Career Help

Your major, your journey: Explore what’s possible

Kyra Raye Loch — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:54:38 +0000

Your major, your journey: Explore what’s possible Kyra Raye Loch Tue, 09/02/2025 - 11:54

Career Services

Deciding on a major is a big step, and it’s totally normal to feel unsure or change your mind along the way. College is all about discovering what excites you and what fits your strengths, interests and goals. That might mean changing your major, adding a minor or customizing your academic journey after your first semester.

The good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone. Career Services and other campus departments offer free tools, tips and support to help you explore your options and find a path that feels right for you.

Get to know yourself better

First, exploring majors starts with understanding you. Think about the classes you’ve enjoyed, either at CU Boulder or in high school, and the ones that didn’t quite click.

Ask yourself:

What subjects do I genuinely enjoy?

What academic skills come naturally to me?

What causes or ideas get me fired up?

What topics do I love talking about with friends?

What feels boring or just too tough?

Reflecting on these questions can help you narrow down your options and focus on majors that match your interests and strengths. You can also try using the Career Values Card Sort, a free tool to help you discover what matters most to you in a career.

Explore different career paths

Your major won’t lock you into one career. Some majors lead directly to specific jobs, while others build versatile skills that open doors across many industries.

If you’re wondering how your interests and strengths connect to possible careers, you’re in luck—there are great tools to help you explore:

Check out What Can I Do with This Major? to see if there are any careers that interest you associated with majors you might be thinking about. The website will guide you through 96 of the most common majors and typical career areas for each.

Try the Majors Card Sort, a free online tool that can help you identify the top CU Boulder majors that align with your goals.

Browse the Programs from a Different Lens webpage to explore degrees that have the same key features as the majors that interest you. Find information on course topics, learning outcomes and how classes are taught.

Use the I want to ... website from the Program in Exploratory Studies to learn more about degree paths that will help you achieve your specified career goals.

Schedule informational interviews with professionals in your fields of interest. You can ask about their academic journey to learn how it influenced them professionally.

Research and dive in

Once you’ve narrowed down a few areas of interest, take the next step to dig deeper. Research majors to see how they align with your goals, strengths and curiosity.

Use these free tools to help you decide if a major is the right fit:

Degree audits: Find out the required courses and credit hours needed to graduate. Department websites and the university catalog can provide additional information.

Academic advisors: If you’re not in a rush to declare or change your degree, take a class or two in a major you’re interested in and consult with an advisor from that area of study for course recommendations. You can also ask questions about the major to determine if it matches your interests and goals. Use advising drop-in hours or make an appointment.

Ralphie’s Advising Help Lab: While this doesn’t replace appointments, Ralphie’s Advising Help Lab is a supplemental resource that allows you to access general advising or enrollment help quickly. Get assistance with dropping courses, switching majors and other advising questions.

Keep a positive mindset

Choosing a major is a journey, not a race. Whether you’re ready to decide or still exploring, you’re right where you need to be. Stay curious, try out the tips and tools available and enjoy the process of discovering what fits you best.

Need support? Career Services is here to help. Meet with a career advisor to talk through your reflections and plan your next steps, and learn more about finding a major.

Deciding on a major is a big step, and it’s totally normal to feel unsure or change your mind along the way. The good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone. Career Services and other campus departments offer free tools, tips and support to help you explore your options and find a path that feels right for you.

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Make your semester count: Gain skills and build networks

Emily Sampl — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:45:13 +0000

Make your semester count: Gain skills and build networks Emily Sampl Tue, 09/02/2025 - 11:45

Career Services

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The fall semester is a great time to build your resume and explore what kind of career you actually want. Employers love seeing real-world experience—like internships, hands-on projects or certifications—because it shows you’ve got motivation and gained skills and the drive.

Even better? These professional experiences help you figure out what kind of job fits you best and what kind of company you want to work for.

