Career Development

How to gain professional experience during the Fall semester for CU Boulder Arts and Sciences students

Timothy Grassley — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 22:02:11 +0000

How to gain professional experience during the Fall semester for CU Boulder Arts and Sciences students Timothy Grassley Fri, 09/27/2024 - 16:02

A&S Embedded Career Services

As an A&S student, now is an excellent time to start thinking about what you can do this Fall for your future career success. Employers seek out students who have demonstrated skills through internships, relevant experiential projects and certificates. Additionally, students can use these experiences to understand their future career goals—what they want out of a job and who they want to work for. �鶹��Ժ have access to innovative programs and opportunities to promote professional growth. These experiences add depth to your resume. They also provide examples to share during interviews to demonstrate your strengths and skills. Here are some opportunities to help you gain professional experience as an A&S student.

Find an internship

Internship experience is the most influential factor for employers when hiring A&S students, according to a job outlook survey by NACE. This type of experience shows employers that students have direct experience applying their skills. �鶹��Ժ at CU say that internships are one of the best experiential learning opportunities for helping them achieve their goals. Internships are also the perfect professional experience to try out your passions, build new skills and meet people who can help you find jobs. There are thousands of available internships that you can choose from on Handshake. Handshake makes it easy to find and apply to internships, many of which aren’t posted anywhere else. Career Services can help you prepare your resume for applications.

Earn a Google Career Certificate

Get ready to stand out in the job market and gain in-demand job skills for your future. You can now access free Google Career Certificates through Career Services. Learn from experts and get qualified for roles in fast-growing, high-demand fields, including cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing and e-commerce, IT support, project management and UX design.

Google Career Certificates don’t require previous experience. You can complete the certificate program in three to six months with under 10 hours of flexible study per week. These certificates can demonstrate your initiative to learn on your own, show you have skills in specialized areas and help you stand out over other candidates.

Get an on-campus job

Student employees are a core piece of the CU Boulder team. Working on campus can help A&S students learn skills, build a professional network and have a flexible work schedule. There are job opportunities for you all over campus in various roles. You can find on-campus jobs posted on Handshake.

Learn about some of the departments that hire students, the types of jobs they offer and their current openings.

Simulate a job

It is hard to know what a job will be like until you try it out. Job simulations are an easy way to get a taste of what it is like to work for some of the world's biggest brands and top companies. Companies like Lululemon, JP Morgan, Lyft and Boston Consulting Group host great job simulations for CU students on Forage.

Give back and build experience

Volunteer experience can help you learn new skills, meet new people and make a positive difference. The Volunteer Resource Center has excellent opportunities for A&S students to volunteer throughout the year with varying commitment levels and ways to contribute. Volunteering can be crucial to a future job or internship application to nonprofits or government agencies, and it can also help set you apart in your job search.

Set yourself up for success

Career Services helps A&S students position themselves for success through workshops, events, training and other resources. You can also meet with a peer career advisor during scheduled office hours or schedule an appointment with a career advisor.

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How to start your Arts and Sciences job and internship search

Timothy Grassley — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 18:47:36 +0000

How to start your Arts and Sciences job and internship search Timothy Grassley Thu, 09/12/2024 - 12:47

A&S Embedded Career Services

Now is the time to begin looking for a job or summer internship to complement your A&S degree. While industries may follow different hiring timelines, many companies are actively recruiting CU Boulder A&S students for a variety of positions. Career Services offers resources to help you in your search.

Use Handshake

Your CU Boulder Handshake account is ready for you! Career Services has customized tips and keyword searches for you to use to maximize your search. You can also use filters like job type, ‘remote opportunity’, and major to set up saved searches with criteria that match your interests/A&S degree. You’ll receive an email notification when employers post a new position that matches your search.

Take time to complete your Handshake profile to showcase your skills and experiences. When you have a more complete profile you are more likely to get job recommendations that match your skills, experience and preferences, and employers will be able to contact you directly about available opportunities. You can also use Handshake’s AI tool, Coco, to ask questions like: Where are interesting places to work in the Denver area? What industries are currently in high demand for people with my skills/degree?

Plan to attend career fairs

Find opportunities and connect with employers at career fairs this fall—particularly the Roam Anywhere Fair on 10/8. Career fairs are free online and in-person events where you can network and meet with recruiters who are hiring.

