Job & Internship Search Basics

To define your career direction, start by considering your major, the fields/industries that interest you most, and your ideal job. Make a list of the types of experience you want to gain and the companies you’d like to work for—don't hesitate to cast a wide net. Targeting various roles and job functions within a field can help you maximize your opportunities. 

- Stay informed by curating a list of journals, blogs, and professional organizations that provide up-to-date trends in your industry. 
- Take time to research the career paths that lead to your dream job, identifying the best starting points and planning for potential challenges along the way.
- Additionally, explore job titles that interest you, noting the required qualifications, skills, and responsibilities to better understand what employers are seeking.

Begin seeking opportunities to have conversations with emerging and mid-career professionals, cultivating a community of mentors and peers. There are plenty of ways to start connecting, including

- Informational Interviews: An informational interview is a brief meeting with someone currently working in your field of interest that offers you an insider's perspective. The purpose is to better understand a particular position or industry and make connections.

- Alumni Outreach:  Connect with professionals in your areas of interest, family members, friends and others to seek advice and thoughts on potential internships. DePaul’s Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) Network is an excellent source for insights and information.

- Career Fairs & Events: There are a variety of job and internship fairs at DePaul each year. Connect with employers from Chicago and beyond who are seeking candidates from all educational and experience backgrounds.

- Conferences:  A meeting of professionals in a given subject or profession. This is a great way to connect and stay up-to-date on industry and professional trends.

Having effective job search documents is crucial to standing out and marketing yourself to employers. Essential documents include:

Cover Letter: A cover letter provides context for the resume. It makes a claim about what experiences and skills qualify you for the job or opportunity. Each cover letter should be tailored to a specific application.

Resume: A resume is a conventional one-page document that presents evidence of the skills and knowledge you possess. While the formatting is important, the content has to align with the role or opportunity you are seeking.

Personal Statement: This may be called a statement of purpose, personal statement, or letter of intent. Some statements require specific information while others leave the applicant free to address a wide range of topics.

Portfolio: A portfolio is a presentation of your best work and demonstration of your skills. Portfolios can be used when applying for internships and jobs, gaining freelance clients and applying to graduate school.

It’s beneficial to apply to any and all positions that seem interesting and in line with your career direction. Most internships and jobs are highly competitive—some with hundreds of applicants—so playing the numbers maximizes your chances of success.