Job & Internship Search Strategies

Careers in Computer Science! https://www.uww.edu/cls/departments/computer-science/careers-in-comp-sci

Top Job & Internship Search Strategies Identify your interests, current and desired skills Prepare your resumes & cover letters (tailored!) Develop and grow your network. Let them know you are looking! Become resourceful of online search sites Create an account on Handshake! Establish your LinkedIn page and professionalize your social media presence. (Take down certain photos, etc.) Attend career fairs, networking events, association meetings, campus employer visits

Handshake Handshake https://uww.joinhandshake.com/login Handshake (formerly Hawk Jobs) is UW-Whitewater's new and interactive tool for finding jobs and internships in all industries/career fields across Wisconsin and the United States. Activate your account and create your profile now! Online tutorial on how to use Handshake: https://support.joinhandshake.com/

https://uww.joinhandshake.com/login Handshake Handshake https://uww.joinhandshake.com/login NOTE: All UW System Institutions are using Handshake, which is the first time ever that all institutions are using the same system! As a result, there is a *significant* increase in jobs and intenships viewable by students!

Online Job & Internship Systems Most Popular Online Systems Indeed.com (all kinds of positions) Idealist.com (nonprofit/public service) Socialservice.com (social services/human services) Internships.com City, County, State of Wisconsin online listings USAJOBS.gov (all federal government jobs) Glassdoor.com (jobs + reviews of employers)

Online Job & Internship Systems Most Popular Online Systems Jobcenterofwisconsin.com Vault.com (research employers & career industries) Dice.com (Information Technology (IT) Big Shoes Network (advertising, communications, marketing, graphic design, public relations, social media, web design & development) GoinGlobal (International Internships & Job Listings, as well as country-specific guidelines for resumes, work permit and visa requirements, as well as employment trends. (Subscription to this service provided for free by accessing it through Handshake!)

Search Strategies and Terms/Resources   In most online systems, conduct a search using similar search strategies as when using online databases to write research papers! Search by Job or Internship Title Search by Location Search by Keyword(s) that match career field Search by Level (e.g. Internship, Entry-Level) Search part-time, full-time, internship NOTE: Most/all employers/organizations have listings on their websites & social media feeds

Tips & Tricks When Reading a Job Listing   You may not have ALL of the qualifications. Still apply! Pay attention to “required,” “preferred,” and “desired” Always research the “whole picture” of the overall job/internship description, not just limiting yourself to the duties that are listed. Look at what the position says about the organization as a whole. Take note of the words in the description and reference those words in your cover letter and resume. You want to convey how you would be the “ideal fit” to what you are applying for.

Professional Associations Check websites of Professional Associations For Internships, Jobs, Officer Profiles, Events and Networking Opportunities Directory of Associations is at: https://www.livecareer.com/career/advice/jobs/professional-organizations

Connecting and Networking! Benefits of Networking in a Job/Internship Search Get access to information, support, job leads Improve/enhance your communication skills Gather information about various careers Obtain advice on job/internship searching Meet professionals and fellow students in professional organizations of career fields of interest Can lead to mentoring relationships

Connecting and Networking! Types of Networking In-person: Meet professionals individually and/or by attending meetings and events at professional organizations Social media: Create a LinkedIn profile/account at http://www.linkedin.com to connect with professionals, which can include UW-Whitewater alumni in various careers/occupations

Factors to Consider When Internship Searching Computer Science Internships! https://www.uww.edu/cls/departments/computer-science/internships When do you want to complete an internship? (Fall, Spring, Summer) Do you want or need to gain academic credit for your internship experience? Consult your academic major/department for internship courses that would be available.   What skills would you like to use or develop? Who do you know that you can connect with during your search? Is your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and reflective of your interest in gaining experience in a specific industry?

Characteristics of an Excellent Internship! (NACE Definition) Not “busy work” Clearly defined learning objectives/goals that are skills oriented Project-based (propose and implement a new project or task) Supervision by professional with appropriate expertise in the career field There is routine feedback by supervisors and colleagues There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the internship site that support the learning objectives/goals of the internship

Rotational Programs Reading a Job/Intern Listing… Opportunities to work in more than one department or unit of an organization (on a rotational basis) for 1 to 3 year period. Most rotations are full-time with pay and all benefits. Often will result in a permanent job offers!

What is a Gap Year? What is a Gap Year? Short-term opportunity for graduates who have not yet decided upon a career and want to take some time off before going to graduate/law school or starting a career

Why Should I Take a Gap Year? What is a Gap Year? Why Should I Take a Gap Year? Explore career interests Gain additional experiences in social services settings/educational settings Enhance your resume Develop new skills

Why Should I Take a Gap Year? What is a Gap Year? Why Should I Take a Gap Year? Obtain a professional letter of recommendation Strengthen personal statement & admission portfolio More time to study for the GRE Increase GPA

What is a Gap Year? Examples of Gap Year Opportunities Professional Experience Company and organizational websites Nonprofit AmeriCorps, City Year Idealist.org International Volunteer Opportunities United Nations Volunteers Peace Corps

What is a Gap Year? Examples of Gap Year Opportunities Teaching Teach for America CIEE Fellowships

For More Help & Assistance Greg Iaccarino | Career Advisor & Instructor  University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Career & Leadership Development – “Helping Students Achieve Their Dreams” 800 W. Main Street | UC 146 (262) 472-1514 | FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL: (262) 472-1471 iaccarig@uww.edu