Review the schedule of upcoming career fairs and mark your calendar for the ones you’re interested in attending. Sign up to participate on Handshake and review the list of employers who will be attending.

�鶹��Ժ with complete Handshake profiles have a better chance of meeting one-on-one with employers at virtual fairs. Review these steps to complete your Handshake profile, and make sure it’s on the ‘public’ setting so employers can view it.

Work on your application materials

You want to act fast when you find an internship or job posting of interest to you. It can help to create a template resume and cover letter with your experience, skills and accomplishments. These core documents give you a starting point to tailor your experience and examples for each application. You can save time and focus more on adapting your documents rather than starting from scratch each time.

Review tips from Career Services on how to perfect your resume and personalize your cover letter. These documents usually make the first impression with potential employers, so take the time to represent yourself well.

Meet with others

You may feel like you don’t have a professional network yet, but you may be surprised to know you already have one. Your network includes previous employers, supervisors, A+S advisors, A&S professors, family friends—anyone who has supported your career growth or has the potential to do so. Now is a great time to reconnect and see if they know of upcoming opportunities.

You can also build professional relationships with others in your field of interest. Join the Forever Buffs Network to start connecting with CU Boulder alumni. They can help with resume feedback and interview preparation. And some may be open to informational interviews or mentoring. Your LinkedIn profile can help you build your network and find opportunities throughout your professional career.

Start today

Job and internship searching can feel intimidating, but if you spend 10 minutes four times a week on your search, those small bits of time will add up before you know it. Sometimes, we may talk ourselves out of applying if we don’t think we meet all the qualifications listed in the description. If you’re interested in a position and believe you can do it well, apply—even if you don’t meet every item on the list. Most employers will interview candidates if they meet most of their criteria.

It can take some time to find an internship or job that’s right for you. Stay patient and persistent and know that Career Services is here to help you every step of the way.

For more tips, check out weekly programs and workshops from Career Services. These free workshops will share best practices for finding internships, preparing for career fairs and more.

Now is the time to begin looking for a job or summer internship to complement your degree from the College of Arts and Sciences. While industries may follow different hiring timelines, many companies are actively recruiting CU Boulder students for a variety of positions. Career Services offers resources to help you in your search.

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How to avoid these common job search mistakes

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:38:17 +0000

How to avoid these common job search mistakes Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/25/2024 - 10:38

A&S Embedded Career Services

An unintentional mistake can keep you from a great job or internship opportunity. When searching for jobs or internships, be intentional with your approach and pay attention to the details in how you present yourself to potential employers.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid some common pitfalls when seeking employment.

Adapt your resume to match the job description

Stand out from other applicants by tailoring your resume and cover letter for each opportunity, even if the jobs or internships seem similar. You don’t have to start from scratch each time, but you can make a few updates to add keywords and skills that match the job description. Using strong action verbs to start each bullet point will help you tailor your resume to get noticed, and you can find a list of these verbs on our website. Your resume will get more traction if you follow this strategy.

It’s difficult to know exactly what skills to hone for a specific industry, but rather than guessing, you can request a skills report from MySkills. This report will help you narrow down the skills you should focus on to get a leg up in your desired field.

Use the AI resume builder by Quinncia to get personalized feedback on your resume and make improvements. This online resume review tool leverages data science, machine learning and natural language processing to provide feedback based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices.

Proofread

Little mistakes on your resume or cover letter can stand out in a big way. These oversights can influence the employer’s overall perception of you as a candidate. Double-check names, job titles and companies on your application materials to ensure they match the job you are applying for—especially when creating tailored documents for each application.

Try proofreading your resume and cover letter starting at the end and moving backward to catch typos or errors. Ask a friend, family member or Career Services team member to proofread your materials.

Don’t let your social media tell the wrong story

Employers regularly search the internet to look for more information about candidates. If an employer searches your name online, what will they find? Will the information and photos they see help or hurt you in the job search? As you review your online activities, think about your online presence from an employer’s perspective. Ensure your privacy settings are up to date, and if there’s anything that could be perceived as negative or concerning, consider removing it.

Your online presence could be an asset in your job or internship search. Update your profiles to ensure they accurately reflect you, your activities and your interests. Be active in your field of interest on social media. Especially on LinkedIn and Forever Buffs Network, you can post industry-related news, questions, quotes or articles. Follow inspiring people and companies in your field, but avoid connecting with hiring managers unless invited or until that person has hired you. Social media can be a useful networking tool. Connecting with professionals on Linkedin and reaching out for informational interviews can build your network, provide insight about career paths and possibilities, and help with the job search process.

