Internship and Job Search Strategies

1. Identify Your Interests and Criteria

1. Before you can begin the job search process you must first know what jobs/internships you are interested in. Use self-assessments and industry research to  learn about and target job functions, industries, and geographic locations that interest you.
   
2. It's important to understand your search criteria. Be honest with yourself about what is important in your career and personal life. Common search criteria include how well the job content aligns with your interests and skills, prospects for advancement, training opportunities, location, growth potential of the industry and its performance during economic downturns, corporate culture and affinity groups, and work-life balance.
3. After generating your search list criteria, create a list of 10-20 organizations with whom you are most interested in working. To find out which employers other Gies students are interested in, visit our Career pages for each academic major.

2. Prepare Your Materials

You only have one opportunity to make a first impression with a potential employer, so make sure that impression is a good one.

1. Read through the job descriptions posted on Handshake (particularly for positions with your top companies) and make a list of desired skills for those organizations and roles that interest you. This will help ensure you meet the criteria employers are seeking.
2. Follow the SORR resume guidelines to create an impactful resume.
   
3. Have your elevator pitch, cover letter, and resume thoroughly reviewed by a career advisor at the Gies Office of Career and Professional Development. 
   
4. Practice your interviewing skills by utilizing resources such at Big Interview or schedule a mock interview with a Career Advisor. Learn more about interviewing here.

3. Find and Apply for Opportunities

1. Use online job boards: Begin by exploring job boards like Handshake @ Illinois and LinkedIn for positions that you wish to apply for.  It's important to "favorite" or “follow” the employers that you are interested in so that you receive notifications about jobs they have posted or events that they are hosting.  This will ensure that you don't miss out on an opportunities! This also helps train the algorithms to recommend you opportunities that fit your interests.
   
2. Proactively reach out: Email alumni or professionals in your field for informational interviews or to learn about hidden opportunities. Remember, quality is better than quantity—tailor your applications and focus on roles that genuinely interest you.
   
3. Once you have identified potential positions, apply promptly following all instructions (some jobs require that you apply on the company website, others use Handshake).

4. Attend Events and Network

Your network is probably the most valuable resource that you'll have at your disposal. This includes your friends, family, former colleagues, and professional connections.

• It's much more likely that you will land your next job through someone in your network than through an online listing, so it's essential to leverage this invaluable resource.
• Talk with recent grads from your major about the job market, employment opportunities and seek their advice about potential employers.
• Connect with alumni in your field (find them on LinkedIn)
• Attend info sessions, networking events, workshops, and other events where you can talk with recruiters and professionals. Developing personal contacts at the organizations you want to work for will greatly increase the success of your job search.

The Department of Labor estimates that up to 80% of positions are pulled without employer advertising. If you are relying on job postings as your primary job search strategy, you're only seeing approximately 20% of what's out there.

5. Following Up and Staying Organized

A successful search requires staying on top of deadlines and connections.

• Use a spreadsheet or app to track applications, due dates, and responses.
• Dedicate regular time to your search: Treat it like a class or project.
• Follow up on applications: A polite email can show interest and keep your application top of mind.

Being organized will help you stay motivated and ensure no opportunities slip through the cracks.

6. Receiving a Job Offer and Offer Negotiation

Congratulations—you got an offer! Now it’s time to evaluate it carefully. When you have received an offer, be sure to respond in a timely manner. Take time to carefully consider an offer and review these guidelines to professionally accept, decline, or negotiate an offer.

• Consider the full package: Pay, location, learning opportunities, and potential career growth
• Be professional: If you have questions or need time to decide, communicate respectfully with the employer
• Negotiate thoughtfully: It’s okay to ask for adjustments, but be realistic and prioritize what’s most important to you

Feeling anxiety about your job offer(s)? We can help! Speak with one of our Career Advisors for assistance in accepting and declining job offers.

What if I don’t have relevant experience?

Don’t worry—everyone starts somewhere! Highlight transferable skills from coursework, group projects, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Focus on skills aligned with the Gies Professional Pathway competencies, such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, that are valuable across a wide range of roles and industries. Employers understand you’re still learning and developing your skill set.

How do I stand out in a competitive market?

Tailor your application materials to each position. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize how your skills align with the role. Networking can also help you stand out—a personal referral or connection to the company can make your application more memorable.

What if I don’t know what type of internship or job I want?

That’s okay! Explore your interests by attending career fairs, talking to professionals, and researching different industries. Trying something new can help you discover what you like—or don’t like—which is valuable insight for your career journey.

How can I handle rejection during the job search?

Rejections are a normal part of the process and not a reflection of your worth. Use them as learning opportunities by asking for feedback when possible. Stay persistent and keep refining your applications—the right opportunity will come along. If you find the process overwhelming, know that it’s okay to seek support. Our embedded counselor is available to help with managing stress, building resilience, and staying positive throughout your internship search journey.

Should I apply to internships or jobs even if I don’t meet all the qualifications?

Yes! Job descriptions often list "ideal" candidates, but employers are willing to consider applicants who meet most requirements. If you’re excited about a role and can demonstrate your potential to learn and grow, go for it. However, international students should pay close attention to job descriptions to ensure the role is open to applicants who need sponsorship now or in the future. Applying selectively to positions aligned with your eligibility can save time and increase your chances of success.

What is a Winter Internship?

Some accounting internships are offered during the Spring semester, often referred to as Winter Internships, and typically align with tax season. When choosing to complete a Winter Internship, you generally do not enroll in courses on campus during the semester. These internships are immersive experiences, providing fantastic insight into the accounting industry and practical hands-on experience. If you are considering a Winter Internship, it is essential to meet with an academic advisor to understand how this decision may affect your graduation timeline, particularly if you are pursuing double majors, minors, or concentrations with semester-restricted courses. Alternatively, many students opt for Summer Internships. However, due to their popularity, some summer internships—particularly those at the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms—can be more competitive. With early planning and support from career advisors, you can maximize your chances of securing one of these valuable positions.

How do I balance my internship/job search with classes and other commitments?

Set aside specific times each week to focus on your search, and break the process into smaller steps, like updating your resume or submitting two applications a day. Staying organized will help you balance everything more effectively.