CU Boulder has tons of opportunities to help you level up. Whether you’re looking to gain experience for your resume, explore your interests or just get a head start, now’s the time to dive in.

Find an internship

According to a national survey, internship experience is the top thing employers look for when hiring. Why? Because it shows you’ve applied your skills in the real world.

Internships aren’t just resume boosters—they help you:

Build real-world skills

Make professional connections

��Ƶ18 what kind of work and workplace fits you best

As a Buff, you’ve got access to amazing tools to help you land internships like Handshake, internship credit options and specialized experiences. Handshake is your go-to platform for finding internships (many of which you won’t see anywhere else). Review these tips tailored to your major to make it easier.

You can also explore unique experiences like CU in D.C., Education Abroad and the Public Interest Internship Experience (PIIE) to find the right fit for your goals. And for more opportunities, check out the Find Your Internship workshops this fall.

Attend the Professional Experiences Showcase

Meet with programs and departments from across campus that are here to set you up for success at CU Boulder and beyond.

No experience? No problem! Whether you are interested in internships, jobs, research, entrepreneurship, finding mentors or so much more, this event has you covered!

Drop by anytime in UMC 235 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Pre-register and find out more on Handshake.

Try a job simulation

Job simulations let you experience a “day in the life” at top companies like Red Bull, The New York Times, Bank of America and more—without needing to apply or commit.

Through Forage, you can experience real-world tasks from major brands and industries, and You can explore your options before jumping into an internship or job. It’s a low-pressure way to:

Test-drive different careers

Build skills employers care about

See what kind of work excites you

Work on campus

CU Boulder hires thousands of students every semester, and on-campus jobs are more than just a paycheck. They offer:

Flexible work hours that fit your class schedule

Hands-on experience you can add to your resume

A chance to grow your professional network right here on campus

No matter your major or interests, there’s a job for you. Start exploring open positions on Handshake and see how working on campus can support your goals.

Volunteer

Volunteering isn’t just good for the community—it’s great for you, too. You’ll gain new skills, meet people and make a difference.

Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE) can help you find opportunities that fit your schedule and interests, with flexible commitment levels and tons of ways to get involved.

Plus, volunteer experience can give you a major edge when applying for jobs or internships—especially with nonprofits or government agencies. Whether you're passionate about social change, sustainability, education or something else, there's a way to get involved and grow.

Set yourself up for success

Career Services helps students position themselves for success through workshops, events, training and other resources. Learn more about getting started with Career Services.

The fall semester is a great time to build your resume and explore what kind of career you actually want. Whether you’re looking to gain experience for your resume, explore your interests or just get a head start, now’s the time to dive in.

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Unlock your leadership potential

Valerie Padilla — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Unlock your leadership potential Valerie Padilla Thu, 08/28/2025 - 00:00

There are many ways to be a leader in your community and plenty of opportunities on campus to build new skills. Here are a few ways to gain leadership experience this semester.

Take on a leadership role

Get hands-on experience while developing leadership skills with these opportunities.

Sko Serve site leader: Plan and lead a service trip for students over spring break.

Resident advisors (RA): Live and work in the residence halls to support other students while creating an inclusive community and making a difference in Residence Life.

Journey leaders: Help welcome new Buffs to campus! You can gain valuable leadership experience while meeting new people and getting involved.

ASAP tutor mentor: Work with students living in the residence halls and first-year students in paid tutoring positions.

Most student organizations, fraternities and sororities also have leadership roles for students to fill. These roles offer a chance to develop various skills and experiences you can use well after your time at CU Boulder. Browse BuffConnect to explore student organizations by topic or alphabetical list.

Join a leadership program

These programs allow you to gain leadership experience and meet fellow Buffs.

CU GOLD: Develop leadership skills through several leadership program paths and opportunities.

Bloom: Peer mentors and mentees will share tips, support each other’s goals and help each other thrive!

