Aggies Prepare to Launch – Count Down to a Summer Job
Summer break is the ideal time for your student to reflect, not only on accomplishments they have achieved academically, but also, on their professional development and the skills and experience needed to achieve their career goals in-order to launch their career.
Securing a job over the summer will help your student gain transferable skills, such as communication, time management and/or administrative skills. An internship will give your student the opportunity to apply skills they’ve learned academically, while gaining knowledge about the industry.
The Internship and Career Center (ICC) has tools to help every student with their search. We recognize each student is unique and career paths vary broadly. With that in mind, here are three important steps to prepare your student for their summer job or internship search.
Build a Resume
A comprehensive resume is a snapshot of the writer, showcasing skills and education, along with career-related activities, such as volunteer work, internships, professional organizations or student clubs, leadership positions, international travel, and military service. The ICC’s most requested resource tool is our Career Resource Manuel (CRM), which will help your student start their resume and cover letter. It also includes career and professional development tips, from the beginning stages of exploration through the internship and job search process.
Networking
Networking can be one of the most important steps in your student’s career development. Many career opportunities come from networking, so students are encouraged to continue to build professional relationships throughout their time at UC Davis. This is often the last thing students want to do, so your encouragement can go a long way! The summer is also a great time to create a LinkedIn profile, connect with alumni, and talk with employers. The ICC offers many events to connect students with employers and alumni.
Search for Opportunities
Handshake is the online platform the ICC uses for UC Davis students and alumni to find jobs and internships. Employers and professors around campus post positions on Handshake every day. Encourage your student to browse through job postings weekly, and use filters in order to learn more about different organizations and the minimum qualifications for their desired positions. In addition to Handshake, ask your student to explore other job boards and/or attend an Internship and Career Center (ICC) workshop to learn about other ways to find internships and jobs.
The Internship and Career Center is a valuable resource for every UC Davis Aggie! Encourage your student to check our services for more in-depth information.