Making the Most of Your Job Search During Intersession

With intersession right around the corner, you may be wondering if it is too early to start your job search for summer co-ops or full-time jobs after graduation. It is never too early to get started on your job search – and here are six ideas to help get you started. 

1. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: They should reflect your most recent courses, GPA, labs, projects, co-op experiences, club participation and leadership, and other experiences that you accumulated during the Fall semester. View our resume guides for help constructing your resume and resume samples. Also, update your Job Zone profile to be sure all of your information is accurate and up to date. Also view our Guide to using LinkedIn and Checklist for a great student profile

2. Practice telling your story: Now is a great time to prepare for tough interview questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your weaknesses,” and “Tell me about a time when…” Review possible interview questions here and review strategies for successful interviewing. Try getting feedback on your answers from friends and family. Many students find that building a career portfolio– a collection of work samples, class projects, transcripts, letters of recommendations, and more - will provide useful visual cues during an interview.

3. Ask for at least 3 referrals from friends and family: Holiday gatherings are a great time to talk with family and friends about your current co-op or full-time job search. You never know how they might be able to help. Ask your friends and family members if they have any connections to pursue informational interviews or networking opportunities. You can also outreach to our Career Coaches section of Job Zone to search for a mentor. 

4. Review Job Zone and other co-op/job search resources and develop a targeted list of 20 opportunities or employers

• Co-op and full-time job opportunities are posted daily on Job Zone. Set up a search agent to send you alerts when new jobs are posted. 

• Perhaps there is a company near your home that would be a perfect site for a co-op or full-time job. View their career webpages to find out more information about possible opportunities. You can also contact your Career Services Coordinator for help making your initial outreach. 

     • Explore RIT’s Career Resources for more opportunities, such as Vault Career Guides, Glassdoor, and job search resources by college/major

5. Volunteer: There are many volunteering opportunities over the holiday season, and it is a great opportunity to try something new and explore a cause that is close to your heart. Also, employers love a candidate who is involved in the community. Don’t forget to add your experience to your resume and LinkedIn profile! 

6. Learn something new: With your free time, you may be able to spend a day or two picking up a new skill. Check out online tutorials in business, software, web development and more on Lynda.com, Coursera, or EdX. Check out the RIT Intersession class schedule to catch up or get ahead on required courses.

The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education will be open throughout finals week, closing from Dec. 25- Jan. 2. We will re-open for counseling and advising appointments on Jan. 5. 

For an appointment, email your Career Services Coordinator or call us at 585-475-2301. 

Written by 

Janine Rowe, MSEd., NCC

Career Counselor 

RIT Office of Career Services