Career Help

How to prepare for career fairs

Valerie Padilla — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:54:40 +0000

How to prepare for career fairs Valerie Padilla Thu, 01/22/2026 - 10:54

Career Services

Looking for a job or internship? Career Services hosts career fairs every semester so you can meet employers, explore opportunities and practice your networking skills.

Check out these simple tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

Register on Handshake

Handshake is your go‑to place to register for career fairs, see event details and check which employers will be there. CU ��ý�� students already have an account—just log in and complete your profile with your major, year, preferred name and resume. And make sure your profile is public!

For virtual fairs: Sign up for “Available Sessions,” including one‑on‑ones with recruiters or group sessions about the company.

For in‑person fairs: Employers will have a QR code at their table so you can check in. This lets recruiters view your profile, download your resume and message you later.

Review upcoming fairs to find events that match your interests.

Make it a habit to keep your Handshake profile up to date and check in regularly—search for new opportunities and upcoming events often. The more you use Handshake, the better it gets at recommending jobs and events tailored to your interests, helping you make the most of your job or internship search.

Attend prep workshops

Career Services offers free workshops to help you get ready, including:

Prepare for the Virtual Career Fair on March 9

Prepare for the Career Fair on March 24

Prepare for the Career Fair with The Center on March 30

Get organized

Every career fair is open to all students, from all majors and experience levels. Browse through the list of employers who are attending on Handshake and highlight the ones you want to meet. New companies are added often, so check back before the event.

If you’re attending in person:

Bring your Buff OneCard.

Carry a few printed resumes.

Bring a notebook and pen.

Keep your bag with you (no bag drop available).

Plan your schedule so you have time to visit your top employers—lines and conversations can take longer than expected.

If you’re attending virtually: Have your resume and something to take notes with nearby.

Practice your pitch

Be ready to introduce yourself. Keep it short:

Your name

Your year and major

What kinds of roles you’re interested in

A quick example of related coursework, involvement or experience

You can also talk about one or two of your top skills, and come prepared with a few questions for each employer. Thoughtful questions show you’ve done your homework and help you learn more about company culture and opportunities.

Dress for success

Wear something that reflects who you are but also fits the professional vibe of the roles you’re pursuing. Your outfit can help boost your confidence.

Not sure what’s expected? Check company websites, talk with professors or advisors or reach out to Career Services for guidance.

Take notes

You’ll meet and chat with a lot of people at career fairs—don’t try to rely on your memory alone. Write down important details from each conversation, including the recruiter’s name and anything that stood out. Your notes will help you write stronger follow‑ups and prepare for interviews.

Find support

For more tips to help you prepare for career fairs, review our accessibility resources and check out upcoming programs and workshops.

Buffs can also stop by the Career Services office on the fourth floor of the Center for Community (C4C) to take a free professional profile picture or to have your resume reviewed. If you have questions about the fair, ask a Career Services team member through LiveChat on the Career Services website.

For accommodations including real-time captioning or a sign language interpreter, email adacoordinator@colorado.edu or visit the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance website at least seven days before the event. During the fair, visit the student check-in or info table for assistance or email careerservicesevents@colorado.edu to request an accommodation.

Looking for a job or internship? Career Services hosts career fairs every semester so you can meet employers, explore opportunities and practice your networking skills. Check out these simple tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

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Upgrade your professional experience this semester

Emily Sampl — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:45:13 +0000

Upgrade your professional experience this semester Emily Sampl Tue, 01/20/2026 - 11:45

Career Services

It's never too early to start building your resume and explore what kind of career you actually want.

Employers like to see real-world experience like internships, projects or certifications because it shows you’ve got skills and drive. Bonus: Professional experiences help you discover what kind of job and company vibe suits you.

CU ��ý�� has tons of ways to level up. Whether you’re building your resume, exploring interests or getting a jumpstart, now’s the time to dive in.

