Timeline and Tips

for Job Search

(Late Summer/Early Fall)

Start looking 8 - 12 months in advance

(Winter/Spring Terms)

Start looking 6 – 8 months in advance

As Needed

Positions Filled at Any Time
  • Organizations Conducting On Campus Recruiting
  • Accounting and Financial Services
  • Consulting Firms
  • Large Media & Tech Companies
  • Federal Government
  • Service Organizations including: Peace Corps, Faith Based Organizations (1st deadline), Teach for America (1st deadline)
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Research Institutes
  • Educational Institutions
  • Arts Organizations
  • Environmental Organizations
  • State and Local Government
  • Small Startup Organizations
  • Communications and Media Organizations
  • Service Organizations including: Americorps Vista, Organizations with 2nd or 3rd deadlines
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Arts Organizations
  • Small Startup Organizations
  • Small-Medium Sized Businesses
  • Communications and Media Organizations
  • Local Government
  • Staffing Agencies

Tips

  • Larger organizations can fill their internship opportunities a year in advance, be sure to start the search early.
  • Application Deadlines are not always hard deadlines. Some organizations will fill positions before the application deadline has arrived.
  • The job search process can take longer and be more involved than expected. You will likely need to apply for multiple positions before accepting an offer so start early!
  • It is very common to not hear back from an employer about your application. They will be in contact if they are interested in moving forward with you as a candidate.
  • Be prepared - know what type of positions you are looking for, have an updated résumé, connect with your references, practice interviewing, research companies, schedule time for your search - treat it like an additional course.
  • Be realistic - this is a very subjective process that sometimes doesn’t make sense. Work with a Career Development Specialist to help you understand how to navigate it.
  • Don’t take the process to personally; most often, decisions organizations make are not personal.

Updated 7/11/16 JMV