Find Jobs or Internships
Source: https://careernetwork.msu.edu/channels/find-jobs-or-internships/ Parent: https://careernetwork.msu.edu/channels/international-student/
Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, internship or a full-time job after college, the process of looking for a position and employer that’s right for you involves developing a search strategy. This plan or series of steps is designed to help you obtain your goal: getting an offer for a position that fits your interests, skills, values, and personality.
Determine Your Search Criteria and Timeline
What are your search criteria? Be honest with yourself and the people you talk with about your search. Common search criteria include:
- Geographic location
- Application of skills
- Connection to interests/passion
- Fit with work values
- Compatibility with personality
Set a timeline: Understand that an internship or job search takes time, often several months. Establish a plan for when your search process will begin and remain committed to the process, much like you would a class.
Leverage MSU Career Resources
Our network provides several opportunities for students to connect with employers on-campus and virtually.
- Handshake – More than 60,000 job postings are posted on Handshake for MSU students each year. Use a search agent to receive alerts for new employment opportunities that match your specific interests. Follow employers of interest to be updated on their events and job postings.
- On-Campus Jobs – MSU averages more than 17,000 students on its payroll each school year. Locate opportunities.
- On-Campus Interviews- Handshake allows you to search upcoming on-campus interviews for full-time and internship positions. Submit your resume to employers and track your candidate status – interview selection decisions and open interview times and dates. Make sure to also review our Late Cancellation and No Show policy.
- Virtual Interviews – Private interview rooms may be reserved for students who are seeking a quiet and professional space to conduct virtual interviews. Please complete our Interview Room Reservation Request Form.
- Career Fairs – 25+ in-person or virtual career fairs every academic year. Attend to network with employers hiring Spartan talent.
- Coffee Chats – Arranged by career services, connect with employers for brief (15-30 minute) career conversations to learn about opportunities within their organization and how to stand out as a candidate.
Field Specific Research: Focus & Identify Opportunities
Research can make all the difference in your search. It’s your job to do the research needed to understand your top employers’ needs and place yourself in situations where you can demonstrate your abilities. To find organizations and positions of interest you can utilize:
- Job Listing and Professional Resource Sites – Review industry specific search engines under Interest Areas – Career Resources.
- Networking – The Department of Labor estimates that up to 80% of positions are filled without employer advertising. Learn more under Network and Connect.
- Professional Organizations– Join organizations related to your interest areas and get recommendations from faculty or alumni on best fit groups. You may review options by major, using the What Can I Do with this Major Guide.
- Social Media – Follow organizations of interest for up-to-date information on their activity. Popular outlets include LinkedIn, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Geographic Research: The Right Place, The Right Job
If you’ve got some particular geographic areas in mind, there are resources that can help you uncover employers by location.
- MSU Libraries – Has databases, subscriptions and other resources offering a wealth of information on specific employers.
- Find and make use of local resources – Newspapers, networking groups, Chamber of Commerce and regional alumni clubs
Develop Your Search Strategy
As you develop your search strategy, you should:
- Create a list of 5-10 top organizations where you’d like to work. Actively work to meet people in these organizations to learn more about getting your foot in the door. (LinkedIn and MSU Connect are great resources to connect with alumni)
- Create a second list of organizations of general interest. Do some basic research to refine the level of your interest and find possible networking or career opportunities.
- Keep a log of research and activities.
- Meet with a career advisor to further refine your internship or job search strategy, ensuring alignment with your goals and interests.
Policies & General Resources
- On-Campus Interviewing: Late Cancellation and No Show Policy
- Reneging Policy
- Interview Room Reservation Request Form – For Students
- Avoid job scams
- Handshake FAQ’s
Sidebar
Featured Articles
#### Annual Collegiate Recruiting Survey: Hiring, Wages Expected to Climb
#### 14 Great Jobs for College Students That Give You “Real World” Skills
#### Spartan Showcase: Passion for Learning Sparked a Career in Student Support
Slide 1Slide 2
Videos
### Job Fraud Warning Signs Video post
### How to turn your internship into a job offer Video post
Slide 1Slide 2
26%
Bachelor's degree graduates continue education.
77%
Undergraduate students complete an internship.
93%
Bachelor's degree graduates work or continue education.
*Data Source: Post-graduation outcomes and experiences of bachelor’s degree recipients (2021-2025).
CAREER RESOURCES
Filter:
Filters
See More Filters
Resource Categories:After the Offer Career Fairs Career Paths Cover Letters Dress for Success Grad School Interests Internships Job Search Majors Networking Other Experiences Part-Time Jobs Prepare for Interviews Professional Organizations Resumes Scholarships
Close Clear Filters
Handshake
- Share This: Share Handshake on FacebookShare Handshake on LinkedInShare Handshake on X
- Copy Link
Handshake is MSU’s career management platform. Your one-stop-shop for all things career related, it includes:
On-campus job and internship postings …
Career Education Videos: Powered by Candid Career
- Share This: Share Career Education Videos: Powered by Candid Career on FacebookShare Career Education Videos: Powered by Candid Career on LinkedInShare Career Education Videos: Powered by Candid Career on X
- Copy Link
Career Education Videos, powered by Candid Career provides you with a fun and effective way to explore careers and learn …
Internship Opportunity Award
- Share This: Share Internship Opportunity Award on FacebookShare Internship Opportunity Award on LinkedInShare Internship Opportunity Award on X
- Copy Link
Through the generosity of the MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) and other individual donors, the MSU Career Services Network can …
Union Jobs
- Share This: Share Union Jobs on FacebookShare Union Jobs on LinkedInShare Union Jobs on X
- Copy Link
Internships, part-time opportunities, and full-time roles in organized labor.
Michigan Labor Market Information
- Share This: Share Michigan Labor Market Information on FacebookShare Michigan Labor Market Information on LinkedInShare Michigan Labor Market Information on X
- Copy Link
Obtain current labor market news, learn about in-demand occupations.
Go Government Federal Internship Finder
- Share This: Share Go Government Federal Internship Finder on FacebookShare Go Government Federal Internship Finder on LinkedInShare Go Government Federal Internship Finder on X
- Copy Link
The Partnership for Public Service’s Federal Internship Finder was created to simplify candidates’ searches for federal opportunities, compiling publicly accessible …