Find an internship

According to a national survey, internships are the top experience that employers look for when hiring. Why? Because it shows you’ve applied your skills in the real world.

Internships aren’t just resume boosters—they help you:

Build real-world skills

Make professional connections

Discover what kind of work and workplace fits you best

As a Buff, you’ve got access to amazing tools to help you land internships like Handshake, internship credit options and specialized experiences. Handshake is your go-to platform for finding internships (many of which you won’t see anywhere else). Review these tips tailored to your major to make it easier.

You can also explore unique experiences like CU in D.C., Education Abroad and the Public Interest Internship Experience (PIIE) to find the right fit for your goals. And for more opportunities, check out workshops for landing an internship from Career Services.

Explore Career Academy

Career Academy ��ý�� gives you access to free career training programs from major companies like Google, Meta, IBM and more. These programs are designed to complement your classroom learning and professional experiences, helping you gain practical skills that employers value. Everything is online and self-paced, so you can fit career-building into your schedule.

Build skills through hands-on learning

Find the right role for your career goals

Earn micro-credentials to boost your resume and give you an edge in the job market

Whether you’re looking to explore new industries or strengthen your expertise, Career Academy offers flexible options to help you stand out to employers and prepare for your future.

Try a job simulation

Job simulations let you experience a “day in the life” at top companies like Red Bull, The New York Times, Bank of America and more—without needing to apply or commit.

Through Forage, you can experience real-world tasks from major brands and industries, and You can explore your options before jumping into an internship or job. It’s a low-pressure way to:

Test-drive different careers

Build skills employers care about

See what kind of work excites you

Work on campus

CU ��ý�� hires thousands of students every semester, and on-campus jobs are more than just a paycheck. They offer:

Flexible work hours that fit your class schedule

Hands-on experience you can add to your resume

A chance to grow your professional network right here on campus

No matter your major or interests, there’s a job for you. Start exploring open positions on Handshake and see how working on campus can support your goals.

Volunteer

Volunteering isn’t just good for the community—it’s great for you, too. You’ll gain new skills, meet people and make a difference.

Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE) can help you find opportunities that fit your schedule and interests, with flexible commitment levels and tons of ways to get involved.

Plus, volunteer experience can give you a major edge when applying for jobs or internships—especially with nonprofits or government agencies. Whether you're passionate about social change, sustainability, education or something else, there's a way to get involved and grow.

Set yourself up for success

Career Services helps students position themselves for success through workshops, events, training and other resources. Learn more about getting started with Career Services.

CU ��ý�� has tons of ways to level up. Whether you’re building your resume, exploring interests or getting a jumpstart, now’s the time to dive in.

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5 ways AI can optimize your job search

Kyra Raye Loch — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:23:47 +0000

5 ways AI can optimize your job search Kyra Raye Loch Tue, 01/20/2026 - 11:23

Career Services

Looking for a job or internship as a college student can feel like a big adventure—and AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini can make navigating the process easier than ever.

So many people are applying for jobs right now that recruiters get thousands of applications every day. Companies use AI to help sort through all these resumes, and the number of applications sent on LinkedIn has shot up by more than 45% in the past year—about 11,000 every minute! Because of this, about 9 out of 10 employers now use AI to quickly scan and rank resumes before a real person even looks at them, according to the World Economic Forum.

This means your application needs to stand out while still feeling authentic. AI can help you save time and spark ideas—but it’s a helper, not a replacement. Your personality and unique experiences should always shine through. Here are some practical ways to use AI in your job search.

Conduct industry research with AI

Generative AI isn’t just for writing—it can also help you learn about industries, companies and job trends.

How to use AI:

Ask AI for an overview of a company, its mission and recent news.

Use AI to identify networking opportunities or common roles in your field.

Request summaries of labor market trends or emerging skills in your industry.

Pro tips:

Always cross-reference AI-generated information with trusted sources like Handshake and O*NET. AI can make mistakes or “hallucinate” facts.

