Jobs and Internships
A successful job search begins by developing clear career goals that reflect an understanding of what you are looking for in a position and what you have to offer employers. A career-related summer experience or other short-term work can help you explore your interests and give you a competitive edge when you search for your first full-time job.
Cornell Career Services provides extensive services to students engaged in a job search, whether for a summer position, a job during the academic year, or a full-time position after graduation.
Finding Positions
In today’s continuously changing and competitive job market, no single job-search strategy can guarantee success. The most effective method for finding a job will also be influenced by the career field you wish to enter. Some employers find that campus recruiting is a good way to hire talent well in advance of when the candidate will report to work, while others hire to fill specific positions “just-in-time” or as openings occur.
The effectiveness of your search will be influenced by how much time you invest and how many different strategies and resources you use. A search for a full-time job takes an average of two to six months of organized effort. Speak with an advisor in Career Services to develop a job-search plan that will work for you. The Job Search and Job Applications modules in canvas give step by step guidance.
Researching
Think of your job search as a research project. You need to understand your options by learning about employers, job openings, credentials being sought, etc., before you can focus on a particular employer or job and prepare your targeted application materials.
Cornell University also uses Handshake to provide students with a large and diverse selection of employer-based information sessions, career exploration opportunities and a plethora of full-time and internship positions. This platform is a place to highlight yourself and your experiences, while also researching and learning more about open opportunities that interest you.
Preparing Applications
Once you have set career goals and researched employers, you are ready to market yourself through resumes and cover letters. You will probably need to prepare multiple versions of your resume and cover letter to target employers’ needs very specifically. Your goal is to prepare well-constructed resumes and job-search materials, to attract an employer’s interest in you so that you are invited for an interview.
