Search for Jobs & Internships

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.

Handshake is the number one job search platform for college students and young alumni. Handshake is now used at over 1,500+ schools nationwide and connects 1 million employers to over 18 million+ students and alumni. Joining Handshake allows you to connect with over 1 million 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 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.

As of July 1, 2025, all UA graduates receive complementary continued access to Handshake after graduation!

1. How do I start using Handshake?

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

   UA Alumni: Login to Handshake 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 UA alumni 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.

Click on a link below and log into Handshake with your UARK SSO. Once logged in, click a link again to view the GoinGlobal page.

Welcome to the University of Arkansas Offices of Career Connection guide on securing a federal job. Working for the federal government offers a range of benefits including job stability, competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. This guide will walk you through the steps to find and apply for federal jobs effectively.

1. Understand the Benefits and Challenges of Federal Employment

Benefits:

• Job Stability: Federal jobs offer high job security.
• Competitive Salaries: Pay is often comparable to the private sector.
• Generous Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and more.
• Work-Life Balance: Many positions offer flexible schedules and telework options.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities for ongoing training and promotions.

Challenges:

• Bureaucracy: Complex and hierarchical organizational structure.
• Lengthy Hiring Process: The application process can be long and competitive.
• Geographical Restrictions: Some roles may require relocation.
• Political Influence: Changes in government can affect job stability.

2. Explore Pathways to Federal Employment

Internships and Fellowships:

• Pathways Program: Includes internships, the Recent Graduates Program, and the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program.
• Application Tips: Network, apply early, and tailor applications to specific programs.

Entry-Level Positions:

• Targeted at recent graduates and college students.

Mid-Career Opportunities:

• Designed for professionals with experience.

Special Hiring Authorities:

• Veterans: Preference and special hiring authorities available.
• Individuals with Disabilities: Schedule A Hiring Authority.

3. Navigating USAJOBS

USAJOBS is the federal government’s official employment site. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Creating an Account:

1. Visit usajobs.gov.
2. Click on "Create an account" and follow the instructions.

Searching for Jobs:

• Use Filters: Narrow down by location, pay scale, job series, and more.
• Keywords: Use specific keywords related to your field.
• Saved Searches: Set up alerts for new job postings.

Understanding Job Announcements:

• Job Series and Grades: Learn about the federal classification system.
• Qualification Requirements: Check education, experience, and other criteria.
• Application Instructions: Follow all instructions and provide required documents.

4. The Federal Hiring Process

Application Submission:

• Complete the application on usajobs.gov, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately.

Assessment:

• May include written assessments, interviews, and other evaluations.

Selection and Offer:

• If selected, you’ll receive a job offer and can negotiate terms.

5. Preparing a Federal Resume

Federal resumes are more detailed than private sector resumes. Here's what to include:

Key Sections:

• Personal Information: Full name, contact details, etc.
• Summary: Brief overview of your qualifications.
• Work Experience: Detailed descriptions of previous jobs.
• Education: Schools attended, degrees earned.
• Other Qualifications: Certifications, training, skills, etc.

Tips:

• Use the Resume Builder on usajobs.gov.
• Include specific examples and quantify achievements.

6. Tips and Strategies for Success

Tailor Your Resume:

• Customize your resume for each job announcement.

Highlight Relevant Experience:

• Emphasize experience that matches the job requirements.

Follow Instructions:

• Carefully read and follow all application instructions.

Interview Preparation:

• Research the Agency: Understand its mission and culture.
• Practice Common Questions: Be prepared for behavioral and scenario-based questions.
• Dress Appropriately: Professional attire is essential for both virtual and in-person interviews.

Networking and Professional Development:

• Network: Attend career fairs, connect with current federal employees, and use LinkedIn.
• Join Professional Organizations: Engage with groups related to your field.

Additional Resources

• USAJOBS: usajobs.gov
• Pathways Program: opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/
• Federal Resume Guide: help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include

Embarking on a federal career can be a rewarding journey. Use these resources and tips to navigate the process and increase your chances of landing a federal job. Good luck!

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 AI Prompt Tips. Use the following example prompts in the “Send a message” field to gain career insights:

Example 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] 

AI-generated content is intended to be informative and helpful; however, it should not be considered as professional advice or a substitute for consulting with qualified experts in career services. We encourage users to independently verify and cross-reference the information provided by the AI model with other reliable sources before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the content. The AI-generated content should be used as a draft for written documents and a starting point for career research and exploration, but it is essential to exercise critical thinking and judgment when editing, interpreting and applying the information for your own career or job search needs.

Receive in-person assistance in our walk-up Career Studio after taking the first steps with AI.

UA Offices of Career Connections Unpaid Internship Scholarship

The Offices of Career Connections recognizes that while internship experience supports career exploration and improves job prospects after graduation, taking unpaid or under-paid internships may not be possible for students with limited finances for living and travel expenses. The Unpaid Internship Scholarship offers scholarship awards to undergraduate students who have excelled in landing internships, but who need financial assistance to offset the expenses associated with participating in the internship.

Award: Each spring, two students are awarded up to $2500

Submission Requirements: budget sheet, current resume, & internship offer letter

Deadline: Second Friday of April

To Apply: Visit https://career.uark.edu/scholarship.php