Climate Justice Leadership Alliance: Work with other students, faculty and staff to develop and implement campus and community actions for climate justice.

Work on campus

On-campus jobs are a convenient way to gain experience, earn money and build leadership skills. There are many student job roles with some positions offering opportunities to take on more responsibility over time. Search for on-campus jobs on Handshake.

Participate on a student board or committee

Use your voice and help make decisions that affect our campus community. Here are some opportunities to consider.

Center for Student Involvement (CSI) Board: Develop programs and educational opportunities to enrich the campus experience for CU Boulder students.

Cultural Events Board: Broaden cultural knowledge by supporting the voices of underrepresented and misrepresented groups on campus to promote student engagement with their platforms.

CU Student Government (CUSG): Serve your peers, make a difference and leave your mark at CU Boulder by participating in student government.

CUSG Recreation Board: Promote the improvement of the Recreation Center and the university community through planning and positive action.

Distinguished Speakers Board: Bring well-known speakers to campus and develop your skills in planning and implementing large-scale events.

Environmental Center Board: Advocate for campus environmental policy, determine funding for innovative sustainability projects, get practical experience and more.

National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH): Provide recognition for students and staff in the residence halls who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and who have made outstanding service contributions to their communities, CU and beyond.

Residence Hall Association (RHA): Foster and facilitate community among on-campus residents and promote a safe and comfortable living environment.

Senior Class Council: Keep seniors informed and involved while building pride, tradition and community among the graduating class.

UMC Board: Create policy, develop creative solutions to challenging issues and grow your leadership skills.

Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement Joint Board: Through policy making, leadership and outreach, being part of the SLICE Board can help you advocate for and provide services to meet campus and community needs.

Look out for your fellow Buffs

Being a leader on campus can be more than joining a program or holding a position in your student organization. Our Colorado Creed reminds us that we build character based on our decisions and actions toward others. If you see something concerning, don’t hesitate to call for help. Know how to be an effective bystander and look out for other community members.

Gaining leadership skills and experience to add to your resume can help when looking for a job or internship. Learn more about how to build professional skills and experience with Career Services.

Learn more about getting involved this fall:

Download the CU Boulder Life app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Check out upcoming student events.

There are many ways to be a leader in your community and plenty of opportunities on campus to build new skills. Here are a few ways to gain leadership experience this semester.

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3 reasons to work on campus

Emily Sampl — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:39:25 +0000

3 reasons to work on campus Emily Sampl Wed, 08/13/2025 - 10:39

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Students who work on campus get to enjoy many benefits. Some jobs allow you to build technical skills and are a great way to explore potential careers. Others may offer some downtime and let you study around your job duties.

Whatever you’re looking for, here are a few reasons to consider applying for an on-campus job.

1. Enjoy a flexible schedule

One of the best perks of an on-campus job is flexibility. Most student jobs offer flexible scheduling around your classes and other commitments. Many supervisors will also adjust schedules during busy times, like finals.

Many students work between 10 and 15 hours weekly, with 25 hours per week maximum. At your on-campus job, your academics stay the priority.

2. Get to know fellow Buffs

The other students you work with can quickly become your new friends. Departments like the Rec Center, Environmental Center, Residence Life and Campus Dining & Hospitality are some of the largest employers of students. These jobs allow you to spend time with fellow Buffs and get to know them.

Student employment also allows you to work more closely with faculty and staff. They can become mentors and potentially lead to future internships or research opportunities. Additionally, faculty or staff supervisors can provide letters of recommendation or serve as professional references later.

3. Gain professional experience and skills

Whatever department you work in, your student job can help you build your resume.

Many students develop foundational skills at on-campus jobs that they can use in professional positions after college. These skills include communication, problem-solving, time management and leadership.

There are also student jobs specific to different industries that can teach you technical skills. These roles include work in graphic design, event planning, social media, data analytics and research.

