Shadowing - In these experiences, you schedule time with working professionals to observe a workplace, sit in on meetings and have career conversations with employees. To get help with creating a job shadowing opportunity schedule a Jobs & Internships Appointment with the Career Center.
• Internships - An internship is an off-campus activity that provides real-world exposure to professional development in a business, non-profit or government setting. Learn about Internships.
• 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; Get Started: 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; Get Started: Handshake
• Freelance or Independent Contract Work - Freelancers do specific work for companies without being an employee of the company. Freelancers may be independent contractors, part-time freelancers, diversified workers or temporary workers. Freelance jobs are offered for practically any career field imaginable. 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. Yet, 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 (Forbes article). 

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.

• Vault Guide 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.

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. We can help you grow your career network with ease. 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.

Virtual 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; Get Started: Handshake

• LinkedIn Career Center 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; Join the Career Center LinkedIn group

• Alumni Mentoring Program — The Cal State LA Alumni Association provides one-time and traditional mentoring for students and recent graduates; Join the Alumni Mentoring Program

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 get started creating your professional introduction, use the resources to brainstorm your professional brand. A professional brand is how employers see you in your major and career. It reflects who you are as a professional. You demonstrate your professional identity in your classroom assignments and campus activities. These experiences are included in your professional introduction, college résumé, job applications and job interviews.

• Professional Brand Template
  Use this handout to start creating your professional introduction.

• Scoring Rubric 
  Use this guide to see how you can continue to advance your brand.

• Career Conversations
  Use these questions to develop a career mentoring relationship and learn how to be successful in your career development.

If you meet someone in person or would like to invite a virtual contact to an in-person meeting, sometimes an email is appropriate. Use these tips to convey your professionalism, when you reach out to professionals by email.

• 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 seek 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.

• 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. Sign up for employer events using Cal State LA Handshake; Get Started: Handshake.
• On-Campus Interview Program - Apply to positions and be invited to interview for the opportunity. Interviews are typically on campus. Sign up for employer events using Cal State LA Handshake; Get Started: Handshake.
• Career Fairs - Attend our campus-wide career fairs offered twice a year, typically in September and March. Sign up for career fairs using Cal State LA Handshake; Get Started: Handshake.

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-employment 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.