Whether searching for a job or internship, the process is the same. The best searches involve a combination of networking and online job applications. Some statistics say that 80% of all positions are filled through networking; therefore, it is important to combine networking with your online applications. Some examples of this might include:

• Using LinkedIn to identify someone who works at a company you want to apply to and reaching out for an informational interview

• Applying for positions with companies of interest before they are scheduled to be at a career fair, then at the fair introducing yourself, letting them know that you already applied

• Conduct research for the company where a family friend works, then job shadow over the holidays and offer them your resume in case an internship or job becomes available

• Identifying small- to medium-sized companies in your area that do work you are interested in; reach out to those companies and request an internship or job

Job and internship searches are time-intensive processes; it is important to set realistic goals and expectations. Goal-setting can help you move forward by taking the larger tasks of finding an experience and breaking it down into manageable pieces (i.e. I will apply to 2 experiences and ask for 1 informational interview by Friday of each week). Recognizing that searches take time (3-6 months on average for a full-time job) will help you set realistic expectations and stay positive during the process.

UA Offices of Career Connections Unpaid Internship Scholarship

Students may apply for this award to participate in an unpaid or a paid internship (i.e. Washington, D.C., or anywhere additional living expenses will be necessary).

The UA Offices of Career Connections Unpaid Internship Scholarship will accept applications that meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrated financial need (must have completed FAFSA on file)
• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
• U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident
• Full time enrollment status (minimum of 12 credit hours), degree-seeking, undergraduate student at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
• Returning to the University of Arkansas at least part time (minimum of 6 credit hours) in the term following the semester the scholarship is received (NOTE: students participating in an internship following graduation do not qualify)
• Internship secured prior to applying for the scholarship. Must be able to provide a copy of the internship/co-op offer letter
• Special consideration will be given to students who meet all criteria, and in addition, are Career Track Razorback graduates or have been active for at least 1 year.

Budget Sheet and Instructions for the Unpaid Internship Scholarship

Deadline

The application is now closed.

Handshake is the number one job search platform for college students and young alumni. Created by students at Michigan Tech who were frustrated by the lack of opportunities on campus and the antiquated approach to college recruiting, Handshake is now used at over 1,400 schools nationwide and connects 750K employers to over 12 million+ students and alumni. Joining Handshake allows you to connect with over 750,000 top employers including 100% of the Fortune 500 companies, search for thousands of available jobs and internships, receive personalized job recommendations based on your major and interests, register for events and view career fair information, manage on-campus interviews, and schedule appointments with career counselors!

All current UA students and recent graduates have a profile on Handshake connected to the University of Arkansas and are automatically approved to use Handshake. You can customize it by adding your resume, profile picture, career interests, work experiences, etc.

Recent UA graduates receive complementary access to Handshake for one year after graduation. After one year, those who are paying Alumni Association Members can retain access or request access to Handshake. Alumni who are not recent graduates or paying members will need to join or renew their Alumni Association Membership by visiting the Alumni Association Membership page. Once your Alumni Association Membership fee has been paid, email a receipt of your paid membership to career@uark.edu to request or retain access to Handshake. Alumni who sign up can request access to the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville during the Handshake sign-up process.

1. How do I start using Handshake?

   Current Students & Recent Alumni: Login to Handshake by clicking on the "University of Arkansas - Fayetteville Sign On" button using your UARK username and password.

   Arkansas Alumni Association Members: Login to Handshake and select "Student/Alumni." If you no longer have a UARK email and password, you can sign up using any personal email address. We will verify that you are a paying Alumni Association Member when you create your Handshake account and request to join the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.

2. What documents are needed to use Handshake?

   In order to apply for jobs in Handshake you will need to upload your resume. View How to Upload a Document for instructions on uploading your resume and other documents. Some organizations may also require a cover letter and/or a copy of your transcript. UA students and alumni can request electronic versions of their transcripts online.

3. How often should I check Handshake?

   Handshake is updated every day, so new job opportunities are always added to the system. You should check every few days at a minimum. You can also edit your default notification preferences, so you can receive an email to notify you about specific changes to applications, events, interview schedules, etc. Visit the Handshake Help Center to see what the default notifications preferences are for you.

