The Career Guide is your roadmap to career success—from your first year on campus to graduation day. You'll find clear, actionable steps to help you explore interests, build experience, and confidently launch into life after college. Whether you're choosing a major, preparing for an internship, or applying for jobs, this guide will keep you on track and moving forward.
Career Communities
Students schedule advising appointments based on their interest in exploring or pursuing careers in the following career communities. Our career communities are organized by career fields and industries. Instead of asking, “What can I do with a major in ______________?”, start asking “What work environments and job duties interest me?” If that sounds scary or overwhelming, let us help! If you are an open major and unsure of your interests, all of our career communities allow for exploration. If you have multiple interests, you may select more than one career community.
Handshake
Handshake is the University of Iowa’s primary online recruiting system. It is free for students. Students can upload their resumes, register an internship, search for jobs and internships, find upcoming career fairs, and schedule on-campus interviews. Students can also choose to make their profiles searchable for employers looking for candidates just like them!
Whether you’re confident or unsure of your career path, all students can benefit from exploring how their interests and aptitudes align with majors, occupations, and work environments.
The checklist below will help you get started. Visit our Exploring Majors & Careers page for more information.
Get a Career Coach
Find Career Communities of interest to you and schedule an appointment with a Career Coach to assist as you begin exploring career options.
Take a Career Assessment
Consider taking an assessment if you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed about your interests, abilities, and how those relate to majors and/or careers.
Create a My Career Path Profile
Sign in to My Career Path, our 24/7 career development platform, and select your preferences. My Career Path will provide suggested activities based on your preferences and student profile.
Arrange an Informational Interview
Conduct informational interviews to talk with professionals working in fields of interest to you.
Research Careers
Begin researching careers using resources within Career Community pages of interest to you.
Register for a Career Center Course
Consider CCP:1300 Major & Career Explorations or LS:2002 Career Leadership Academy.
Once you’ve evaluated who you are, begin preparing for next steps by starting your resume and connecting with employers through career fairs and networking events.
The checklist below will help you get started. Visit Resume & Cover Letters and Career Prep for additional resources to complete items on this list.
Build Your Resume
Write or update your resume and have it reviewed during drop-in peer advising.
Write a Cover Letter
When needed, prepare cover letters or other required documents. These can also be reviewed during drop-in peer advising.
Upload Your Resume
When ready, upload your resume to Handshake so you can begin applying for student employment or internship positions.
Create a LinkedIn Profile
Create or update your LinkedIn profile and clean up all social media accounts.
Begin Networking
Learn to network and prepare your introduction to new contacts and potential employers.
Practice Interviewing
Prepare for interviews. Schedule a mock interview to practice with real employers or use Big Interview, a virtual interview software.
Research Grad Programs
If interested in graduate or professional school, review resources to help you research programs and manage applications.
Connect with Your Coach
Schedule an appointment on MyUI with a Career Coach to keep your goals on track.
Now it’s time to act—it’s crucial that you gain experience to expand your resume and develop your skill set through internships and campus involvement.
The checklist below will help you get started. Visit our Jobs & Internships page for additional resources to complete items on this list.
Work Part-Time
Find student employment on-campus, or find a job near campus.
Join a Student Org
Get involved in student organizations of interest. Consider clubs that relate to your career interests.
Volunteer
Develop your skills through volunteering, academic service-learning, or other community involvement.
Develop Leadership Skills
The Career Leadership Academy challenges students to connect with leaders in order to live a purposeful life and create positive change on a local, national, and global level.
Find an Internship
Find and complete one or more internships or co-ops to gain experience and network in your desired field.
Study Abroad
Consider studying, working, interning, or volunteering abroad. International experiences can help you enhance your degree, stand out to employers, and transform you into a global citizen.
Participate in Research
Involvement in undergraduate research and creative scholarship enriches your education and gives you real-world experience.
Check in with Your Career Coach
Continue scheduling appointments with a Career Coach for additional assistance and resources.
As you transition from college to career (or grad school), maximize success by developing a plan and taking steps to achieve where you want to be upon graduation.
The checklist below will help you get started. Explore our website for additional resources to complete items on this list.
Begin Your Job Search
Use Handshake and Career Fairs to begin your job search. Start 6–9 months before you graduate to maximize success.
Expand Your Search
Find additional job and internship links using the Job Search section of our website. More links are also provided within your desired Career Community page.
Research Employers
Before applying to open positions, research employers to find companies that align with your goals and learn how to spot fraudulent jobs.
Evaluate Offers
Evaluate job offers and learn more about negotiation before accepting an offer.
Apply to Grad School
Apply to graduate or professional school if that is your desired next step. Consider Gap Year Opportunities if you need more time or experience before applying.
Apply for National Fellowships
Interested in national fellowships? Visit with the Office of Scholar Development, which assists current undergraduates and recent alumni in their pursuit of national fellowships and grant opportunities.
Make a Plan with Your Coach
Schedule an appointment with a Career Coach for additional resources and help with your job search strategy, timeline, and resources.