Whether your Jaguar is just beginning their journey at IUPUI or preparing for graduation, now is the time to set themselves up for success after college.
Our campus has many free career prep tools for your student. There is even an entire office dedicated to supporting student employment needs!
With access to a student-centric online job board, resume building, interview prep and more, our Jags are in great hands when it comes to working towards their professional aspirations.
1. Start your Handshake journey
Students can use Handshake, a job posting system, to set preferences that will optimize top job opportunities matching their majors and interests. The platform features local and on-campus jobs, as well as those around the country. Available positions on Handshake include:
- Student-specific jobs at IUPUI
- Part-time
- Internships
- Entry level
- Experienced roles
Handshake's user-friendly setup is accessible to all IUPUI students. They can register by following these steps:
- Visit joinhandshake.com.
- Sign up using their IU email address.
- Access the site and their profile online or via Handshake's mobile app.
While learning and optimizing a new Handshake profile may take some time, it is an important first step in any Jaguar's career prep journey. The Office of Student Employment (OSE) even has tips for making the most of your Handshake account.
2. Attend career fairs
Career fairs are a great place to meet face-to-face with employers, learn about potential jobs within a specific field and connect with industry professionals.
IUPUI, along with its specific schools, hosts career fairs throughout the academic year. The organizations in attendance are all interested in what Jaguars have to offer. In order to make the best impression at a career fair, students should:
- Dress to impress.
- Engage with confidence.
- Prepare a personal elevator pitch.
- Bring copies of their resume.
3. Stand out with a stellar resume
Compiling a stellar resume is critical to showcasing yourself as the best candidate for a job position. This is especially true early in the job search process. Oftentimes, a resume can determine whether an individual earns an interview or not. IUPUI ensures its students have no shortage of support when developing their resumes.
If students have never written a resume or would like to start from scratch, OSE has staff that can help your student through that process. Students can schedule a thirty-minute session, offered in person and virtually, tailored to their needs.
Jags who already have a resume may still visit OSE for a resume review session. Or they can submit their resumes, cover letters and other documents through an online document review system. This option requires no appointment – simply complete the form and you're set! OSE staff will review the submission and provide feedback via the student's IU email within 3–5 business days.
4. Prepare to be the best interviewee
Interviewing, like most things, takes practice. There's no better way to prepare for a job interview than simulating the experience beforehand.
OSE also allows students to sign up for mock interviews with staff. Practicing with a mock interview helps:
- Relieve stress and nervous energy.
- Imagine potential questions or talking points.
- Rehearse effective ways of responding to questions.
This exercise can help students effectively communicate their value to prospective employers. Review tips for interviewing from OSE to learn tactics for standing out as a candidate.
Resume review and mock interviews are also available on a drop-in basis if needed.
Drop-in details:
When: Tuesday–Thursday, 1–3 p.m.
Where: OSE office, University Tower, suite 202
How long: These sessions are designed for quick assistance and last around 15 minutes.
5. Receive a free, professional headshot
OSE will offer free, professional headshots every Tuesday this semester beginning Feb. 7. Students can sign up for headshots on the OSE website. Encourage your Jaguar to take advantage of this resource so they can polish up their Handshake and Linkedin profiles.
By using these five tools, your student should feel confident and capable as they prepare to enter the workforce after college.