Center for Career & Professional Development

Job Search

The job search process to construct a well-managed professional life requires 21st century career-readiness skills, including communication, problem solving, digital technology, and career management. Fortunately, your Southwestern education has prepared you well for this experience.

Think about a research project you’ve conducted in class. The steps involved are the same for your job search: You create a manageable timeline and stick to it. You conduct your research — reading and talking to people. And you present the outcome in writing (e.g. a resume, an online profile) and orally (i.e. interviewing, networking).

The process of searching for any kind of job or internship — full-time, part-time, on- or off-campus — relies on the same basic strategies. Use the information resources and services below for expert advice on searching for opportunities.


New from CCPD

  • Job Search Academy

    The Center for Career & Professional Development has partnered with Indeed to offer the Job Search Academy, a free virtual program created to help you excel in your job search. The program focuses on mastering the five key areas of the job search so you feel confident every step of the way.

    Read about the partnership with Indeed

    Learn More

  • Job Search Guides

    • Guide to Networking
      Learning how to “network” (i.e. build relationships) with others is crucial to career development, from your first internship to mid-life career changes.

    • Guide to Search Strategies
      The most effective strategies for securing jobs and other opportunities involve preparation, research, and connections.

    • Guide to Interviewing
      The interview is an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism and 21st century career-readiness skills, and to see how well a given team and organizational culture fits you.

    • Guide to the Transition to Work
      When responding to job offers, use your research and communication skills to negotiate the best possible package, not just the highest salary.

    Job Search Resources

    • Career Communities
      Career Communities provide a powerful professional network for all Southwestern community members to connect around shared career interests, explore diverse career options, and leverage the knowledge and expertise of others. 

    • HireSU

      The

      HireSU job board lists full-time, part-time, internship, and volunteer opportunities for current students and alumni. On-campus student employment is included.

    • Indeed Job Search Academy
      The Indeed Job Search Academy is a free virtual program created to help you excel in your job search. The program focuses on mastering the 5 key areas of the job search so you feel confident every step of the way.

    • On-Campus Employment
      On-campus employment is a great way to experience the world of work close to home.

    • PirateConnect
      PirateConnect is your lifelong gateway to the Southwestern network - a digital space exclusively for Southwestern University community members to mentor or be mentored.