Avoid job scams by researching postings

It is important to ensure a job posting is valid before applying or giving out any personal information. Using vetted job boards like Handshake and LinkedIn can confirm that a job posting is real, and doing your own research before applying to a position is helpful. You should never give out banking or private information during the hiring process; that can all be done after you have accepted a position.

Don’t be afraid to go for it

The only way to not be considered for an internship or job is never to apply. We can talk ourselves out of great opportunities if we don’t think we meet all the qualifications listed in the description. If you’re interested in a position and think you could do the job well, apply—even if you don’t meet every single item on the list. Most employers will interview candidates if they meet most of their criteria.

For more tips on finding an internship or job, check out weekly programs and workshops from Career Services. These free workshops will share best practices for resumes, networking, making progress in your search and more.

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How to get ready for the Just in Time Career Fair on April 3

Anonymous — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:31:58 +0000

How to get ready for the Just in Time Career Fair on April 3 Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 03/21/2024 - 08:31

A&S Embedded Career Services

Are you looking to find a job or internship as an A&S student? Career Services hosts the Just in Time spring career fair to connect A&S students with potential employers. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet with employers hiring for various positions across industries. You can make a great first impression and set yourself up for success by preparing before the fair. Here are some tips for making the most of the Just in Time Career Fair.

Sign up to attend on Handshake

Sign up on Handshake to attend career events. Handshake is the number one way college students find jobs and internships. If you don’t have a Handshake account, follow these steps to set up your profile. This online resource can help you search for jobs, see event details and promote your resume to potential employers. Check the list of upcoming career fairs to see which events are the best fit for the type of job or internship you’re looking for. On the week of the fair, be sure to check the events tab to catch employer information sessions that are hosted throughout the week. CU Boulder students and alumni from all majors, experience levels, and backgrounds are welcome to attend.

Make a plan for the fair

Review the list of employers attending and consider who you’d like to speak with at the fair. New employers sign up to participate daily, so check Handshake frequently before the events you plan to attend. Brush up your resume and prepare to share it with employers with print copies or digital access. Plan to aside enough time to visit your priority employers. Remember that lines can get long; connecting with each employer may take longer than you think.

Update your resume

Create a resume that highlights your skills, abilities and experience. Make variations of your resume tailored to each company or type of job that interests you. Review these tips for creating a memorable resume. You can also use Quinncia, a free online tool from Career Services, to get personalized, instant feedback and suggestions to improve your resume.

Complete your Handshake profile

Completing your Handshake profile can improve your opportunities with potential employers. Review your profile to ensure each section is up-to-date and complete. Stop by Career Services to use the free photo booth to add a professional photo to your profile. Update your profile details, particularly your qualifications and GPA. Set your profile to public so that employers can see your information.

Prepare to make a good first impression

Research your priority employers and prepare a few questions to ask when you talk with them. Ask insightful questions to help demonstrate your interest in the employer and allow you to learn more about their company and opportunities.

Perfect your introduction or elevator pitch with Career Services. Visit Career Central or Office Hours for a quick drop-in, review techniques with prepare for the fair events or get in-depth with an advising appointment.

Dress for success

Wear clothes that reflect your identity and align with the context of the job you seek. This can put you in a confident mindset and help you to make a positive first impression. If you are unsure of the dress code expectations in specific industries or organizations, research online, talk with someone in that line of work or connect with Career Services to discuss your questions.

Take notes

When you meet with multiple employers, it can be challenging to remember the details of each conversation. Take a notebook and pen, or use your phone or laptop to take notes. After speaking with employers, write down a few things that you discussed. Take note of what you liked or didn’t like about the company. You’ll want to reference these notes later to recall the conversation if asked to schedule an interview or to add details to thank you notes or follow-up emails.

Follow up

After the fair, get in touch with the company representatives you met via email, LinkedIn or Forever Buffs Network. They will chat with many students at the fair, so reintroduce yourself and thank them for their time. Use your notes to recall something you discussed or enjoyed about the conversation. Let them know you’re interested in moving to the next step in the process.

Use your resources

For more tips to help you prepare for career fairs, check out programs and workshops from Career Services. If you have questions about the fair, ask a Career Services team member through LiveChat on the Career Services website.

