The Fleishman Center can help you develop a successful job or internship search strategy. Our Career Consultants are available to review resumes and cover letters, conduct mock interviews, and provide advice on a variety of career-related topics.
Things to Consider when Searching for a Job or Internship
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Industry Research
Before deciding on which types of jobs to apply for, you need to conduct a considerable about of research. While there are many ways to conduct this research, you can use BLS.gov to explore many types of jobs and careers, then look up jobs on a job search site like Indeed.com, Idealist.org, etc., then use LinkedIn.com/Alumni to explore what Binghamton University alumni are doing in certain jobs and reach out to ask them questions about their experiences. -
Job Function vs. Industry
While it is important to determine the type of job you want, it is equally as necessary to consider the industries in which you would like to do it. It is important to remember that many job functions/careers can fit into a variety of industries. For example, within the healthcare industry, professionals of all backgrounds are contributing to the success of the institutions, including accountants, analysts, doctors, nurses, therapists, HR, IT, marketing/communications, lawyers, management, researchers, social workers, technicians, chefs, dieticians, etc.To help you determine which industries you would like to work in, think about your interest areas outside your job function.
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Geographic Location
While job searching, it’s important to think about where you want to be geographically. This can help narrow your search and create a more targeted approach, which can help lessen your stress. Consider and research things like:
- • Urban vs Rural
- • Climate
- • Culture and History
- • Cost of Living
- • Concentration of Opportunities
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Salary
When you’re thinking about salary, it’s important to consider several factors:
What do you need? Think about cost of living in your chosen regions, any bills you have (including student loans), and housing expectations (including neighborhood, utility costs and amenities.
Industry/position research: Explore sites like BLS.gov, Salary.com and Glassdoor.com to research starting salaries in specific geographic locations, then choose your acceptable range based on your previous experience and the industry (e.g. an accountant for a large multinational company may start much higher than someone with the same title at a small non-profit in the same region). Remember that job titles may differ significant between industries and organizations.
Benefit packages: Review the benefits package to determine what is included and the value. These may include items such as: health care, life insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, etc.
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Environment and Company Culture
Think about what’s important to you in a company culture, and what types of work environments you like best. Considerations may include:
- • Inside/Outside
- • Stationary/Moving
- • Autonomous/Group
- • Recreation Options
- • Size of organization
- • Mission, vision and values
- • Management structure/style
- • Dress code
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Organizing Your Search
When searching for jobs and internships, make a spreadsheet with organizations, position titles, position descriptions and application deadlines to stay on track (and so you don’t forget what you applied to!). Set aside time in your schedule to engage in your job search to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the process. Research your industry to determine when to start searching and applying for jobs (i.e accounting firms often hire in the fall). -
Evaluating, Negotiating and Accepting an Offer
When evaluating an offer, it’s best to speak with a Career Consultant or trusted mentor to discuss: Salary, benefits, sign-on bonus, moving costs, etc. -
Job / Internship Search Resources
- • hireBING, Indeed.com, Idealist.org, etc.
- • Local Job Boards
- • Industry-specific Job Boards
- • Professional Organization/Association Job Boards (Google organizations related to your industry of interest)
- • Networking
- • Conduct an advanced search to find additional resources
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Earn Academic Credit for your Internship
The Fleishman Center offers the Career Development Centralized Internship (CDCI) program as a way for you to earn general, upper-level credit for your hands-on internship experience. Learn more -
Information for International Students
The Fleishman Center has compiled a variety of information and resources to help international students navigate the United States job search process. Learn more about the United States employment process, common cultural barriers faced by international students, immigration and legal processes, and more here. -
Beware of Employment Scams Targeting College Students
The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently released a public service announcement regarding an employment scam targeting college students:College students across the United States continue to be targeted in a common employment scam. Scammers advertise phony job opportunities on college employment websites, and/or students receive e-mails on their school accounts recruiting them for fictitious positions. This “employment” results in a financial loss for participating students.
Learn more about how to protect yourself from employment scams here.