Jobs & Internships
How do you find the right job or internship? Whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time opportunities, on-campus or off-campus, you can count on the Career Design Center for advice and connections throughout your search.
How To Get Started
Navigating job/internship opportunities can be a challenge but it’s all about the plan! Do you have a search plan?
What is a search plan?
Starting early, develop a plan of action, including goals, outcomes, methods, and a timeline. Create a method for tracking who you apply to, what stage of the application process you are in and how you followed up with each employer. Use the framework below to help you get started on your three steps.
💡 Activities
Step 1: Vision and Goals
Vision
What do you hope will happen due to your job or internship search? Answer the following questions below to help you figure out your plan.
💡 Activity
Ask yourself:
- What type of job/internship would I like?
- Where would I want to live?
- What date would I want to start?
- What type of industry would I like to work in?
- What is my ideal salary?
- What do I know about the jobs I'm interested in?
- What do I know about the organizations or companies I'm interested in?
Your goals
What is your ultimate career goal (big picture for your career vision)? Answer the following questions below to help you figure out your goals.
💡 Activity
Ask yourself:
- What are 2-3 immediate career goals (what you would want to do right now based on your skills and qualifications)?
- List 3 occupations that align with your career goals (you can utilize resources such as Bullseye powered by Handshake, Interstride, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, ONET, Indeed, etc.)
- What are the “keywords” related to skills and abilities for your chosen occupations?
- Identify 3-5 companies/organizations that hire people for these occupations.
Next steps
Step 2: Documents
Documents
What documents will you need for your job internship search? Answer the following questions below to help you figure out what you'll need before you start applying.
💡 Activity
Ask yourself:
1. What documents do you already have?
- Resume
- Elevator pitch
- Cover letter
- Professional photo or selfie
- Professional email address (Hint: You can't use your UB email address forever)
- Professional dress
- Interviewing materials
- LinkedIn profile
- A complete Bullseye powered by Handshake profile
- Portfolio or website (if applicable)
- References
2. Has anyone reviewed them? Hint: You can use VMock to review your resume or LinkedIn profile 24/7.
3. What documents do you still need to get?
4. How will you get them, and by when?
5. Are all your documents stored on a flash drive or in an electronic format?
Next steps
Step 3: Action
Action
What is your plan of action? What will you do to achieve your goals?
💡 Activity
Write down the activity, date, time, and location of each action you'll take to achieve your vision.
- Identify three strategies you can use in the open job market. Hint: Think of the 3P's
- Identify three of the best job search websites related to your target occupations.
- Identify 3-5 networking events, job + internship fairs, or professional conferences you could attend.
- Find professional organizations that are relevant to your target occupations.
- Identify key contacts within your network who could help advance your job/internship search and career goals. Hint: Your network is much larger than you think.
💡 Pro Tip:
This activity can be as simple as getting your resume or LinkedIn profile reviewed using VMock, attending events like STEAM Job + Internship Fair, or talking to an alum using LinkedIn.
Still Need Help Getting Started?
I'm Ready!
Start searching for jobs or internships using Bullseye powered by Handshake or Interstride.
Learn New Career Skills at Upcoming Skillshops
Get professional advice for writing your resume, interviewing, finding a job and so much more at our popular “skillshops.”
Want a customized skillshop for your club, group or class, or have an idea for one, book a career workshop.