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How to Gain Professional Experience at an On Campus Job as an Arts and Sciences student

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:50:42 +0000

How to Gain Professional Experience at an On Campus Job as an Arts and Sciences student Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/12/2024 - 08:50

A&S Embedded Career Services

Working on campus can be one of the best ways to gain professional experience as an A&S student. On-campus jobs offer students a flexible way to earn money while developing relevant skills that employers seek in young professionals.

Career Services offers resources to enhance your job search and prepare you for life after college. Consider how to position yourself professionally by gaining experience at an on-campus job.

Step 1: Identify the skills you want to develop

Think about the skills you want to develop for your future job or graduate school application. You can review foundational skills employers typically look for as a great starting point to establish your skill goals. Rounding out these skills will give you an edge in the ever-changing job market.

Request a skills report to help you determine specific skills you want to build in your on-campus job relevant to your future career interests and A+S major.
Review the skills you’ve identified, and choose one or two relevant to your on-campus job to focus on for growth. You can’t grow in all skills at once, so start small and continue to build.

Step 2: Talk to your supervisor about your skill goals

Meet with your supervisor to discuss your skill goals. Communication about how you develop skills related to your job and can benefit your work performance. Ask if you can initiate a project or complete a task related to a desired skill.

Explore ideas for developing specific skills.

Step 3: Follow through on your skill development plan

After your supervisor assigns a project or task related to your skill development, plan how you’ll complete the task or project within the designated timeframe.

Set small, achievable action steps. SMART goals can be a great reference point to start thinking about these steps. SMART Goals
Utilize resources to enhance your skill development. Explore LinkedIn Learning for access to online courses related to various skills. For example, searching for “improve written communication skills” will identify various related courses.
Ask your supervisor for input as you work on your project or task. It’s important to seek feedback to ensure your work aligns with your supervisor’s expectations. You can schedule specific check-in meetings or send examples of your work in progress. Communication here is key and is a skill you are building simultaneously.

Step 4: Add your completed project or task to your resume

Once you complete the project or task, update your resume and online profiles with the new information.

Write a strong bullet point about the completed project or task on your resume. Highlight the developed skill. Use an action verb to start your bullet point.
Add the new skill to your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles.

Student-focused and flexible

Unlike many jobs off campus, your on-campus supervisor understands that your primary focus is completing your education. Navigating your academic and job responsibilities can be more manageable as a student employee.

Find on-campus jobs:

Search the student employment job board.
Use the on-campus job filter in Handshake.
Check out student jobs with various departments on campus like the Rec Center, Campus Dining Services, Career Services, Environmental Center, Conference Services and others.

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Social Media Tips for Staying Hirable as an Arts and Sciences Student

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 17:19:34 +0000

Social Media Tips for Staying Hirable as an Arts and Sciences Student Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/27/2024 - 10:19

A&S Embedded Career Services

Social media touches almost every aspect of our lives and today’s world of searching for jobs is no different. How you engage on social media can impact your hirability, including managing your LinkedIn account well and maintaining a positive image on other social media platforms. Many employers and recruiting managers will utilize social media to learn more about you, so what you have out in the world will be seen.

Use LinkedIn to your advantage

LinkedIn has over 700 million global users, with around 60% aged 25-34. 70% of hiring managers use LinkedIn to source job candidates. Optimize your profile to connect with desired industry professionals and increase the effectiveness of LinkedIn by using it frequently! It is important to continually update your achievements, professional goals and keep your LinkedIn up to date as an out-of-date profile can be a warning sign to employers.

Build your brand: Showing who you are is important. Use the tips below to showcase yourself

Ensure the accuracy and completeness of your LinkedIn profile.
List your skills and request endorsements. This is what separates you from other applicants
Ask for LinkedIn recommendations from colleagues, mentors or managers.
Stay active by following relevant companies and influencers.
Post professional questions and interests to LinkedIn’s news feed.
Share articles, projects and news related to your professional field and experience.
Like, share or repost articles from other LinkedIn members to generate more engagement.