If you’re reviewing multiple sources, try NotebookLM, a CU ��ý��-approved AI tool. It can organize your research, create quick industry outlines and even turn your sources into an AI-generated podcast!

Bonus: Join regular AI Career Boost workshops this semester to learn more about how you can leverage AI tools in your career journey.

Craft a strong resume

Tailoring your resume for each job takes effort. AI tools can help you write clear, impactful bullet points that highlight your skills.

How to use AI:

Share your past responsibilities and ask AI to turn them into achievement-based bullet points.

Paste your current resume and ask for alternative wording.

Treat AI like a brainstorming buddy—give feedback and refine until it feels right.

Pro tips:

Don’t copy, paste and submit the first draft. Edit for tone and accuracy.

Check for mistakes or irrelevant details.

Avoid sharing sensitive personal info.

Bonus: Use Quinncia for resume reviews and check out more resume tips from Career Services.

Customize your cover letter

AI tools can speed up the writing process, but personalization is key.

How to use AI:

Paste the job description, your resume and a cover letter outline into an AI tool.

Ask for a cover letter draft, then tweak it to sound like you.

Run multiple versions and pick what works best.

Pro tips:

Proofread carefully—AI can make typos.

Add company-specific details to show you’ve done your research.

Bonus: Schedule a review with an advisor in Career Services for more advice.

Write professional emails

Not sure how to respond to an interview invite or connect on LinkedIn? AI tools can help you draft polished messages.

How to use AI:

Paste the email you received (minus personal info) and ask for a professional response.

Use AI to draft LinkedIn introductions or thank-you notes.

Pro tips:

Always personalize the tone—your voice matters.

Proofread before sending.

Bonus: Schedule time with a career advisor to chat through the job search process, including how to answer an email or tips to negotiate a starting salary.

Prepare for interviews

Practice makes perfect! AI tools can help you anticipate questions and rehearse answers.

How to use AI:

Ask for common interview questions based on the job description.

Come up with answers to these questions and practice out loud, or request sample answers and rewrite them in your own words.

Pro tips:

Remember, real people will interview you—make your responses authentic.

Use AI for ideas, not scripts.

Bonus: Try Quinncia’s mock interview tool or meet with an advisor.

Rember—AI tools are great, but they aren’t perfect. They can’t replace your creativity or personal touch. Use them to save time and spark ideas, but make sure your application reflects who you are.

Find support

Career Services is here to help! Check out CU ��ý��’s AI tools list and the AI Resource Guide for tips and more. Here are some more resources to learn about AI:

Career Academy: Sign up to complete free certificates from top companies like Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Salesforce and more. Each certificate teaches you the latest ways to use AI in fields like content creation, data analytics, UX/UI design and over 40 other areas.

LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning has tons of quick, easy-to-watch courses on professional skills. You can learn about all kinds of AI topics here, whether you’re just starting out or already know about using AI tools.

Looking for a job or internship as a college student can feel like a big adventure—and AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini can make navigating the process easier than ever.

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How to make your mark and discover your path

Kyra Raye Loch — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:34:40 +0000

How to make your mark and discover your path Kyra Raye Loch Thu, 01/08/2026 - 10:34

Career Services

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After your first year of college, you’re in an exciting position to shape what comes next. This is your moment to explore what truly sparks your interest, whether that’s through campus involvement, service, research or stepping up as a leader. Every hobby, club or class you dive into can be a steppingstone to discovering your purpose and connecting your passions to meaningful plans after graduation.

Whether you’re considering joining a new student organization, delving into a research project or taking on a leadership role, there are plenty of ways to start charting a course that feels right for you. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on campus and guide you as you turn your interests and experiences into a fulfilling post-graduation path.

Reflect on your experiences

Take a moment to appreciate your progress so far—you’ve already gained valuable experiences in your journey. Grab a notebook and reflect on the classes you’ve enjoyed most and the moments that energized you in your academic program. Perhaps collaborating on group projects or tackling challenges stood out as especially rewarding.