Find student jobs

Use Handshake to search for on-campus student employment, including hourly and work-study positions.
Stop by the On-Campus Student Job Fair on Tuesday, Aug. 26 to meet with campus departments looking to hire students.
Connect with Career Services to find support with every aspect of your job search, including using Handshake, writing resumes, practicing for interviews and more.

Looking for a job? Here are a few reasons to consider student employment.

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How to make your mark and discover your path

Kyra Raye Loch — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:34:40 +0000

How to make your mark and discover your path Kyra Raye Loch Fri, 08/08/2025 - 10:34

Career Services

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After your first year of college, you’re in an exciting position to shape what comes next. This is your moment to explore what truly sparks your interest, whether that’s through campus involvement, service, research or stepping up as a leader. Every hobby, club or class you dive into can be a steppingstone to discovering your purpose and connecting your passions to meaningful plans after graduation.

Whether you’re considering joining a new student organization, delving into a research project or taking on a leadership role, there are plenty of ways to start charting a course that feels right for you. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on campus and guide you as you turn your interests and experiences into a fulfilling post-graduation path.

Reflect on your experiences

Take a moment to appreciate your progress so far—you’ve already gained valuable experiences in your journey. Grab a notebook and reflect on the classes you’ve enjoyed most and the moments that energized you in your academic program. Perhaps collaborating on group projects or tackling challenges stood out as especially rewarding.

Now, think about your involvement beyond the classroom. Joining student organizations, participating in athletics, attending events or working a part-time job or internship all help shape your story. Which activities sparked your excitement? Which roles made you feel confident or inspired? Did you try something new or step into a leadership role that surprised you with what you could accomplish?

Remember, your values and strengths can also help guide your next steps. If you want support, Career Services offers appointments to help turn your interests into future adventures.

Explore different paths

Once you’ve reflected on your experiences and interests, explore your options for the new academic year:

Research possible careers using tools like “What Can I Do With This Major?” Read through the skills and tasks to get a sense of different roles and if you could see yourself in them.

Attend the Be Involved Fair on Aug. 27 to explore and join student organizations.

Visit your professor’s office hours to ask about research opportunities.

Consider volunteering or learning about leadership this semester.

Conduct informational interviews with people who are working in the same jobs or industries that you’re considering. This can help you get a better idea of what it's like to actually work in the field.

Look for internships or part-time jobs that are relevant to a career you’re considering in order to experience it yourself.

Participate in career fairs, events and workshops to network, learn about industry trends and get more tips for making decisions about your future.

Talk it out

As you consider different paths, it can help to talk about your next steps with someone. This could be an advisor, faculty member, supervisor, family member, mentor or friend. They may be able to share a different perspective or insight that can help you figure out what you’d like to do after college.

Career advisors and coaches in Career Services can also help you explore options and share additional resources during an appointment. Learn more about getting started with Career Services.

After your first year of college, you’re in an exciting position to shape what comes next. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on campus and guide you as you turn your interests and experiences into a fulfilling post-graduation path.

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Connect with purpose: Mentorship 101

Kyra Raye Loch — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:24:12 +0000

Connect with purpose: Mentorship 101 Kyra Raye Loch Fri, 08/08/2025 - 10:24

By Career Services

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Having a mentor can be a game-changer during your time in college. A good mentor can support you as you work toward your goals, answer your questions and give you encouragement if things get challenging. Whether you want to improve academically, plan for your future or just need advice, having a mentor can really help.

If you’re interested in mentorship this semester, here are some simple steps to help you find the right mentor for your college journey.

Start with why

Before you look for a mentor, take a moment to think about what you hope to gain from the experience. Mentors can assist in all kinds of ways, so it helps to know what you’re looking for. Set a few goals—do you want advice about your major, support making connections or help planning for the future? Knowing what you want will make it easier to find a mentor who’s the right fit for you.

Consider people you already know

Mentors don’t always come from formal programs—often, they can be people you already know. Mentors might be family members, supervisors at a part-time job, coaches, professors, teaching assistants or anyone you admire in your community.

