Internships/Jobs/Scholarships

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Review Job/Internship Search Tips

Now that you have explored your career options, the next step is to market yourself to organizations of interest and seek practical experience through job and internship opportunities.

Applying for Jobs/Internships

• When Should You Apply
  Most organizations are looking for candidates to fill an immediate opening. This typically means you should be applying the semester prior to the anticipated start date. Similarly, most internship recruitment occurs a semester in advance. However, depending on the industry/organization you are targeting, you may have to apply even earlier. Refer to the guide below for a general timeline. (Note: This may not apply to every organization, so please do your research!)

  Fall	Spring	Summer
  Students looking for Spring and Summer internships, and full-time entry level jobs (all industries)	Students looking for Summer internships, and full-time entry level jobs (all industries)	Students looking for Fall internships (all industries)

• Where to Find Job/Internship Opportunities
  • Search connectSC for thousands of job, internship, and on-campus recruiting (OCR) listings. In the “Resources” tab, access industry-specific job boards including:
    • ARTSEARCH
    • Bridge Worldwide Music Consortium
    • Environmental Career Opportunities
    • GoinGlobal
    • Firsthand/Vault
    • Opportunities in Public Affairs
    • Meet recruiters at our career fairs and school-based career fairs
  • Attend a Trojan Talk to network with recruiters and alumni
  • Search organization websites for current job openings
  • Use sites such as Handshake, indeed.com, simplyhired.com, or idealist.org (for nonprofit jobs) to search for openings
  • Join student organizations or professional associations for networking opportunities
  • Find on-campus student jobs
  • Search for jobs and find more resources on LinkedIn
  • Search for freelance jobs on Experfy 

  Job/Internship seems too good to be true? Avoid fraudulent job postings.
• Develop Leads
  In addition to searching and applying to online job/internship listings, you can find a job or internship through your network. Consider the following strategies:

  • Contact your network (family, friends, professors, supervisors, and mentors) and let them know that you are looking for a job/internship. Inquire about potential opportunities and ask for connections and leads.
  • Contact alumni within organizations you are targeting for advice using Trojan Network or LinkedIn.
  • Follow up with contacts/recruiters with whom you have previously interacted for potential opportunities/advice.
• Manage Your Job Applications
  As you submit applications, it is important to stay organized. Here are some tips to help you manage your job search:

  • Have your resume and cover letter reviewed prior to applying for jobs. Make sure they are tailored for the specific job to which you are applying.
  • Make sure to submit all the requested documents and submit them on time.
  • Save a copy of the job description for future reference. Sometimes job postings are removed from job boards prior to interviews so it could be helpful for interview preparation.
  • Keep track of deadlines and interview dates so you can follow up as appropriate. Creating an Excel spreadsheet is an easy way to keep everything organized.
  • Manage your energy. Finding a job is a full-time job in itself! When it gets stressful, take a break.
  • Be polite and clear in your communication with recruiters. Keep track of your phone calls and emails.

Highlighted Career Center Resources for Job Search

We provide resources for you to learn about job opportunities and interact with recruiters. If you are not sure how to approach your job search, take some time to assess what you want and explore your options. Once you have decided on your career plans, it is recommended that you utilize multiple job search strategies to maximize your efforts.

• connectSC
  Browse through thousands of job, internship, and on-campus recruiting (OCR) listings.  Make sure to look into the connectSC listings, Extended Job Search, and Recommended Jobs sections.

  Visit connectSC
• Career Fairs
  We host career fairs during fall and spring semesters. Employers participate in career fairs to recruit for full-time and internship opportunities.

  View Upcoming Career Fairs
• On-Campus Recruiting Program (OCR)
  Our OCR program attracts companies from a variety of industries looking to hire for entry-level positions and internships. It is a convenient opportunity for you to interview on-campus in our interview rooms.

  View OCR Information
• Trojan Talks
  Employers share information about their organizations and provide students a chance to network with recruiters and alumni. Students are expected to dress professionally for Trojan Talks.

  Learn More about Trojan Talks
• Handshake
  Through this online portal, you can connect with employers hiring for internships, part-time, and full-time roles. Handshake provides you insightful information about numerous career paths by exploring roles, industries, and salary information.

  Visit Handshake
• Resume Book
  Resume Books are designed to provide recruiters and hiring managers with exclusive access to resumes of USC students who are actively seeking job or internship opportunities.

  Participate in a Resume Book