Now, think about your involvement beyond the classroom. Joining student organizations, participating in athletics, attending events or working a part-time job or internship all help shape your story. Which activities sparked your excitement? Which roles made you feel confident or inspired? Did you try something new or step into a leadership role that surprised you with what you could accomplish?

Remember, your values and strengths can also help guide your next steps. If you want support, Career Services offers appointments to help turn your interests into future adventures.

Explore different paths

Once you’ve reflected on your experiences and interests, explore your options for the new academic year:

Research possible careers using tools like “What Can I Do With This Major?” Read through the skills and tasks to get a sense of different roles and if you could see yourself in them.

Visit your professor’s office hours to ask about research opportunities.

Consider volunteering or learning about leadership this semester.

Conduct informational interviews with people who are working in the same jobs or industries that you’re considering. This can help you get a better idea of what it's like to actually work in the field.

Look for internships or part-time jobs that are relevant to a career you’re considering in order to experience it yourself.

Participate in career fairs, events and workshops to network, learn about industry trends and get more tips for making decisions about your future.

Talk it out

As you consider different paths, it can help to talk about your next steps with someone. This could be an advisor, faculty member, supervisor, family member, mentor or friend. They may be able to share a different perspective or insight that can help you figure out what you’d like to do after college.

Career advisors and coaches in Career Services can also help you explore options and share additional resources during an appointment. Learn more about getting started with Career Services.

After your first year of college, you’re in an exciting position to shape what comes next. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on campus and guide you as you turn your interests and experiences into a fulfilling post-graduation path.

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How to get leadership experience on your resume

Valerie Padilla — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:02:00 +0000

How to get leadership experience on your resume Valerie Padilla Thu, 12/18/2025 - 12:02

There are many ways to be a leader in your community and plenty of opportunities on campus to build new skills. Here are a few ways to gain leadership experience this semester.

Apply for a leadership role or program

Get hands-on experience while developing leadership skills with these opportunities.

Journey leaders: Journey leaders are students within the New Student & Family Programs that welcome new Buffs to campus. You can gain valuable leadership experience while meeting new people and getting involved.

ASAP tutor mentor: ASAP tutor mentors work in paid positions to provide 1-on-1 and small group tutoring for all first-year students, students living on campus and new transfer students.

CU GOLD: Gaining Opportunities through Leadership Development (CU GOLD) offers students ways to develop leadership skills through several leadership program paths and opportunities.

Most student organizations, fraternities and sororities also have leadership roles for students to fill. These roles offer a chance to develop various skills and experiences you can use well after your time at CU ��ý��. Browse BuffConnect to explore student organizations by topic or alphabetical list.

Work on campus

On-campus jobs are a convenient way to gain experience, earn money and build leadership skills. There are many student job roles with some positions offering opportunities to take on more responsibility over time. Search for on-campus jobs on Handshake.

Participate on a student board or committee

Use your voice and help make decisions that affect our campus community. Here are some opportunities to consider.

Center for Student Involvement (CSI) Board: Develop programs and educational opportunities to enrich the campus experience for CU ��ý�� students and student organizations.

Cultural Events Board: Broaden cultural knowledge by supporting the voices of underrepresented and misrepresented groups on campus to promote student engagement with their platforms.

CU Student Government (CUSG): Serve your peers, make a difference and leave your mark at CU ��ý�� by participating in student government.

CUSG Recreation Board: Promote the improvement of the Recreation Center and the university community through planning and positive action.

Distinguished Speakers Board: Bring well-known speakers to campus and develop your skills in planning and implementing large-scale events.

Environmental Center Board: Advocate for campus environmental policy, determine funding for innovative sustainability projects, get practical experience and more. You can also join a CUSG Environmental board subcommittee to help shape CU ��ý��’s sustainability efforts! This semester’s groups focus on circular economy, sustainable transportation, food security, sustainable development, green chemistry and compost advisory.

