How to Search for Internships, Co-ops, and Full-Time Jobs

Start with Self-Assessment

Before diving into your job search, take some time to assess your skills, interests, and career goals. Understanding what you’re looking for in a role will help you target your search more effectively. Ask yourself:

• What industries or fields am I interested in?
• What skills do I want to develop or apply in my next role?
• What type of company culture or work environment do I thrive in?
• What are my long-term career goals, and how can this opportunity help me achieve them?

Utilize the Career and Co-op Center’s Resources

Our office provides a wealth of resources to help you navigate your job search. These include:

• One-on-One Appointments: Schedule time with a career advisor to discuss your goals, review your resume, and get personalized job search strategies.
• Job Search Platforms: Access online job boards and platforms like Handshake, where you can find job listings tailored to engineering and computer science students.
• Career Fairs: Attend our bi-annual career fairs to meet employers, learn about job opportunities, and make valuable connections.
• Workshops: Participate in workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, networking, and more to enhance your job search skills.

Leverage Your Network

Networking is one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities. Here’s how to make the most of your network:

• Connect with Alumni: Reach out to alumni from the Pigman College of Engineering and Computer Science. They can provide insights, advice, and sometimes even job leads.
• Use LinkedIn: Build a strong LinkedIn profile and connect with professionals in your field. Engage with industry content and join relevant groups to expand your network.
• Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, webinars, and local industry events. These are great opportunities to meet professionals and learn about job openings.

Targeted Job Search

When searching for opportunities, it’s important to be strategic. Here’s how to target your job search:

• Use Keywords: When searching online job boards, use specific keywords related to your desired role, industry, or skills.
• Company Research: Identify companies you’re interested in and visit their careers pages directly. Many companies post job openings on their websites before listing them on external job boards.
• Tailored Applications: Customize your resume and cover letter for each application. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the job description.

Consider Multiple Opportunities

As an undergraduate, gaining a variety of experiences can significantly strengthen your resume and help you discover what you’re passionate about. While co-ops are highly valued for providing in-depth, hands-on experience, combining them with internships and research opportunities can round out your skills and knowledge.

• Co-ops: These longer-term, full-time roles are closely aligned with your academic schedule and allow you to immerse yourself in a professional environment. Co-ops are highly recommended for their ability to develop deep technical and professional skills.
• Internships: Typically shorter and often completed during the summer, internships offer exposure to the industry and can complement your co-op experience. They provide additional opportunities to build your network and explore different areas of interest.
• Research Opportunities: Engaging in research can enhance your problem-solving abilities and deepen your understanding of specific technical areas. Research experience can also be valuable if you’re considering graduate school or a career in academia.

By pursuing a mix of co-ops, internships, and research opportunities, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your career path after graduation and will present a well-rounded skill set to potential employers as you pursue those full-time positions.

Stay Organized

Managing multiple job applications can be overwhelming. Keep track of your job search with these tips:

• Create a Search Organizer Using Trello or an Excel Spreadsheet: Track applications, deadlines, and follow-ups in a free Trello Organizer or an excel spreadsheet. Include columns for the job title, company, application date, and interview status. We’ve taken some of the pain out of getting started by creating a Job Search Organizer Board on Trello you can duplicate and customize or a Job Search Organizer Excel Spreadsheet you can download and customize
• Set Reminders: Use calendar reminders to stay on top of deadlines and follow-up communications.
• Follow Up: After applying or interviewing, send a thank-you email and express your continued interest in the role.

Be Persistent and Patient

The job search process can take time, so it’s important to stay persistent and patient. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Set Goals: Establish weekly goals for the number of applications you’ll submit or networking contacts you’ll make.
• Stay Positive: Rejections are a normal part of the process. Keep refining your approach and learn from each experience.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Career and Co-op Center for guidance and encouragement throughout your search.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right internship, co-op, or full-time job is a crucial step in your career journey. By leveraging the resources and strategies outlined here, you can navigate the job search process with confidence and set yourself up for success. Remember, the Career and Co-op Center is here to support you every step of the way. You can make a one-on-one appointment with our full-time staff members or you can drop in to see the Career Peers.