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Job and Internship Search

  1. Define Your Goals and Priorities: Before you start your job search, take the time to define your career goals and priorities. What type of work do you enjoy? What industries or sectors align with your interests? Knowing what you're looking for will help you focus your search and make more informed decisions.

  2. Polish Your Resume and Online Presence: Meet with USI Career Services to craft a strong, tailored resume that highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Ensure your online presence, especially on professional platforms like LinkedIn, reflects your qualifications and aspirations. Many employers now rely on these platforms to find potential candidates.

  3. Network: Utilize your personal and professional networks to learn about job opportunities. Attend career fairs, workshops, and networking events related to your field. Don't be afraid to reach out to alumni, mentors, and contacts in your industry to gather insights and potential leads.

  4. Customize Your Applications: Avoid the temptation to send out generic job applications. Tailor each application to match the specific job requirements and showcase how your skills align with the role. A targeted application shows that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.

  5. Stay Persistent and Resilient: The job search process can be demanding, and rejection is a natural part of it. Stay persistent, maintain a positive attitude, and learn from any setbacks. Keep refining your approach, seeking feedback, and adapting your strategies as needed.

Remember, finding the right full-time job often takes time and effort, but with determination and a strategic approach, you can increase your chances of landing a position that aligns with your career goals.

  1. Identify Your Availability and Preferences: Determine your availability and the hours you can commit to a part-time job. Decide whether you prefer evening shifts, weekends, or specific days. Having a clear understanding of your schedule will help you narrow down your job options.

  2. Explore Local Job Listings: Look for part-time job opportunities in your local area. Check online job boards, community bulletin boards, and local newspapers. Many businesses, especially in retail, hospitality, and food service, post their openings in these places.

  3. Leverage Online Job Platforms: Utilize online job platforms and apps that are dedicated to part-time and flexible work. Websites like Career Launch often list part-time positions. You can also search for remote or freelance opportunities on platforms like Upwork and Freelancer if you're looking for flexible work from home.

  4. Visit Nearby Businesses: Take a proactive approach by visiting local businesses in person. Bring along copies of your resume and inquire about part-time job openings. This can make a positive impression and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.

  5. Tap into Your Network: Let your friends, family, and acquaintances know that you're looking for a part-time job. Sometimes, referrals from people you know can lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised publicly. Networking can be a powerful tool in your job search.

Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for the specific part-time job you're applying to. Whether you're seeking a part-time job to gain experience, supplement your income, or balance with your studies, these tips can help you navigate the process more effectively.

Certainly, finding an internship can be a crucial step in gaining valuable experience and building your career path. Here are five tips to help you secure a meaningful internship:

  1. Research Your Field: Understand the industry or field you're interested in. Research companies, organizations, and institutions that align with your career goals. Identify the roles, responsibilities, and skills commonly required in your desired field.

  2. Utilize College Resources: As a USI student, you can meet 1:1 with a professional Career Coach for guidance on finding internships, resume building, interview preparation, and networking opportunities. They often have connections with local businesses and industries. Schedule an appointment.

  3. Networking is Key: Tap into your personal and professional networks. Let friends, family, professors, and mentors know that you're looking for an internship. Attend career fairs, workshops, and industry events to meet potential employers and learn more about available opportunities.

  4. Search Online Platforms: Utilize online internship search platforms and job boards. Websites like USI Career Launch, LinkedIn, and Indeed often have listings for internships across various industries. Narrow down your search based on location, field, and duration.

  5. Direct Applications: If there's a specific company or organization you're interested in interning with, visit their website and check if they have a dedicated internship section. Many companies accept direct applications for internships, and this proactive approach can showcase your enthusiasm for their work.

Remember, internships are not only a chance to gain practical experience but also to demonstrate your abilities to potential future employers. Tailor your application materials to highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the organization during interviews.

Regenerate

This program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students who need financial aid. Students are paid at least minimum wage and work between 5 and 20 hours per week when school is in session. During periods of non-enrollment, eligible students may work full time. A portion of the earnings from non-enrollment periods is used to meet the student's academic year expenses and, therefore, may reduce a student's need for other assistance.

A portion of USI's Federal Work Study (FWS) funds are devoted to support student participation in community service organizations. Organizations USI collaborates with are the Boy Scouts of America, Central Child Care, Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana, and the YMCA.

Students may apply for the FWS program by completing the FAFSA and indicating work study as a type of aid requested on the FAFSA. After completing the FAFSA, interested students should complete the Federal Work Study resume. The FWS resume is found online in the Student Financial Assistance forms library. Preferred filing deadlines should be observed to ensure consideration of the student for these limited federal funds. For more information, view our Federal Work Study frequently asked questions handout available online in the Student Financial Assistance forms library.

Regular Student Employment

In addition to federal work study, the University employs some students as part-time employees. Contact Career Services and Internships in the Orr Center for information about non-work study student employment both on and off campus.