For major- or industry-specific job search links, please view the What Can I Do With This Major pages under the Explore Majors tab. Each major has targeted job & internship links.

Cooperative Education (Co-op) and internships both provide students with an opportunity to learn about their field of study through "hands-on" experience in the workplace. Each college at UA has different guidelines for their academic credit-bearing co-op and internship programs, so please follow the links below to learn more about your college's guidelines.

Co-op Information for each College

• Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food and Life Sciences
• College of Engineering
• Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences
• Walton College of Business

You can leverage ChatGPT to gain valuable career insights, enhance your career readiness skills, and make informed decisions as you explore career options and prepare career application materials.

Job Search Strategies: Create personalized job search strategies based on your preferences, skills, and location. ChatGPT can suggest online job boards, professional networking platforms, and other resources.

Using prompts is the primary way to interact with ChatGPT. A prompt is a piece of text that you provide ChatGPT to request specific information or start a conversation. Use the following prompts in the “Send a message” field to gain career insights:

Job Search Strategies Prompts:

• How can ChatGPT be used for a job search?
• What are companies that students can work for if they want to do [Job]? 
• What are some effective strategies for finding [POSITION] job opportunities? 
• What are some of the most common mistakes that [POSITION] make during the job search?
• I’m currently looking for a job. Could you please help me better understand what's expected of me, with a focus on requirements and my qualifications? Here's the job advertisement: [JOB DESCRIPTION] 

1. Make a list of companies or organizations of interest. Consider the field in which you wish to work, your work interests and values, your preferred location, and organizational culture.

2. Read about each company. Learn what the company or organization does, how it does it, why it does it, who does it, and where it is.

3. Network with people inside your top 5-10 companies. Because 80% of job openings are not advertised, you will want to start networking. You can do this through a variety of avenues, including conducting an advanced people search using LinkedIn, conducting informational interviews, and job shadowing, to name a few.

1. Use your network to identify a person currently working or who previously worked in the industry you are considering.

2. Prior to your meeting, identify 10 questions about the industry you would like to ask the professional. A couple of example questions include: How did you get started in this industry? What are the ideal education, background, and skills for success in this industry?

3. Contact the professional by telephone, email, or in person; introduce yourself (practice this ahead of time) and ask for thirty minutes of their time.

Tips to remember:

Be respectful of the professional's time

If meeting in person, arrive 10 minutes early

Send a thank you note after the conversation or meeting

Maintain the contact by staying in touch

Job Shadowing is short-term (one to two days), offers no pay or academic credit, and is hosted by volunteers in various organizations to help students gain an insider's view of a career field. It involves observing a professional through a normal day's activities and may include informational interviews, tours, and participation in office projects. Shadowing also may help you get your foot in the door for a competitive internship or job.

Use your personal network to identify potential contacts working in fields that are interesting to you. If this doesn't work, use LinkedIn, the company's or organization's web pages, professional associations, and career fairs.

Call the individual and indicate that you are seeking more information about their field and would like to spend a half day or day shadowing them on their job. When talking to the individual refer to the research you've already reviewed about this field or organization.

What to Prepare

• Conduct research of the companies in attendance.
• Write three questions about the companies that demonstrate your interest in working there.
• Know your skills and prepare your 30-second commercial to introduce yourself to a recruiter. This is an opportunity to share a little bit about your experience, skills, strengths, accomplishments, and goals.

What to Bring

• Extra copies of your resume, a pen, and padfolio with notes from your research.
• A checklist of the names and titles of the contacts you want to make at the event.
• A brief outline of the research you conducted on the companies.

What to do when you get to the Event

• If the employer representative is engaged in conversation, wait nearby until they are finished.
• Greet the representative with a firm handshake, smile and look them in the eye.
• Be prepared to initiate the conversation.
• Show your interest by asking questions about the company or the individual person.
• Be sure to get the business card of everyone to whom you talk.

What to do after the Event

• Send thank you emails to everyone you met.
• Find them on LinkedIn and request they become one of your contacts.