National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH): Provide recognition for students and staff in the residence halls who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and who have made outstanding service contributions to their communities, CU and beyond.

Residence Hall Association (RHA): Foster and facilitate community among on-campus residents and promote a safe and comfortable living environment.

Senior Class Council: Keep seniors informed and involved while building pride, tradition and community among the graduating class.

UMC Board: Create policy, develop creative solutions to challenging issues and grow your leadership skills.

Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement Joint Board: Through policy making, leadership and outreach, being part of the SLICE Board can help you advocate for and provide services to meet campus and community needs.

Look out for your fellow Buffs

Being a leader on campus can be more than joining a program or holding a position in your student organization. Our Colorado Creed reminds us that we build character based on our decisions and actions toward others. If you see something concerning, don’t hesitate to call for help. Know how to be an effective bystander and look out for other community members.

Gaining leadership skills and experience to add to your resume can help when looking for a job or internship. Learn more about how to build professional skills and experience with Career Services.

Learn more about getting involved this fall:

Download the CU ��ý�� Life app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Follow @CU��ý��Life on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Check out upcoming student events.

There are many ways to be a leader in your community and plenty of opportunities on campus to build new skills. Here are a few ways to gain leadership experience this semester.

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3 reasons to work on campus

Emily Sampl — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:39:25 +0000

3 reasons to work on campus Emily Sampl Tue, 11/25/2025 - 10:39

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Students who work on campus get to enjoy many benefits. Some jobs allow you to build technical skills and are a great way to explore potential careers. Others may offer some downtime and let you study around your job duties.

Whatever you’re looking for, here are a few reasons to consider applying for an on-campus job.

1. Enjoy a flexible schedule

One of the best perks of an on-campus job is flexibility. Most student jobs offer flexible scheduling around your classes and other commitments. Many supervisors will also adjust schedules during busy times, like finals.

Many students work between 10 and 15 hours weekly, with 25 hours per week maximum. At your on-campus job, your academics stay the priority.

2. Get to know fellow Buffs

The other students you work with can quickly become your new friends. Departments like the Rec Center, Environmental Center, Residence Life and Campus Dining & Hospitality are some of the largest employers of students. These jobs allow you to spend time with fellow Buffs and get to know them.

Student employment also allows you to work more closely with faculty and staff. They can become mentors and potentially lead to future internships or research opportunities. Additionally, faculty or staff supervisors can provide letters of recommendation or serve as professional references later.

3. Gain professional experience and skills

Whatever department you work in, your student job can help you build your resume.

Many students develop foundational skills at on-campus jobs that they can use in professional positions after college. These skills include communication, problem-solving, time management and leadership.

There are also student jobs specific to different industries that can teach you technical skills. These roles include work in graphic design, event planning, social media, data analytics and research.

Find student jobs

Use Handshake to search for on-campus student employment, including hourly and work-study positions.
Stop by the On-Campus Student Job & Professional Experience Fair on Thursday, Jan. 15 to meet with campus departments looking to hire students.
Connect with Career Services to find support with every aspect of your job search, including using Handshake, writing resumes, practicing for interviews and more.

Looking for a job? Here are a few reasons to consider student employment.

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What you can do now to prepare for life after graduation

Kyra Raye Loch — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:03:34 +0000

What you can do now to prepare for life after graduation Kyra Raye Loch Wed, 10/29/2025 - 12:03

Career Services

Whether you're in your second year or gearing up for graduation, it's totally normal to feel unsure about your future. You might have a clear career path in mind or no clue what comes next—and that’s okay!

No matter where you are in your college journey, there are steps you can take now to build confidence, gain experience and get ready for life after CU ��ý��.

If you’re in your second year: Explore interests and build skills

Your second year is a great time to start narrowing down your interests and gaining hands-on experience. Here’s how to get started:

Get a part-time job on campus to build your resume and explore different fields like marketing, research, customer service or athletic training.