Think about who inspires you or is on a path you’d like to follow. Make a short list of people who fit the qualities you’re looking for in a mentor, and jot down why each person stands out to you. This will help you focus your search and approach someone who’s a good match for your goals.

Check out mentorship programs

Students also have the option to join a structured mentorship program, which can make connecting with someone even easier. Consider checking out opportunities like the Bloom peer mentorship program in the Center for Student Involvement or the Forever Buffs Network Mentorship Program, which is designed to match you with someone who can support your goals. You can also see if mentorship programs are offered by your college or school.

Make the pitch

Sometimes, mentorships develop naturally—you might find yourself meeting regularly with someone, learning from their experiences and seeking their advice without ever formally calling them your mentor.

Other times, you may need to ask someone directly to be your mentor. If so, think about why you’d like them to guide you and what you hope to gain. When you reach out, explain clearly why you believe they're a good fit and what kind of support you’re looking for. Whenever possible, have this conversation in person, and be thoughtful and intentional with your request.

Potential mentors are all around you, and with a little initiative, you can find the right person to support your journey. When you discover a good match, you’ll notice the difference—having a mentor can positively influence your college experience and help you grow both personally and professionally.

For those considering career paths and planning for life after graduation, Career Services offers invaluable support tailored to help you discover opportunities and achieve your ambitions.

Having a mentor can be a game-changer during your time in college. If you’re interested in mentorship this semester, here are some simple steps to help you find the right mentor for your journey.

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It’s not too late! Here’s how to find a summer internship

Emily Sampl — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:45:29 +0000

It’s not too late! Here’s how to find a summer internship Emily Sampl Tue, 04/01/2025 - 07:45

Career Services

The end of the semester is approaching, but there is still time to find a summer internship. Career Services offers resources to help students prepare for their internship search. Check out these tips to help you get motivated and make your search more effective.

Streamline your search

Setting up saved searches on employment platforms can be a huge help in finding opportunities. For example, if you set up a saved search in Handshake, you’ll be the first to know about new postings and receive emails when employers post positions that meet your search criteria. This will save you the work of checking Handshake daily or re-entering your search parameters each time. Here’s how you can 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.

Basic Handshake accounts are already set up for all current CU students, regardless of your major or year. Review these tips to complete your profile.

Stay one step ahead

To ensure you can apply quickly for job postings that interest you, create a template for your resume and cover letter that highlights your experience, skills and accomplishments. This allows you to easily tailor your documents for each application instead of starting from scratch every time. Check out these resume writing tips and use the AI resume editor by Quinncia to get instant feedback to improve your resume.

Make interview preparation a key part of your job search process. Begin by reviewing commonly asked questions and writing out your answers. Then, practice answering questions out loud with a friend, family member or career development advisor who can provide helpful feedback. You can also use the AI mock interview tool by Quinncia to refine your skills. Knowing how to confidently talk about yourself and your experiences can set you apart from other candidates. Here are some additional interview tips to help you prepare.

In addition to Handshake, take advantage of other professional networks like LinkedIn. Your online presence should tell your professional story, so be sure to optimize your LinkedIn profile with these tips. With 87% of recruiters using LinkedIn to source candidates, you’ll want to ensure your profile is complete and accurate.

Expand your network

Even if it feels like you don’t have a professional network yet, you’ve likely established connections with professors, mentors, classmates and coworkers during your time at CU. Whether you want to work at a specific company or in a particular field, here are a few ways to further expand your network:

Join the Forever Buffs Network to start connecting with CU Boulder alumni. They can give resume feedback, help with interview preparation and serve as mentors.
Use LinkedIn to expand your network, learn about different industries and join conversations related to your career interests.
Set up an informational interview to get advice and information from a professional in a field you are interested in and find out what it takes to work in certain industries or the proper steps to get into a career.
Get help from your family, friends, professors and supervisors. They may be available for proofreading or to connect you to a hiring manager with a great opportunity.

