The Handshake platform is designed to help you discover and connect to career opportunities. Use Handshake to search for jobs and internships, register for careers fairs and events, and research employers and industries.
Here are some of the things you can do:
Just like everything else in the job search process, the application is an important component. An employer will learn a lot about you from your application and how you complete it. Make sure you take the time to project a positive and professional image.
Use common sense when completing the application. By not following directions, you are telling a potential employer that you won’t follow them on the job either. A messy application shows that you don’t have respect for your work or for other people’s time; vague information and spelling errors prove that you can’t pay attention to details and follow through an entire project; and listing specific salary requirements tells them you are rigid and inflexible – all things most employers want to avoid.
We have put together a list of websites that will help you on your journey to finding a career. The information below can get you started. Also, check out Lake Land’s Career Services Manager where you can network with local and national employers and view openings.
CareerBuilder.com – Find jobs, post resumes, and receive jobs by email.
CollegeGrad.com – CollegeGrad.com is the #1 entry level job site for college students and recent grads per Google Analytics and Alexa. Their mission is to enable college students and recent grads with the tools, connections and information needed to be successful in finding a great job.
GlassDoor.com – One of the fastest growing jobs and recruiting sites, Glassdoor.com holds a growing database of millions of company reviews, CEO approval ratings, salary reports, interview reviews and questions, benefits reviews, office photos and more.
Idealist.org – Idealist is all about connecting idealists – people who want to do good – with opportunities for action and collaboration through the job openings, volunteer opportunities, internships and events.
Monster.com – Monster is a global online employment solution for people seeking jobs and the employers who need great people.
AgCareers.com – AgCareers.com is the leading online job board for agriculture, food, and biotechnology.
CDLjobs.com – Begin your search for trucking jobs in Illinois.
IllinoisEducationJobBank.org – Search from hundreds of openings throughout the state, quickly and easily.
ADHA.org – Dental hygiene job seekers can quickly search open positions and post their resumes online in no time.
https://www.healthecareers.com/ – Find jobs in the health care profession.
NurseRecruiter.com – NurseRecruiter.com is a nursing job board and nurse recruitment resource designed to connect nurses with employers and to facilitate the hiring process for both sides.
On-campus, paid employment
Learn more or call: 217-234-5231
https://www.lakelandcollege.edu/financialaid/work-study/
Visit the Human Resources page to see employment opportunities we are offering right now at Lake Land: https://www.lakelandcollege.edu/human-resources/.
Internships are temporary employment positions for students in their related field of study. Any position for which students are hired and gain skills that correspond with their classroom learning can be considered an internship. Internships may be paid or unpaid and generally consist of an exchange of services for experience between the student and an organization.
The experience that complements your classroom learning can be immeasurable to helping you obtain your first “real” job after completing your education. It can be difficult to obtain that first position in your career; the more experience you have, the more marketable you are. Due to the economic climate, most open positions are receiving numerous applicants with education and years of experience. Obtaining an internship allows you to accumulate those years of experience while finishing your education.
Many of the programs at Lake Land College offer internship courses as a way to receive credit while working in your field of study. However, if your program does not offer an internship course, you may talk to your advisor about setting up an independent study to receive course credit. If you are receiving course credit for an internship, you most likely will be required to complete other assignments concerning your internship other than just work in that position.
Most internships are paid positions not unlike a part-time job. Yet many of the most prestigious internship positions are unpaid. Many companies hire successful interns for full-time positions after their graduation. You are strongly encouraged to research the internship program in advance of applying for the position to know what qualifications in which they are looking for in an intern and if it is a paid internship.
Many of the programs at Lake Land College that offer internship credit courses have set timelines for when you will complete an internship during your academic career. Some internship programs require that you have completed a certain number of credit hours before being hired as an intern. A general rule is that you should have enough educational experience in your field that would allow you to have something to bring to the position for which you are hired.
If there is a company that you know you want to work for after completing your education, check out their internship program and/or open positions. If that company does not have an internship program, make an appointment to discuss your career plans with their human resources department. By showing your initiative and desire to work for that company, they may create an internship for you.
If you are unsure of where you wish to work, talk to people who have the position you want, or ask your instructors for a recommendation for an employer. Career Services may also have information from employers looking for an intern and can also give suggestions of where to look for positions.
Just like any other position for which you are applying, you will need to have an updated resume, cover letter, portfolio, and interview attire and skills.
Similar to an internship, you can gain valuable experience honing your career skills, exploring your potential career industry, and networking. However, that is where the similarities end. One of the big differences is length. A project typically can range from 5-40 hours of work – easier to weave into your life than a semester-long internship. All micro-internships are professional paid projects and nearly all internship projects are conducted remotely.
Create an account today at https://info.parkerdewey.com/lakelandcollege.