Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are career conversations with people in your field of interest. The interview is
designed to help you develop contacts and, in the process, learn more about the field.
Informational interviews are also a way to build your network. See our guide on conducting
an informational interview.
Internships
Joining an organization as an intern provides you with the opportunity to gain hands-on
experience in a professional setting. Internships help you learn more about the career
path you are pursuing and serve as a way to "test drive" potential job roles while
exploring different career options. By interacting with professionals, you can build
connections and improve your communication skills in a work environment. Additionally,
internships can help you acquire references, discover new job opportunities and potentially
connect you with a professional mentor.
Check out our The Basics of Internships: A Starter Guide for Students.
Job Shadowing
Job shadowing is a useful way to learn about a particular job of interest. It involves
spending a limited amount of time (usually ranging from a couple of hours to a week)
with a professional in a job or career field you are interested in. By observing a
day (or days) in the life of the professional, you learn what that job is really like.
This can help you decide whether or not you think you would enjoy and feel passionate
about the job. Job shadowing can also help you decide if your skills match the career
field of interest, and how your skills from school and other jobs might translate
to this job. It is also another way to build your network.
Part-time Employment
Like volunteering, job shadowing and internships, working part-time in your career
field of interest can give you the opportunity to get a feel for the industry you
are interested in and whether it is a good fit, as well. See our job search guide
for tips on finding the right part-time job for you.
Social Media
Social media can both help you and hurt you in your networking and job searching process.
When beginning the job searching and networking process, the first step is to examine
your social media profiles and begin to remove any content you may not want a potential
employer to see.
Start by typing your name into a search engine and find out what employers will see
if they do the same.
Social media sites can also help you in your networking and job search. Follow organizations
and industries that you are interested in. Post articles and thoughts related to your
industry of interest.
LinkedIn
The most widely used social media website for networking and job searching is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a business and employment-oriented social networking service. It is
used for professional networking, including employers posting jobs and job seekers
posting their resume. Even if you do not have work experience, create an account profile and begin building your network. Connect with classmates, professors, friends and
co-workers. LinkedIn can help you maintain contact with people after you transfer,
graduate and when you change jobs.
LinkedIn Guides
Creating Your Profile
Using LinkedIn to find a Job or Internship
LinkedIn Blog
Schedule an appointment with a career counselor to review your LinkedIn profile or help you get started in creating one.
Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, TikTok and others
Other social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, can also be used for networking
and building your personal brand. If you plan to use these platforms for networking,
you want to ensure your profile and postings are professional and employer friendly.
Your Web Presence
View the video about your online presence from Candid Career.
Career-Focused Profiles to Follow on Instagram
Bossed Up
Career Contessa
Chegg
Citrus Career/Transfer Center
Fast Company
Harvard Business Review
Inc. Magazine
Career-Focused TikTok Hashtags
#careertips
#interviewtips
#nowhiring
Volunteering
Volunteering can offer the same opportunities as an internship. By volunteering your
time with an organization in your desired career field, you are opening up opportunities
to meet professionals, learn more about the industry and make networking connections.
It's also another opportunity to spend time in a career area of interest if you are
exploring different career fields. Volunteer Match and Idealist for potential volunteer opportunities.