Take advantage of Buffs Career Month

Career Services has a variety events, workshops and fairs to help you prepare for your future as well as tools to support your job search. This April, during Buffs Career Month, Career Services is hosting multiple workshops focused on acing interviews, networking with employers and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in your job search. Although summer is quickly approaching, there’s still time to kick-start your search and land valuable opportunities. Don’t miss out on these upcoming events:

Graduating? What’s Next? – Monday, April 7 | 4-5 p.m.
Startups2Students – Tuesday, April 8 | 5-7 p.m.
Queer in Career: Virtual Employer Panel – Tuesday, April 8 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter – Wednesday, April 9 | 3-4 p.m.
AI Career Boost: Leveraging AI for Job Search and Development – Thursday, April 10 | 11-11:45 a.m.
Navigating Careers: South and Southwest Asia and North Africa (SSWANA) Perspectives – Thursday, April 10 | 5:30-7 p.m.
First-Gen Workshop: Leveraging AI for Job Search & Development – Tuesday, April 15 | 4-5:30 p.m.
Ace Your Interview Workshop – Wednesday, April 16 | 4-5 p.m.
Find Your Internship! – Thursday, April 17 | 1-2 p.m.

Career Services offers resources to help students prepare for their internship search. Check out these tips to help you get motivated and make your search more effective.

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4 ways to stay motivated during your job search

Emily Sampl — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:30:11 +0000

4 ways to stay motivated during your job search Emily Sampl Tue, 03/18/2025 - 14:30

Career Services

Searching for a job or internship can be stressful, especially if you’re not hearing back from employers. When you don’t get responses from your applications, it can feel like being ghosted. It is completely normal to want closure even if that closure is just a simple “no.”

There are many reasons you might not hear back. Recruiters may not have time to review every application, they may not be able to respond to every candidate or your application may not have made it past the applicant tracking system (ATS). Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember a lack of response does not define you or the quality of your work.

If you’re struggling with the uncertainty of the job search process, here are a few ways to prioritize your mental health and stay motivated.

Maintain perspective

The internship and job application processes take time and involve multiple steps, including searching for open positions, updating your resume, writing cover letters and creating online profiles. Depending on where you are in your career journey, you may feel the pressure to secure a job or internship quickly. Remember, there is no definitive timeline for how long it should take you to secure a job.

The best practice is to start your search six to nine months ahead of time. Create a plan from these recommended action steps and decide what you want to prioritize. You can also use this search tracker to streamline the process. Planning your approach to applying for jobs in advance can help with stress and make the process more manageable.

Create balance

Pursuing interests and hobbies outside of the application process can boost your morale. Incorporate activities into your routine that keep you motivated to work towards your personal and professional goals.

Volunteering: Volunteering is a great way to build new skills while also getting involved with initiatives you care about. CUServes is an online platform where you can find volunteer opportunities from campus and community organizations.
Learning: As a student, you have access to resources to help you learn new skills or explore topics that excite you. Enhance your skills with video courses on LinkedIn Learning, simulate what it’s like to work in different job roles with The Forage or earn a free Google Career Certificate in a field that interests you.
Networking: Networking is about building connections. It can help you learn about different industries, meet mentors who can support you in your job search or lead to job opportunities in the future. Check out these networking tips from Career Services.

Prioritize well-being

It’s important to give yourself grace throughout this process. Searching for a job or internship should not consume your entire life. Make time to hang out with friends, relax, go outside and enjoy your favorite pastimes. Taking a break can refresh your mindset and help you reenergize.

Tip: Take the time to celebrate small victories along the way, whether it’s updating your application materials, applying to a certain number of jobs or attending a networking event.

Find support

Although you cannot predict or control when an employer responds to your application, Career Services offers several tools to help you maximize your chances in the application process.

