Tuskegee University

Whether you are looking for a co-op position, an internship at home or abroad, a summer job, part-time work, or a full-time job after graduation, you have to do some job searching.

Sometimes you might feel that you are retrieving too much information. A lot of information to sift through will bog you down. So, before you get to that point,  it would be helpful to refine your search strategy. Here are some guidelines:

• Start early. Don't wait until the day after graduation to start looking for employment
• Decide what type of position you are seeking
• Use resources geared towards college students or graduate students
• Get assistance from your campus career center
• Focus your search on a particular geographic location or region that you would like to live in
   

When choosing a career, you need to do your research. Look at job market trends. Seek advice from your academic advisor or your mentor. Consider several career fields, in case you need to switch at a later date. Your curiosity can be a good guide into choosing a career, or get you on the right path to your chosen career.

Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone. Gain more experience through various co-op opportunities or internships to see if that is the career choice for you. Here are some tips:

• Focus on what you want to do
• Develop a career plan
• Assess your skills and interests
• Get information from a variety of sources before making your choice 
• Then, find a career that's right for you

A cover letter (sometimes optional) is usually submitted along with a Resume'. Its purpose is to introduce you to a prospective employer. Use it to summarize your professional background, knowledge and skills. But, be careful. A bad cover letter could get your Resume' thrown into the waste paper basket before it even gets looked at. So, be sure that your cover letter peaks the employer's interest, so they will want to read your Resume'. That's why it is imperative that you learn to write an effective cover letter.

A well-written Resume is also necessary to convince the employer that you would be a valuable addition to their company.

• Choose a design that's not offensive
• Organize the content so it's easy to look at
• Use bullets or short action verbs where possible
• Too many colors are distracting
• Don't forget to list your certifications and skills

The TU Career Center sponsors career fairs and career-related events on campus. Some companies or agencies even come on campus during the year to interview our students. The Career Center offers interviewing clinics and Resume' writing workshops to help prepare students for these events.    

Don't be a "No-Show" for an interview.  If something urgent comes up, try your best to cancel BEFORE your appointment time. Call your Career Center for assistance.

• Dress appropriately, just as for a job interview
• Shake hands and make eye-to-eye contact when meeting the interviewer
• Research the company before your interview to be knowledgeable about their products or services
• Try to imagine yourself as an employee of that company, explain what an asset you would be
   

There are many programs that offer internship opportunities for academic credit. Some internships can help you decide your career choice and job locations. Allow the Tuskegee University Career Center to help you locate internships, find out how long the program is, and whether it is a good fit for you and your college course load.

Remember, it takes time to process your paperwork, so get it submitted early. Here are some helpful resources:

• Amazon Internships
• CampusRN
• CareerBuilder
• Disney College Program
• FBI Internships
• Indeed.com
• InternshipFinder
• Tuskegee University Global Office

If you are considering an International Career, then consider what that actually means. It could mean a job that requires you to travel globally, or working for an international company within the United States, or working abroad in a foreign country. Ask yourself the following questions to help guide your decision:

• What contributing factors are enticing me to work abroad?
• What do I hope to accomplish by working abroad?
• Which is more important to me: the salary, the location, or the experience?

Be sure to get your Passport, Visa, work permits or any necessary vaccinations or paperwork done several months ahead of time.

Contact the Tuskegee University Global Office (TUGO) for assistance with international jobs or study abroad opportunities.

Career Resources

Networking Sources

On-Campus Recruitment

Early preparation is the key to making a good career choice. Here are a few career resources to help students prepare for their chosen career:

• Bootcamp Prep Programs
• Career Stories, Real-World Advice and Tips
• GRE Test Prep
• GRE Guidebook
• How to clean up your Social Profile
• List of Scholarships for African American Students
• Step by Step Guide for Students to manage your Personal SEO
   

Networking sources are available to connect students with exciting career opportunities, and employers are able to select from a pool of talented students.

You can also contact the Tuskegee Alumni Club of the area you are moving to for assistance in getting you settled.

• internXL.org/Tuskegee
• Handshake
• Focus2Career
• LinkedIn
• CareerOneStop

The Career Center sponsors the Annual Career Fair on campus in which many companies, agencies, and organizations participate to recruit from our pool of talented students. Students are notified through eblasts, social media, flyers, and other means of communication.

We appreciate the support of those companies or individuals who help sponsor campus events and support the TU Career Center and our students. Take a look at our impressive list on on-campus recruitment employers:

• List of on-campus recruitment employers