• Student Sample 1
• Student Sample 2
• Student Sample 3

LinkedIn’s Alumni Search feature is a powerful tool that allows you to connect with and learn from University of Arkansas graduates. By leveraging this tool, you can expand your network, gather insights, and potentially find mentors in your desired field. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Alumni Search feature effectively:

Step 1: Log in or Create an Account

1. If you haven’t already, sign up for a LinkedIn account. If you already have an account, log in to proceed.

Step 2: Access the Alumni Search Feature

1. Go to the “Education” section on your LinkedIn profile homepage and click on the “University of Arkansas”. On the next page, click “alumni”.

Step 3: Explore Alumni Data

1. You are now on a page displaying alumni data and can filter this data using the following criteria:
   • Where they live now
   • Where they work
   • What they do
   • What they studied
   • What they are skilled at
   • How you are connected (1st, 2nd, 3rd – degree connection)
2. Adjust these filters to narrow down the results and find alumni who align with your interests. You may also use the search bar to search for alumni by key words (i.e., company name, job title, location).

Step 4: Expand your Network

1. Review the profiles of alumni who match your criteria.
2. Send connection requests to those you would like to connect with professionally.
3. After clicking “connect”, click “add a note” to personalize your connection request by mentioning your shared institution, common interests, or goals.

Step 5: Engage and Learn

1. Once connected, engage with your alumni connections by sending a welcoming message expressing your interest in their career journey and using this opportunity to ask for advice, learn from their experiences, or gain insight into your chosen field.

Step 6: Stay Professional

1. Always maintain professionalism in your interactions with alumni.
2. Be respectful of their time and expertise.

Step 7: Offer Value

1. Networking is a two-way street. Consider how you can offer value to your alumni connection, whether it’s sharing articles, insights, or offering your assistance.

Step 8: Keep Growing Your Network

1. As you progress through your academic and professional journey, continue to use LinkedIn’s Alumni Search to connect with alumni who can contribute to your growth.
2. Remember, building meaningful connections takes time, so be patient and persistent. Leverage your alumni network to learn, grow, and open doors to exciting opportunities in your desired career path.

Sample Messages to Alumni Found on LinkedIn

To Request a Video Chat

Dear [Alumni's Name},

Currently I am a student at the University of Arkansas and am interested in starting my career [in the journalism field.] Based on your LinkedIn profile it appears that you have had a very successful career in this field, and I would like to learn about your journey from the first job you had after graduation to your current position at [name of organization.]

Would it be possible to schedule a 15-minute video chat with you to discuss your career path. I realize that you probably keep a busy schedule, so I am willing to meet with you before or after business hours, if necessary. Are you available on [day/time] or [day/time]?

Thank you for considering my request and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

To Identify the Hiring Manager

Dear [Alumni's Name],

Currently I am a senior [marketing major] at the University of Arkansas planning to graduate in [date of graduation] and would like to pursue a career in [career you are interested in] at [name of organization].

Based on your LinkedIn profile I noticed that you are working in [name of the department] at [name of organization]. This is the exact company and department I would like to begin my career with and was wondering if you would be so kind as to provide me with contact information of the hiring manager for this department so I may forward my resume to this individual.

Thank you for considering my request for this information and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

• Nationally Competitive Awards and Scholarships
• Student Affairs Scholarships
• University of Arkansas Academic Scholarships
• University of Arkansas Scholarships by College
• Unpaid Internship Scholarship

Applying to graduate school may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when applying for graduate schools.

1. After researching schools, focus on at least 3 schools - a safety school (exceed the requirements), a match school (fit the requirements), and a dream school (it may be difficult to get in).
2. Make a list of all the requirements and materials needed for each school, including deadlines. All schools will require at least an official transcript, application, and application fee. Other common requirements are letters of recommendation, test scores (GRE, GMAT, etc.), personal statement, and a portfolio or examples of work you've done. Download and use our Graduate Schools Comparison Worksheet to help keep track of your information and progress.
3. Practice for your entrance exam.
4. Ask professors, supervisors, and research or academic advisors to write letters of recommendation. When asking, include your resume and anything you'd like the recommender to address in their letter. Ask for recommendations several weeks before the deadline. Don't forget to write a thank-you note afterwards!
5. If you're required to submit examples of work, ask a professor to review it for you.