Artifical intellegence resource guide
Most employers use an ATS to manage the volume of applicants, often reducing the number of candidates by 70%. Use this guide to tailor your documents to ATS, increasing your chances of making it through the initial screening stage.

Assessments and activities
Gain confidence in yourself by better understanding your interests, values and personality through assessment tools and activities.

Career help on demand
Utilize online tools designed to help you explore different majors, prepare for your job search, discover different career paths, build professional skills and more.

Job search resources
Access a variety of resources, tools and tips on networking, salary negotiation, interviews, resumes and more.

Career fairs, workshops and industry events
Career Services helps you position yourself for success through workshops, events, panels and more. There is support you every step of the way. If you have questions about the first or next step in your job and internship plans, schedule an appointment to meet with a career advisor.

If you’re struggling with the uncertainty of the job search process, here are a few ways to prioritize your mental health and stay motivated.

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7 steps to secure a job before graduation

Emily Sampl — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:05:07 +0000

7 steps to secure a job before graduation Emily Sampl Mon, 03/03/2025 - 14:05

Career Services

While it’s normal for the job search process to take months, there is still time for you to secure a job that aligns with your career goals before graduation. Career Services offers resources, workshops and career development advisors to help you with your search. Here’s how to effectively plan for life after college, secure a job and graduate feeling prepared for your future.

Step 1: Set goals and deadlines

Your last semester in college can be busy, especially with the added pressure of finding a job. To manage your time effectively, make a detailed plan with specific action items and deadlines. For example, set deadlines for creating online profiles, updating your resume and reaching out to people in your network for recommendation letters and informational interviews. Having an organized plan will help maximize your time and resources and make a better impression on employers.

Step 2: List your key experiences and skills

Before updating your resume or online profiles, consider the vital information you’ll highlight. Remember, you should tailor your documents to each job description. If you can articulate how your skills and experiences match the job requirements, you may gain an advantage in the hiring process.

Request a Skills Report to learn which skills are in demand for the positions or industries of interest to you.
Experience doesn't have to be limited to formal jobs. Be sure to include any campus jobs, volunteer work, organization memberships and leadership roles.
Add other activities like participation in sports and the arts as well to show that you are well-rounded and bring diverse skills and perspectives.

If you’re looking to gain more experience, Career Services offers access to a variety of opportunities that will stand out on your resume as well as to exceptional resources for finding internships. In addition, review this list of foundational skills and ways to build them.

Step 3: Optimize your online presence

A well-developed profile takes time to create and it’s crucial for building a positive professional reputation. Sloppy or incomplete profiles can give employers a negative impression. Here are a few tools to help you build an effective online presence:

Handshake is the top way college students find jobs. Use these helpful steps to set up your profile.
Your LinkedIn profile allows you to establish a professional presence, search for jobs and connect with CU alumni groups. Follow Career Services for more tips for planning your future.
Build an online portfolio using BuffsCreate to highlight your work and projects.
Use the free photo booth in the Career Services office to get the perfect professional photo for your online profiles.

Step 4: Craft effective job search documents

Your resume and cover letter are often the first impression you make on an employer. Learn how to write an effective resume and persuasive cover letter.

Take advantage of virtual office hours to have a peer career advisor review your documents and answer any questions you may have about the job search process.
Attend programs and workshops on writing resumes and job searching to ask questions and get more tips.
Want instant feedback on your resume? Quinncia is an online resume AI tool that provides personalized feedback on your resume.
Once your resume is updated, remember to upload it to your online profiles.

Step 5: Utilize your network

During your time at CU Boulder, you’ve likely built an extensive network including professors, mentors, classmates, coworkers and more. Leverage these connections to uncover job opportunities—let them know you’re looking for employment in May and would love referrals to open job opportunities.