Volunteer for causes you care about. Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE) has tons of opportunities to help you get involved and grow your skills.

Create or update your resume and use our free AI resume editor Quinncia to get feedback.

Attend workshops on resumes, internships and job search strategies.

Set up informational interviews with professionals in fields you're curious about.

Go to career fairs and networking events to meet employers and learn about internships.

Activate your Handshake account to explore job and internship listings.

Thinking about graduate or professional school? Meet with a career advisor to learn about timelines and prep steps.

If you’re in your third year: Gain experience and get organized

Internships are a key part of career development, and many students land one during their third or fourth year. Here’s how to make the most of this time:

Complete your Handshake profile to connect with employers and find internships.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your latest experiences.

Practice your elevator pitch to confidently introduce yourself to recruiters.

Prepare for interviews by practicing answers to common questions.

Attend career fairs and employer events to expand your network.

If you’re planning on graduate school, start researching programs, admissions requirements and standardized tests. Ask faculty for letters of recommendation and meet with a career advisor to work on your personal statement.

If you’re in your fourth or final year: Launch your career

Your final year is all about taking action. Job searches can take several months, so starting early is key. Here’s what to focus on:

Research companies and roles that align with your goals.

Polish your resume and Handshake profile to stand out to employers.

Practice and prepare for interviews.

If you’re applying to graduate or professional school, take any required tests and have your application materials reviewed by a career advisor and faculty member.

Find support

No matter what year you're in, Career Services is here to support you. From choosing a major to landing your first job or applying to grad school, we’ve got resources and advisors ready to help.

No matter where you are in your college journey, there are steps you can take now to explore career options, gain experience and prepare for the future.

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Your major, your journey: Explore what’s possible

Kyra Raye Loch — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:54:38 +0000

Your major, your journey: Explore what’s possible Kyra Raye Loch Tue, 09/02/2025 - 11:54

Career Services

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Deciding on a major is a big step, and it’s totally normal to feel unsure or change your mind along the way. College is all about discovering what excites you and what fits your strengths, interests and goals. That might mean changing your major, adding a minor or customizing your academic journey after your first semester.

The good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone. Career Services and other campus departments offer free tools, tips and support to help you explore your options and find a path that feels right for you.

Get to know yourself better

First, exploring majors starts with understanding you. Think about the classes you’ve enjoyed, either at CU ��ý�� or in high school, and the ones that didn’t quite click.

Ask yourself:

What subjects do I genuinely enjoy?

What academic skills come naturally to me?

What causes or ideas get me fired up?

What topics do I love talking about with friends?

What feels boring or just too tough?

Reflecting on these questions can help you narrow down your options and focus on majors that match your interests and strengths. You can also try using the Career Values Card Sort, a free tool to help you discover what matters most to you in a career.

Explore different career paths

Your major won’t lock you into one career. Some majors lead directly to specific jobs, while others build versatile skills that open doors across many industries.

If you’re wondering how your interests and strengths connect to possible careers, you’re in luck—there are great tools to help you explore:

Check out What Can I Do with This Major? to see if there are any careers that interest you associated with majors you might be thinking about. The website will guide you through 96 of the most common majors and typical career areas for each.

Try the Majors Card Sort, a free online tool that can help you identify the top CU ��ý�� majors that align with your goals.

Browse the Programs from a Different Lens webpage to explore degrees that have the same key features as the majors that interest you. Find information on course topics, learning outcomes and how classes are taught.

Use the I want to ... website from the Program in Exploratory Studies to learn more about degree paths that will help you achieve your specified career goals.

Schedule informational interviews with professionals in your fields of interest. You can ask about their academic journey to learn how it influenced them professionally.

Research and dive in

Once you’ve narrowed down a few areas of interest, take the next step to dig deeper. Research majors to see how they align with your goals, strengths and curiosity.