Utilize the following links to find, research, and explore specific graduate school programs:

• GradSchools.com
• Petersons.com
• Princeton Review
• University of Arkansas Graduate School

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is typically used for admission into business-focused graduate schools. It tests analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is the most common standardized graduate school entrance exam. It consists of 3 parts: analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.

The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized test administered 6 times per year, consisting of 1 reading comprehension section, 1 analytical reasoning section, and 2 logical reasoning sections. Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall.

Students interested in medical school will take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). It includes 4 sections: biological and biochemical foundations of living systems; chemical and physical foundations of biological systems; psychological, social, and biological functions of behavior; and critical analysis and reasoning skills.

Most pharmacy schools require that students take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and submit those scores as part of their application. The test covers writing, biological processes, chemical processes, critical reading, and quantitative reasoning.

Praxis Tests measure required academic skills and subject-specific content knowledge. They are taken by students entering the teaching profession as part of the certification process required by many states and licensing organizations.

Conduct Research on the Institution

Find information on the school or institution's website

Here you can find out quite a bit about the school: where they are located, how many students they have, what they're campus is like, when they were founded, if they're public or private, etc.

• U.S. News and World Report Rankings

  They have information including number of students, student/faculty ratios, tuition costs, and much more.

• Carnegie Foundation Rankings

  Here you can find out the ranking of the institution you're interested in and what it means.

• The Chronicle of Higher Education

  Look here for information on how much faculty are paid, type of institution, number of students, etc.

Potential Application Materials

Based on the research you conducted about the institution, tailor your application to reflect that information. Here are some of the potential application materials for your job search.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive statement emphasizing your professional qualifications, education, experience, accomplishments, activities, and special qualifications.
• Statement of teaching interests (or teaching philosophy): A narrative that includes your conception of teaching and learning, a description of how you teach, and justification for why you teach that way.
• Statement of research interests: A summary of your research accomplishments, current work, and future direction and potential of your work.
• Letters of recommendations/professional references: You should talk with each person who will be recommending you, telling them about the types of jobs you are seeking. Provide them with copies of your CV and anything else they may need.
• Other application materials include a professional development plan, sample syllabi, writing samples or copies of published papers, and sample course evaluations.

Tell us about yourself

It is ok to talk about things that are on your resume like where you went to school, and it's good to let them know how you got to where you are. Try to keep the topics mostly applicable to the position you're applying for, although something short and (somewhat) personal can be ok for them to remember you by.

Describe your research.

You should be able to describe your research in 3-5 minutes. It's great not only to talk about the research you've done, but future research you'd like to do as a post-doc or faculty member.

Why do you want to work at our institution?

Show them that you've done some research about the institution. For example, "I've really enjoyed the teaching experience I gained as a graduate student and would like to work somewhere that places a high value on teaching." Speak to the size, type, and location of the institution; the students; and about the program/department to which you're applying.

Do you have any questions for us?

Your response should always be yes or it seems like you don't care and/or haven't done your research. Ask to learn more about a specific lab on campus or about the type of teaching or research support available to faculty on campus.

Other questions to prepare for:

• Why did you choose this dissertation topic?
• What are your research goals for the next five years? Ten?
• What theoretical framework is your dissertation (or other research) based upon?
• In what way does your dissertation research contribute to the field? To this department?
• If you could create and teach any course, what would it be?
• Give specific examples of ways in which you motivate both a classroom and individual?
• How do you feel about teaching required classes?