Join the Forever Buffs Network to start connecting with CU Boulder alumni. They can give resume feedback, help with interview preparation and serve as mentors.
Use LinkedIn to expand your network, learn about different industries and join conversations related to your career interests.

Step 6: Start your job search

You may have a sense of urgency to find a job before graduation but remember to focus your search on positions that interest you and are a good fit.

Find job postings on Handshake, LinkedIn and Indeed. Set up saved searches on these sites to learn about new postings that match your criteria.
If you are looking for employment in Colorado, check out Andrew Hudson’s Colorado Job List. This online job board frequently shares jobs in marketing, communications, public relations and nonprofits.
Check out industry-specific sites like Built In Colorado, Work In Sports and Conservation Job Board.
Connect with recruiters at career fairs and employer tabling events to learn about open positions and hiring timelines.

Step 7: Improve your interview skills

You will also want to prepare for in-person and virtual interviews as you search for jobs.

Schedule a practice interview with a career advisor or utilize Quinncia, an AI mock interview tool. This tool records your responses for review or sharing with others for their input.
Follow these tips for mastering your interview and making a positive impression.

Career Services is here to help you every step of the way. Learn more about getting started and other tools you can use during the job search process.

Graduating this semester? Review these tips to learn how to effectively plan for life after college, secure a job and graduate feeling prepared for your future.

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Resume tips every college student needs

Emily Sampl — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:03:34 +0000

Resume tips every college student needs Emily Sampl Tue, 01/28/2025 - 10:03

Career Services

Your resume is often the first impression you make on an employer and plays a crucial role in landing an interview. Typically, employers only spend 10-30 seconds scanning it, so it’s important to produce an effective resume that is easy to read, highlights relevant experience and grabs their attention.

Here are a few tips and best practices to help you create a strong, strategic resume.

Keep it simple

Tailoring your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is a great way to increase your chances of making it past the initial screening stage. Most companies and organizations use an ATS to manage the volume of applicants, often reducing the number of candidates by 70%.

Follow these guidelines to ensure your resume is compatible with ATS:

Avoid using columns, text boxes, colors and graphics.
When it comes to fonts, limit yourself to three font sizes and one font style.
Pull keywords from the job posting or the mission and values of the organization and incorporate them in your resume.

As a student, you have access to Quinncia—an online AI tool that provides free personalized feedback on your resume. Quinncia’s in-depth recommendations can help your resume pass through an ATS.

Keep it relevant

Use your resume to show employers why you’re qualified for the job. Remember, not all experience has to come from formal employment. For example, include foundational skills—like communication, teamwork and leadership—you gained through class projects or volunteering when it’s relevant to the job description.

Start your resume bullets with what you accomplished and answer one or more of the following:

How did you do it?
Why did you do it?
For what purpose?
Quantify information whenever possible.

Whether you have no experience at all or you are wanting something else to round out your skills, Career Services offers a variety of opportunities that take from 20 minutes to multiple semesters to complete and will help you add professional experience to your resume.

Keep it active

Always start bulleted statements with past-tense, active verbs and delete words like “a,” “and” and “the.” You want to paint a vivid picture of your skills in action that is short and to the point. A few action verbs that stick out to employers include "developed,” “enhanced," "created," “analyzed,” "managed” and "mentored.” For more examples, review this list of action verbs to use on your resume.

Keep it going

Career Services offers several career fairs and industry events throughout the year. Here are a few of the upcoming events where you can improve and showcase your resume:

Use Handshake to register for these events and others as well as sign up for one-on-one sessions with employers during virtual career fairs. If there are specific employers that you are scheduled to chat with, make a variation of your resume that is tailored to each of them.

Career advisors are available to help you create and edit your resume. Check out this list of more resume tips and schedule an appointment to meet with Career Services so that you’re prepared to apply when opportunities arise.

Here are a few tips and best practices to help you create a strong, strategic resume.

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Resume tips every college student needs

Keep it simple

Keep it relevant

Keep it active

Keep it going

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