Use these free tools to help you decide if a major is the right fit:

Degree audits: Find out the required courses and credit hours needed to graduate. Department websites and the university catalog can provide additional information.

Academic advisors: If you’re not in a rush to declare or change your degree, take a class or two in a major you’re interested in and consult with an advisor from that area of study for course recommendations. You can also ask questions about the major to determine if it matches your interests and goals. Use advising drop-in hours or make an appointment.

Ralphie’s Advising Help Lab: While this doesn’t replace appointments, Ralphie’s Advising Help Lab is a supplemental resource that allows you to access general advising or enrollment help quickly. Get assistance with dropping courses, switching majors and other advising questions.

Keep a positive mindset

Choosing a major is a journey, not a race. Whether you’re ready to decide or still exploring, you’re right where you need to be. Stay curious, try out the tips and tools available and enjoy the process of discovering what fits you best.

Need support? Career Services is here to help. Meet with a career advisor to talk through your reflections and plan your next steps, and learn more about finding a major.

Deciding on a major is a big step, and it’s totally normal to feel unsure or change your mind along the way. The good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone. Career Services and other campus departments offer free tools, tips and support to help you explore your options and find a path that feels right for you.

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Connect with purpose: Mentorship 101

Kyra Raye Loch — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:24:12 +0000

Connect with purpose: Mentorship 101 Kyra Raye Loch Fri, 08/08/2025 - 10:24

By Career Services

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Having a mentor can be a game-changer during your time in college. A good mentor can support you as you work toward your goals, answer your questions and give you encouragement if things get challenging. Whether you want to improve academically, plan for your future or just need advice, having a mentor can really help.

If you’re interested in mentorship this semester, here are some simple steps to help you find the right mentor for your college journey.

Start with why

Before you look for a mentor, take a moment to think about what you hope to gain from the experience. Mentors can assist in all kinds of ways, so it helps to know what you’re looking for. Set a few goals—do you want advice about your major, support making connections or help planning for the future? Knowing what you want will make it easier to find a mentor who’s the right fit for you.

Consider people you already know

Mentors don’t always come from formal programs—often, they can be people you already know. Mentors might be family members, supervisors at a part-time job, coaches, professors, teaching assistants or anyone you admire in your community.

Think about who inspires you or is on a path you’d like to follow. Make a short list of people who fit the qualities you’re looking for in a mentor, and jot down why each person stands out to you. This will help you focus your search and approach someone who’s a good match for your goals.

Check out mentorship programs

Students also have the option to join a structured mentorship program, which can make connecting with someone even easier. Consider checking out opportunities like the Bloom peer mentorship program in the Center for Student Involvement or the Forever Buffs Network Mentorship Program, which is designed to match you with someone who can support your goals. You can also see if mentorship programs are offered by your college or school.

Make the pitch

Sometimes, mentorships develop naturally—you might find yourself meeting regularly with someone, learning from their experiences and seeking their advice without ever formally calling them your mentor.

Other times, you may need to ask someone directly to be your mentor. If so, think about why you’d like them to guide you and what you hope to gain. When you reach out, explain clearly why you believe they're a good fit and what kind of support you’re looking for. Whenever possible, have this conversation in person, and be thoughtful and intentional with your request.

Potential mentors are all around you, and with a little initiative, you can find the right person to support your journey. When you discover a good match, you’ll notice the difference—having a mentor can positively influence your college experience and help you grow both personally and professionally.

For those considering career paths and planning for life after graduation, Career Services offers invaluable support tailored to help you discover opportunities and achieve your ambitions.

Having a mentor can be a game-changer during your time in college. If you’re interested in mentorship this semester, here are some simple steps to help you find the right mentor for your journey.

