As you consider your reasons for pursuing a degree, you may be thinking about career advancement or contemplating a career change. The Pomerantz Career Center is a campus resource that can assist you as you move toward your occupational goals.
Our mission is helping Hawkeyes to become leaders in their careers and communities, and we are ready to assist you in preparing for a path that fits who you are and what you’re about. We encourage you to consider, “where is it that I want to go, and how do I get there from here?”
First Steps
- If you are contemplating a career change or are unsure as to what occupations align with your interests, abilities, and values, we suggest taking a Career Assessment.
- We also encourage you to explore our Career Communities to learn more about your specific career interests and view tailored resources as you consider occupations, search for opportunities, and connect with professional organizations within your intended field.
- Our comprehensive Career Guide contains tips and advice on a variety of career topics, including networking, job searching, and interviewing.
- The Career Center also offers a variety of career, leadership, and professional development Academic Courses (several of which are offered online).
Sample Resumes & Cover Letters
We know you want to showcase the experiences and skills you’ve acquired thus far. Our resume samples are designed to reflect the education and work history you might have:
- Sample #1 - pdfdocx (Microsoft Word - editable)
- Sample #2 - pdfdocx(Microsoft Word - editable)
- Sample #3 - pdfdocx(Microsoft Word - editable)
See additional tips for developing your Resume and make sure to also view information on writing your Cover Letter.
Gaining Knowledge & Experience While Working
We realize that it can be difficult to explore new career paths and acquire new skills and knowledge while working, fulfilling degree requirements, and balancing personal responsibilities. However, there are still ways that you can gain new experiences.
Arranging a job shadow or Informational Interview is a great way to learn more about occupations of interest to you. Think of people already in your network - family, friends, neighbors, and work colleagues or utilize LinkedIn to locate UI alumni working in a variety of professions.
If your schedule permits, having an Internship allows you to gain industry knowledge, develop new skills, and build your resume.
If you are working full-time, you may not be able to commit to an internship, but you might be able to create your own opportunity with companies of interest. Inquire about an extended job shadow (2 -3 days) or a micro-internship or externship that would be short-term (1 -2 weeks).
Also consider volunteering in your community to explore careers and strengthen your skill set. Identify local non-profits and community organizations of interest or search the following volunteer sites to locate opportunities in your area:
Job Searching, Interviewing & Networking
As you begin your Job Search, we encourage you to utilize your Handshake@UIOWA account. Handshake is the University of Iowa’s primary online recruiting system and is free for students. You can upload your resume, search for full-time jobs and internships, and schedule on-campus interviews. You can also choose to make your profile public for employers looking for candidates just like you.
You also have access to Big Interview, our online interview simulation program. Big Interview allows you to practice your interview skills by being asked typical interview questions for a variety of industries and professions. Through the use of a webcam, your responses are recorded which you can review for self-critique or share with others for feedback and advice. Review our list of Interview Questions to also prepare for interviewing.
In addition, start Networking as a strategy for learning more about occupations of interest, making connections with professionals, and discovering new opportunities. LinkedIn is a great resource for building and expanding your network and connecting with UI alumni working in a variety of occupations, industries, and geographic locations.
Campus Opportunities
We recognize that you may be far from Iowa City, but you are welcome to visit campus to attend a career fair, have a mock interview with an employer, or attend a company meet and greet. Check out our Events page to learn more and view event dates. You’re also welcome to meet with a Career Coach.