Grow your network

Build a strong network before graduation by connecting with friends, alumni, colleagues, hiring managers, etc.
Personalize connection requests with a note. LinkedIn users are more likely to respond when you explain why you want to connect.
Start conversations with recruiters, mentors and professionals in desired industries. Do this to learn more information or to engage in meaningful conversation.
Accept connections from trusted sources such as peers, co-workers and previous employers

Be wise with social media use

According to a 2023 Harris poll, over 70% of employers admit to checking applicants’ social profiles during the hiring process. It is becoming increasingly common for employers to review a candidate’s online presence to see if they would be a good fit for the company culture and to get a sense of the person. Present yourself well online, including through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, BeReal, Snapchat and others.

Be mindful of your online image

What you post directly reflects you, so make sure it’s your best self!
Stay positive. Most employers are looking for reasons to hire someone, not necessarily digging to find anything negative.
Google yourself to see what information comes up. If something comes up that you wouldn’t like the world to see, consider making it private or deleting that content.
Keep your LinkedIn profile professional. Avoid any content that could impact your professional image.

Clean up your online platforms

Ensure that public accounts accurately represent you. Make accounts private or delete content that may present a red flag for employers, including anything illegal, explicit or profane.
Delete old social media accounts that you no longer use or may have reflected who you were at a younger age but no longer fit your current life.
Be honest if an employer asks you about social media content. It’s best to take responsibility and move forward confidently.

Know your rights

Employers can check your public social media platforms and other public content online. In some states, employers also have the right to ask for social media usernames and passwords. If employers ask for in-depth personal information that is unavailable online, be wary! You are entitled to your privacy and should not feel pressured to share anything that makes you feel uncomfortable with an employer.

If you think an employer is discriminating based on information they have found online, contact a Career Services staff member or submit an anonymous report to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC).

Find support with Career Services

Social media is a great place for employers to get a sense of who you are outside of your resume or application and see how you would fit with their company culture. Take charge of your online presence before you begin your job search to represent yourself well.

Connect with Career Services to learn more about the job search process.

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Tips and tricks for using Handshake

Anonymous — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:03:53 +0000

Tips and tricks for using Handshake Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 02/12/2024 - 09:03

A&S Embedded Career Services

Looking for an internship or job? The best place for CU Boulder students in the College of Arts and Sciences to find opportunities is through Handshake.

As your free one-stop shop for starting your career journey, Handshake is CU Boulder’s online recruiting tool used by thousands of employers. Career Services vets employers on Handshake, and some employers request to post only to CU Boulder. The platform has the same number of internships posted in Colorado as LinkedIn, with over 1,000 internship postings each month during the academic year!

Here are some tips and tricks for making the most of Handshake.

Set up saved searches

Work smarter, not harder. Set up saved searches to be the first to know about new postings. You’ll receive emails when positions post that meet your search criteria.

How to set up saved searches:

Select your desired industry filters on your search then look on the left side of the screen for a box titled “Don’t miss out!”
Click the “Save your search” link and then click to edit notifications to name your search and adjust how often you receive an email about incoming positions.
You can set up multiple searches if you have different interests or want to see different results for multiple regions in the country.

Search for remote opportunities

One lasting outcome of the pandemic is that many companies continue to offer remote internships and jobs. �鶹��Ժ can work and build skills from anywhere. With a remote internship position, you won’t need to worry about finding or paying for housing for a short-term opportunity.

To find remote opportunities, follow these steps:

Start a job or internship search.
In the top filter bar, there is an on-site/remote work filter. Click on that and select “remote: work from home.”

The search will pull up all remote internships and jobs that match your search criteria.

Find career events and fairs

There are plenty of events and career fairs this semester to help you progress in your internship or job search. You can find all the details on Handshake in the events section.

Browse through career fair events to see which employers are attending. Schedule time to chat with them during virtual fairs and research their companies ahead of time.
Attend Career Services workshops and weekly programs to get resume help, interview tips and more.
Check out events posted by employers. These include workshops, information sessions and insights from past interns and employees.

Complete your profile to get noticed

Just like on LinkedIn, complete and public profiles are much more likely to get attention on Handshake.

Follow these steps to set up your Handshake profile.
Set your profile to public. Employers may then reach out to you directly.
�鶹��Ժ with completed and public profiles have a better chance of meeting one-on-one with employers during virtual career fairs.

Remember, Career Services is here to help. Visit Career Services during office hours or schedule an express appointment to get helpful information and ask career development advisors your specific questions.

