Searching for a job or internship can be challenging. However, there are ways you can make yourself stand out and search successfully.
To learn more, take a peek at our Job Hunting Guide and review the information on this page.
Prepare for your search
As you prepare to search, it is important to have a polished resume and cover letter ready to go. It is also important to have a solid idea of who you are and what you are looking for professionally. Employers will expect you to have a solid sense of your:
- Values and interests
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Goals and career aspirations
So take the time to connect with the people who know you best, reflect on your experiences, and consider completing career assessments and meeting with Career Action Center staff.
Handshake
You have an amazing job search resource available to you online called Handshake. Handshake is a powerful tool that helps current students and WSU alumni search for career and internship opportunities with employers who have an interest in hiring Cougs. The best part about Handshake is that you do not need to create an extra account to use it; as a WSU student or alum, you can simply log into Handshake using your network ID and password.
Need help getting started on Handshake?
- Check out the two minute training videos to help you get started.
- Learn how to request an internship/experience via Handshake.
Job boards
Beyond utilizing Handshake, there are a number of Job and Internship boards available on the internet. While each of them has strengths and weaknesses, there are some job boards that have consistently been helpful to students and alumni. To get a better sense of job boards you might want to consider using in your search, check out our Job and Internship Search Resources guide.
Job and Internship Search Resources (PDF)
WSU Vancouver internship information
Students who complete one or more internships throughout their college experience are more likely to be successful in finding a job upon graduation! Some internships are paid and some are not- this varies by employer. Similarly, some students choose to work with their academic department to see if they can earn academic credit for their internship, while others choose to complete internships without earning credit. Whatever you decide, it is important to try to gain experience to increase your marketability to employers when you graduate. While it is your responsibility to locate your own internship, Career Action Center staff, faculty and academic coordinators are all people who can help you in your search.
For more information about department specific internship requirements, please check out the pages below:
- Carson College of Business
- College of Arts and Sciences Internships
- Human Development Internships
- Strategic Communications Internships
- Student Diversity Internship
Frequently asked questions about on-campus jobs
Learn more about how to find a work study position, internship or job on campus.
Networking
There are a large number of jobs and internships available that are not advertised on job boards. One of the best ways to learn about open positions and get connected to new opportunities is to connect with your professional network.
Your network is larger than you think. Networks can consist of family and friends, neighbors, faculty and staff, classmates and alumni, coaches, mentors, advisors, past employers, colleagues in professional organizations and many other people.
If you are hoping to expand your network, you should attend on-campus workshops and events, conduct informational interviews, job shadow, attend new professional events, volunteer, and consider joining and effectively using online tools like LinkedIn.
Informational Interviews & Networking Tips (PDF) LinkedIn
Staying positive
Job searching can be time consuming and draining; it is important to find ways to stay motivated and invested in your search. Consider the following:
- Engage in healthy activities that help manage your stress
- Utilize your support network
- Remember your strengths and what you have to offer
- Focus on what you have control over
- Learn from experiences and move forward in a positive direction
- Attend networking and new professional events
- Volunteer or intern
- Read blogs and professional journals
- Celebrate successes
No matter where you are in your search, the staff in the Career Action Center are here to help. Consider stopping by ELCA or contact us to schedule an appointment. Please email van.career@wsu.edu or call 360-546-9155.