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It’s not too late! Here’s how to find a summer internship

Emily Sampl — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:45:29 +0000

It’s not too late! Here’s how to find a summer internship Emily Sampl Tue, 04/01/2025 - 07:45

Career Services

The end of the semester is approaching, but there is still time to find a summer internship. Career Services offers resources to help students prepare for their internship search. Check out these tips to help you get motivated and make your search more effective.

Streamline your search

Setting up saved searches on employment platforms can be a huge help in finding opportunities. For example, if you set up a saved search in Handshake, you’ll be the first to know about new postings and receive emails when employers post positions that meet your search criteria. This will save you the work of checking Handshake daily or re-entering your search parameters each time. Here’s how you can set up saved searches:

Select your desired industry filters on your search then look on the left side of the screen for a box titled “Don’t miss out!”
Click the “Save your search” link and then click to edit notifications to name your search and adjust how often you receive an email about incoming positions.
You can set up multiple searches if you have different interests or want to see different results for multiple regions in the country.

Basic Handshake accounts are already set up for all current CU students, regardless of your major or year. Review these tips to complete your profile.

Stay one step ahead

To ensure you can apply quickly for job postings that interest you, create a template for your resume and cover letter that highlights your experience, skills and accomplishments. This allows you to easily tailor your documents for each application instead of starting from scratch every time. Check out these resume writing tips and use the AI resume editor by Quinncia to get instant feedback to improve your resume.

Make interview preparation a key part of your job search process. Begin by reviewing commonly asked questions and writing out your answers. Then, practice answering questions out loud with a friend, family member or career development advisor who can provide helpful feedback. You can also use the AI mock interview tool by Quinncia to refine your skills. Knowing how to confidently talk about yourself and your experiences can set you apart from other candidates. Here are some additional interview tips to help you prepare.

In addition to Handshake, take advantage of other professional networks like LinkedIn. Your online presence should tell your professional story, so be sure to optimize your LinkedIn profile with these tips. With 87% of recruiters using LinkedIn to source candidates, you’ll want to ensure your profile is complete and accurate.

Expand your network

Even if it feels like you don’t have a professional network yet, you’ve likely established connections with professors, mentors, classmates and coworkers during your time at CU. Whether you want to work at a specific company or in a particular field, here are a few ways to further expand your network:

Join the Forever Buffs Network to start connecting with CU ��ý�� alumni. They can give resume feedback, help with interview preparation and serve as mentors.
Use LinkedIn to expand your network, learn about different industries and join conversations related to your career interests.
Set up an informational interview to get advice and information from a professional in a field you are interested in and find out what it takes to work in certain industries or the proper steps to get into a career.
Get help from your family, friends, professors and supervisors. They may be available for proofreading or to connect you to a hiring manager with a great opportunity.

Take advantage of Buffs Career Month

Career Services has a variety events, workshops and fairs to help you prepare for your future as well as tools to support your job search. This April, during Buffs Career Month, Career Services is hosting multiple workshops focused on acing interviews, networking with employers and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in your job search. Although summer is quickly approaching, there’s still time to kick-start your search and land valuable opportunities. Don’t miss out on these upcoming events:

Graduating? What’s Next? – Monday, April 7 | 4-5 p.m.
Startups2Students – Tuesday, April 8 | 5-7 p.m.
Queer in Career: Virtual Employer Panel – Tuesday, April 8 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter – Wednesday, April 9 | 3-4 p.m.
AI Career Boost: Leveraging AI for Job Search and Development – Thursday, April 10 | 11-11:45 a.m.
Navigating Careers: South and Southwest Asia and North Africa (SSWANA) Perspectives – Thursday, April 10 | 5:30-7 p.m.
First-Gen Workshop: Leveraging AI for Job Search & Development – Tuesday, April 15 | 4-5:30 p.m.
Ace Your Interview Workshop – Wednesday, April 16 | 4-5 p.m.
Find Your Internship! – Thursday, April 17 | 1-2 p.m.

Career Services offers resources to help students prepare for their internship search. Check out these tips to help you get motivated and make your search more effective.

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