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Five tips for Arts and Sciences students to land jobs before graduation

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 21:17:34 +0000

Five tips for Arts and Sciences students to land jobs before graduation Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 01/25/2024 - 14:17

A&S Embedded Career Services

Graduation from your Arts and Sciences program may seem far away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about life after CU. It can often take 6-9 months to find a job, so this is a great time to start your search.

Here are some tips to help you plan for life after college, find jobs and graduate with confidence.

Search strategically

Start exploring full-time positions that align with your interests or A+S major. Find job postings on Handshake, LinkedInand Indeed. Set up saved searches on these sites to learn about new postings that match your criteria. You can also check industry-specific sites like Built In Colorado, Work In Sports and Conservation Job Board.

Different industries often follow different hiring timelines. If you’re pursuing a career in consulting or finance take note that they often recruit and hire in the fall, even if you’re graduating in May. Companies in marketing, operations, creative fields, government, education and nonprofits are more likely to hire as needed. If you are graduating in May, start applying for these industries in early spring. Connect with recruiters at career fairs and events to learn about hiring timelines. For more job searching tips, attend workshops and group advising sessions this semester.

Build skills

No matter what job you pursue, continuously hone your skills and build new ones. Technology continues to advance, and the world of work is changing. Some jobs are becoming automated and new jobs are created frequently.

To know which skills you developed in your A+S major or are most in demand for the positions/industries you’re interested in, request a skills report. This can help you build tailored skills and prepare for the demands of your specific field. There are also general skills that all employers value, regardless of industry. You probably developed many of these skills in your A+S major. Review these foundational skills and find ways to build skills on campus.

Consider a part-time internship or other practical experience this semester. Professional experiences of any kind are a useful way to explore interests, build new skills and expand your network. All of which will help with securing full-time employment upon graduation. It’s also common for a part-time job or internship to turn into full-time employment.

Use your network

Spend time building professional relationships with others in your field of interest or A+S major. These folks can help you learn about the field, introduce you to those who are hiring or keep you posted with new opportunities.

Join the ForeverBuffs Network to start connecting with CU Boulder alumni. They can help with resume feedback and interview preparation. And some may be open to informational interviews or mentoring. You can also use LinkedIn to connect with others, learn about different industries, and join conversations related to your career interests.

This is also a great time to reconnect with those already in your network. This includes previous employers, supervisors, advisors, professors, family friends—anyone who has supported your career growth in the past and who might know of opportunities. Reach out and share that you are graduating soon and looking for employment in May.

For more opportunities to network this year, check out career fairs and events.

Update your application materials

Whether you’re updating your resume with new skills or working on your first resume, the free AI resume builer by Quinncia is a CU Boulder tool that can help. Use Quinncia to get personalized feedback on your resume and make improvements.

Career development advisors are also here to provide feedback. Attend weekly programs and workshops on resumes and job searching to ask questions and get more tips.

Once your resume is updated, upload it to your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles. Make sure your profile is on the public setting so recruiters and employers can view it.

Buff up your interview skills

As you search for jobs and share your resume, you’ll also want to prepare for interviews. Use Interview Prep to practice answering commonly asked questions. You can create custom interviews and request general questions or interview questions tied to specific roles or industries. This tool records your responses for you to view or share with someone else to view and provide feedback. Remember, practice makes perfect!

As you begin your search, career development advisors are here to help. Learn more about getting started with Career Services.

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Winter break tips to boost your Arts and Sciences job and internship search

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:45:52 +0000

Winter break tips to boost your Arts and Sciences job and internship search Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 12/04/2023 - 14:45

A&S Embedded Career Services

Whether you want to progress in your job or internship search as an Arts and Sciences student or fill downtime with productive activities, here are some steps you can take over winter break.

Upgrade your skills

Learn new things and expand your existing skills to gain an edge over other candidates. While the College of Arts and Sciences courses you take include many skills you’ll need, there are additional ways to develop skills outside the classroom.

CU students have free access to LinkedIn Learning. This resource includes hundreds of courses that cover technical skills (HTML, data analytics, project management) and non-technical skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership).

If you want to upgrade your knowledge but aren’t sure where to start, browse job postings for positions that interest you. Take note of the skills or qualifications employers are looking for and find courses to develop those skills. Consider starting with courses that build on transferable skills. These non-technical skills are often the most desired and apply to any job industry.

Explore the MySkills program to get better acquainted with developing and communicating your skills.

Sharpen your professional toolkit

Spend time over winter break working on application materials and practices that will help you stand out.

