Job hunting after graduation? Start here!

Lynia Herrington — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:54:03 +0000

Job hunting after graduation? Start here! Lynia Herrington Mon, 04/28/2025 - 08:54

By Career Services

For many graduates, receiving a diploma marks a ceremonial transition into the ‘real world.’ If you find yourself feeling doubt and uncertainty about your next steps, Career Services is here to support you even after graduation. Take advantage of these resources available for Forever Buffs.

Find jobs on Handshake

As a Forever Buff, you can continue using Handshake after graduation. This platform is ideal for CU students and alumni seeking internships and job opportunities. By having a complete and public profile, you are five times more likely to be seen and messaged by employers from around the world. Check out these tips for completing your Handshake profile and curating searches based on your major.

Attend career events

After graduation, Forever Buffs are always welcome at CU 51��ý career and internship fairs, as well as workshops, panels and info sessions curated for alumni. Many of these events have both in-person and virtual options. Use Handshake to register and stay up to date with event details.

Keep an eye out for local networking events as well. Attend the HireColorado Multi-Univeristy Alumni Career Fair on Wednesday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tivoli Turnhalle. Connect with alumni, graduating seniors and graduate students from various universities and meet a wide range of companies looking to hire. Registration is free!

Tap into your network

Building and utilizing your professional network is an essential part of the job search. Investing in the people you meet can positively impact your career development by helping you find internships and job opportunities, gain insights into industries and meet mentors. Here are a few tools you can use to grow your network:

Forever Buffs: The Forever Buffs Network is a platform that allows students and alumni to connect. Create an account and start setting up informational interviews with other alumni to learn more about jobs or industries you’re interested in. And no matter where you go after graduation, there’s probably a CU 51��ý alumni chapter near you.
LinkedIn: If you haven’t already, create a LinkedIn profile to create a professional online presence by sharing content that represents your interests and knowledge. LinkedIn has unlimited opportunities to form connections, research companies and explore jobs.

Don’t forget to connect with your professors, local community members, friends, family, peers, supervisors and coworkers that you met during your time at CU. You can start making these relationships part of your professional network by discussing your values and interests. Let people know you are searching for a job and would be interested in potential opportunities.

Get support from Career Services

We’re here to help! Career development advisors and peer career advisors can help with exploring your career interests, writing resumes, preparing for interviews, planning for your job search and much more. Career Services allows you access to tools like the free AI Resume Editor by Quinncia for resume help and review. Check out some other resources for career help on demand.

New graduates receive free career advising for one year after graduation and then two free appointments every year for life. Additional appointments are available for $30. Learn more about getting started with Career Services as a Forever Buff.

Career Services is here to support you even after graduation. Take advantage of these resources available for Forever Buffs.

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4 ways to feel more confident when networking

Valerie Padilla — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:25:17 +0000

4 ways to feel more confident when networking Valerie Padilla Wed, 02/26/2025 - 08:25

Career Services

Networking events, like career fairs, are valuable opportunities to connect with professionals and gain exposure for your job or internship search. However, feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the idea of striking up conversations with employers is completely normal. Fortunately, a little preparation can help you feel more at ease. Use these strategies and tips to help you approach networking confidently and authentically and to make the most of every opportunity.

Do your research

Familiarizing yourself with the employers in advance can help you feel more comfortable and turn what might feel like a conversation with a stranger into a more meaningful interaction. Use your Handshake account to review the list of employers attending the fair and compile a list of who you’d like to speak with. Research their company’s products, services and recent news. You’ll also want to research the size, location, history, culture and mission to see if and why you would want to work with their company as well as how your skills could add value to their team.

Take your research a step further by using LinkedIn to look up specific attendees and learn about their roles. New employers are added daily to the list, so check the Handshake career fair page regularly to see who will attend each event.

Prepare talking points

When you talk with a professional representing a particular company, ask thoughtful, open-ended questions that demonstrate your knowledge and interest. Asking intentional questions can also help you better understand whether you want to pursue their potential career or internship opportunities. Consider asking about:

Company culture

What makes you proud to work for this company?
What is the difference in how this organization operates compared to other places you have worked?
How does the organization promote team building and a positive internal culture?

Career development

Do you think your career path is typical of others in similar positions?
What are the opportunities for advancement in this field?
What job search strategies do you recommend for a college student interested in your organization or field?

Job responsibilities

What tasks and responsibilities do you have in a typical day?
What do you spend most of your time doing at work?
What is your favorite part of your job?

Work environment

How and when do employees provide each other with feedback?
What is your work-life balance like?
How do managers motivate employees after successes and failures?

Required experience

How did your education prepare you for your job?
What classes or programs would you recommend taking to pursue this career path?
What advice do you wish you had gotten in college?

Stay in touch

Remember, employers meet with many students at fairs and networking events, so focus on making a lasting impression and building rapport. It’s important to keep the conversation going by following up. If you receive contact information, send an email thanking them for their time. Reintroduce yourself, reference specific points from your chat and express interest in the next steps.

Quick tip: At in-person career fairs, each employer will have a QR code at their table. Scanning it allows them to view your Handshake profile, download your resume and message you after the fair.

Gain experience

One of the best ways to gain confidence in networking is through experience. Career Services offers a variety of workshops and events you can attend to refine and practice your networking skills. Check out a few of these upcoming events:

First-Gen Career Networking Night | March 6
Virtual All Industires Career and Internship Fair | March 12
Careers in Your Backyard Networking Night: Spotlight on 51��ý's Outdoor, Recreation and Tourism Industries | March 13
Just In Time All Industries Career and Internship Fair | April 1
Queer in Career: Virtual Employer Panel | April 8
Navigating Careers: Arab-American Perspectives | April 10

Career Services provides numerous tools to support you wherever you are on your journey. For more networking tips, meet with a career advisor or schedule a mock interview.

Networking events, like career fairs, are valuable opportunities to connect with professionals and gain exposure for your job or internship search. Use these strategies and tips to help you approach networking confidently and authentically and to make the most of every opportunity.