At public institutions, where salary levels are more strictly based on government funding, it may not be possible to negotiate salaries or university-wide benefits. It may be possible to negotiate some other items including:

• Recruit Military - This site aims to connect veterans with employers and includes a section of articles that are aimed at helping veterans market themselves during their search.
• Hire Heroes USA - Non-profit with the goal of helping military personnel transition into civilian life; includes resource center and job board.
• careeronestop - Includes database that links civilian jobs to your military job and information on the job search process, all tailored to veterans.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against a qualified individual with a disability with regard to job application processes, hiring, training, employment privileges, advancement, firing, and more. This includes someone with a documented physical or mental impairment limiting at least one major life activity; it involves visible disabilities like paralysis but also invisible ones such as anxiety disorders, diabetes, or epilepsy. Self-identifying or disclosing a disability to a potential employer is a personal decision, and it is not illegal to withhold the information if that's your preference. However, if reasonable accommodations, which employers legally must provide, are necessary for you to complete the functions of the position or application process, you may need to self-disclose a disability to receive an accommodation.

• Accommodations - New professionals with disabilities should carefully think through what is needed to function optimally on the job prior to the hiring process. Most accommodations cost less than $500. Employers can receive tax incentives for accommodation costs.
• Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act - This link provides valuable info on discussing disability and accommodation with a potential employer, being qualified for a job, reasonable accommodations, etc.
• ProjectHired.org - "Mission: to assist individuals with disabilities to gain and sustain employment, in partnership with business and the community."

• University of Arkansas International Students and Scholars Office - International Students and Scholars provides immigration education and support to University of Arkansas students, scholars, and their families.
• Going Global Database - (FREE for all UARK students when logging in the first time from a computer on campus) The H1B Plus database contains all 400,000-plus DOL H1B records and allows for searches based on industry, job title, company, location, wages, and number of applications.

African-American Career Resources

Diversity Employers - Diversity Employers is a career and self development magazine targeted to recent college graduates as well as more experienced job seekers and professionals who seek information on careers, job opportunities, graduate/professional school, internships/co-ops, study abroad programs, and other employment and career advancement opportunities.

The Black Perspective - Free electronic magazine featuring job, career, and business information for African Americans; dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in employment and education.

Asian-American Career Resources

Asian American Economic Development Enterprises Inc. (AAEDE) - This is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create business and personal growth for Asian Americans and others through education, employment, and enterprise.

National Association of Asian American Professionals - All-volunteer organization whose mission is to promote the personal and professional development of the Asian American community.

Hispanic and Latino Career Resources

HACE: The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement - They sponsor regional recruiting and networking events, host an online job board and resume database, and much more. You can learn more on the website and sign up for their free e-newsletter.

Society of Hispanic HR Professionals - This group of works to simplify the connections between employers and the diverse workforce. They host monthly networking / Job Opportunities meetings along with regular career fairs and seminars, and their website includes links to local employment resources as well as career advice for job seekers of all ages.

Undocumented Student Career Resources

Life After College - This guide is meant to help undocumented students navigate the workforce after graduation. It discusses your career search from a legal, personal, and goal-oriented perspective.

My Undocumented Life - This blog/online community was created by an undocumented student to help others navigate the educational system and learn how to apply for DACA.

University of Arkansas Resources for DACA and Undocumented Students - This guide is intended to focus on the well-being and safety of DACA and undocumented students as well as provide on-campus and legal resources.

Native-American Career Resources

Native American SUNY: Western Consortium - The Western Consortium, based at the College at Fredonia, is a regional network of Native American communities and students as well as college campuses in central and western New York.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Career Resources

The Human Rights Campaign - The HRC website includes a list of the best companies for which to work.

Lambda Legal - National LGBT civil rights organization; web site includes information about the job search

Women's Career Resources

American Association of University Women - The American Association of University Women is a national organization that promotes education and equity for all women and girls. Fellowships, grants, awards, and jobs with AAUW are available.

MoneyGeek.com: Guide to Negotiating the Pay You Deserve - Crafting the right message when negotiating a salary.

The 50+ Workforce Career Resources

What's Next - The mission of WhatsNext.com is to provide information, inspiration and resources for men and women who want to change careers, find more fulfilling work, or improve their work-life balance.

Senior Service America - A nonprofit organization that helps provide training and employment opportunities to older adults who work to fill real community needs.

Life Reimagined - Tool from AARP to help people intentionally create the personal and professional life they want. Includes articles, programs, and online courses.