Create an effective resume that highlights your skills, abilities and experiences.
Practice writing detailed cover letters.
Update your profiles on LinkedIn and Handshake.
Prepare answers for commonly asked interview questions.
Build your interview skills with Interview Prep.

Review the Buff Up Your Skills series in our video resource library for more tips and resources. You can also make a virtual appointment with a career development advisor to review your resume, practice for interviews and get more tips for your job search.

Connect with others

Building a network of professionals (with A&S backgrounds themselves), professors and peers gives you an advantage. People from your network can act as references, connect you to job or internship opportunities, and you can learn a lot from them.

Make a list of 10-15 people you know, and plan to reach out to a new person each day over winter break. Think about connections that you have already.

Friends who are recent graduates
Supervisors or peers from volunteer work
Former co-workers, classmates or campus organization members
Family friends

Connect with them on LinkedIn and start a conversation. Or send an informal email to check in and ask how they’re doing. Networking can be intimidating, but at its core, it is all about building and maintaining relationships.

Volunteer

You can meet new people and make a positive difference in your community through volunteering. Plus, you can support a cause you care about and learn new skills. The experiences you gain can be an excellent point of discussion in a future job interview.

When it comes to volunteering, there’s something for everyone. From working with animals to politics to the environment, there are plenty of opportunities to match your interests and fit your schedule. Reach out to the Volunteer Resource Center to learn more about finding service opportunities.

Pursue a passion project

Apply an innovative mindset to your winter break by pursuing one of your passions. You may have an idea for a product that could improve our lives. Perhaps you’ve been considering opening a store on Etsy. Maybe you want to build a website for your portfolio. Whatever it is, try out your idea and see if it works. Watch TED Talks, check out LinkedIn Learning or read books to develop your entrepreneurial mindset. The experience and knowledge you gain from your passion project can help guide your career path.

Take care of yourself

While it can feel like you should be productive over winter break, focusing on self-care is also essential. Professional development comes second to your mental and physical well-being. Find balance by getting 7-9 hours of sleep, eating regular meals, finding time for physical activity and staying in touch with friends and family. For more tips, visit the Health and Wellness Services website.

Career Services is here to help!

Need help with your job or internship search? Career Services has many resources for each step of your career journey including resumes, searching and interviews.

Get Started with Career Services →

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Fact or fiction? Major does not equal career.

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 20:24:14 +0000

Fact or fiction? Major does not equal career. Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:24

A&S Embedded Career Services

Returning home for the holiday season can raise some career anxiety—especially if you are anticipating the dreaded “What are you going to do with that major?” question.

One of the biggest myths still floating around is that your major will determine your job title or career. Most majors do not create a linear path into a specific job – instead, they have an indirect relationship with your potential career development journey. Your classes and experiential learning opportunities at CU Boulder will help shape your future through the skills and experiences you develop.

Internships, minors, certificates, involvement in clubs, fraternities, sororities, sports, on-campus jobs, off-campus jobs, volunteer opportunities and more all contribute holistically to your college experience and your career readiness!

Foundational skills most coveted by employers can be developed in all majors and by all students. Learning more about which skills you enjoy using will help you narrow down career options and prepare for future work.

Career Services’ MySkills program can assist you in identifying the skills you already have by exploring in-demand skills, finding opportunities to build skills and learning to highlight your skill set.

By being equipped with advanced knowledge about who you are, what you bring to the table and examples of how you’ve mastered skill sets, you will stand out for a wide range of positions across many disciplines and industries.

Jump in today to start learning about MySkills and make those holiday conversations with family much more interesting than, “I don’t know.” Uncle Mike, mom and dad will all be impressed!

Upcoming Workshop:

In My Skill Building Era on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2 - 3 p.m. – Get support identifying your skills!

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Career Development

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How to get ready for the Just in Time Career Fair on April 3

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How to Gain Professional Experience at an On Campus Job as an Arts and Sciences student

Step 1: Identify the skills you want to develop

Step 2: Talk to your supervisor about your skill goals

Step 3: Follow through on your skill development plan

Step 4: Add your completed project or task to your resume

Student-focused and flexible

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Search strategically

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Winter break tips to boost your Arts and Sciences job and internship search

Upgrade your skills

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Connect with others

Volunteer

Pursue a passion project

Take care of yourself

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Fact or fiction? Major does not equal career.

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