Build experience

Jobs and internships not only provide a paycheck but also create opportunities to explore career paths. You can find plenty of work-study and non-work-study jobs both on and off campus.

You may also consider getting a summer job, as it is a great time to explore the world of work and build skills that will transfer from one job to another. Additionally, you can start your search for internships as early as your freshman year. Meet with your career coach and visit the Student Employment website for more information about finding a job or internship.

You can also visit a job fair to meet employers and learn more about what kinds of part-time jobs are available.

Undergraduate research is a great way to combine academic interests with hands-on experiences.

Many academic departments offer research opportunities to undergraduates. Not only can you gain hands-on experience through research, you can also explore new, creative ideas and investigate real-world problems and issues. It’s a great way to start building experience for your resume.

You can read about the fascinating research happening here at News at IU or the Journal of Undergraduate Research, which publishes annually through IU Scholar Works.

Getting involved with any student organization can help you gain experience and meet with students who have similar interests and goals. Look for the Student Involvement Fair at the beginning of each semester to investigate a variety of options. Keep in mind that you can join most student organizations at any time of the year.

Talk to your career coach or visit BeINvolved to explore the various student groups on campus.

Some clubs have clear ties to a possible future careers, yet all of them can help you build transferrable skills. For many student groups, part of their mission is to help members with career development.

Volunteering with an organization you are passionate about can help personalize your time at IU. It is a great way to learn about specific fields and organizations, network with others, and develop skills. You can visit IU Corps to learn more about volunteer opportunities in the Bloomington community. Volunteering can happen any time. Find something you love to do and get started right away.

If you want to dive deeper in the classroom, Service-Learning courses allow students to help the community, apply what they are learning, and gain real-world experience.

You can also get involved with civic engagement, which focuses on educating students as global citizens. Classes or programs include meaningful civic education and activities for social good, with components of reflection and engagement. The Political and Civic Engagement (PACE) program has more information about this experience.

Study abroad experiences are a popular option with students, but did you know they are extremely valuable for developing your future career?

Students often think of study abroad as an opportunity for personal growth and developing a broader global, cultural understanding. These benefits can also help you with your career discernment and development process by immersing you in world languages, global cultures, internships, and strengthening transferable skills in an international context.

If you are considering studying abroad, be sure to meet with an Education Abroad advisor.

National professional associations are valuable sources for a variety of career information. You can learn about certification requirements, internships, educational opportunities, and more. Many associations offer discounted membership rates for students.