As we get towards the middle of the semester, you may be asking yourself when you should start looking for internships for the summer. While it is true that different fields have different timelines, it never hurts to start looking now. There are many positions open on Handshake, Indeed, and even LinkedIn. Starting to look at those job boards now may help you create a schedule for upcoming due dates and help you get a sense of how to space out each application process.
Job Boards to Check Out
Handshake: Handshake, also known as HireBing, is a job platform we recommend all of our students use because it is easy to navigate and gets updated frequently. This resource is the best place for those new to the search process to start. Many employers in different areas looking for Binghamton students put their positions there. You can login using your BU login, create a profile, and use the filters to customize your search.
Indeed: This job board is a little more complex and is usually recommended to students who are clearer on what types of positions and which locations they are looking to apply to. You have to create an account in order to start your search and then type in keywords and locations that can help you begin the process of looking. Then there are filters that will allow you to find the best positions for you.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is known for its help in networking with people in your field, but also has a job board side that is very similar to Indeed. You can sign in using your BU login and then create a profile to start. At the top there should be a tab titled “Jobs” that you can click on to start your search. Then you can type in some key words and locations to get some results that you can then narrow using filters.
Engineering.com: This job board is for all things engineering! If you are searching for an engineering-related job or internship, be sure to look at this site. The platform also allows users to filter results based on the kind of engineering they are looking to get into, whether it be mechanical, civil, nuclear, marine, or anything else. Filter by type of engineering, location, and more!
Some Tips on How to Start Your Search
- Check out the job boards above
- Come into the Fleishman Center in UU-133 to get some intel on how to revise your resume, cover letter, and how to consider what positions may be right for you
- Think about your past experiences and how they may influence your future preferences
- Start your LinkedIn/Handshake profiles
- Take a look at our Career Guide and downloadable templates on our website: Resources – Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development | Binghamton University, State University of New York
Documents You May Need:
- Resume: A resume is a document in which you tell employers about your relevant experiences, education, hard skills, and contact information. You detail those experiences through bullet-points and organize them in a way that is easy to skim and highlights your most important professional qualities.
- Cover Letter: A cover letter is a document in which you express your interest in a position, highlight two experiences that relate to the position, emphasize why you would be an ideal candidate, and allow your professional personality to shine through.
- Reference Sheet: Not all jobs ask for this, but when they do it’s important to be ready. This document is one that includes contact information, names, and titles of teachers, colleagues, supervisors, etc. that can attest to your work ethic and progress learning and that they can reach out to talk about it with. Furthermore, if you are asked for recommendation letters, give those people you are asking at least a month to create them.
- Transcript: Some employers ask for transcripts in order to complete the application process. These documents tell them how you are doing/have done academically and what your overall GPA is. Beware: there is a difference in attaining your official/unofficial transcript.
It’s never too early to start your search. We look forward to seeing you in the office or in appointments. Good luck in this process and never forget all experiences count!
