Prepare for a rewarding career

Start at your career center

IU career centers and guidance offices provide one-on-one career advising and access to a career portal. They can also help you explore majors and career options, get information on jobs and internships, learn how to write an effective cover letter and resume, prep for interviews, and prepare for graduate school.

Once you’ve chosen a major and been accepted into a program, you can also access your academic school’s career services office. Career advisors in each school offer specialized expertise and connections.

Get hands-on experience in your chosen field

One of the best ways to build skills, prepare for a career, and explore the different opportunities available in your field is to get first-hand experience. Collect and test water samples from a nearby lake, survey patients in a medical clinic, run a charity event, or explore the capabilities of artificial intelligence with a world-renowned researcher. IU career offices can help you find an opportunity that puts you on the front lines of your area of interest.

Internships

A part-time internship or summer internship experience can give you good insight into how an organization works and the types of jobs available for people with a degree like yours. It can also serve as a great way for you to build your professional network while you’re still in school.

Part-time jobs

Explore a career path and get paid at the same time. Part-time jobs in different industries or organizations offer great experience while giving you a glimpse at a career in your field.

Practicums

Some IU programs require a practicum, or practical experience that is part of your academic course, instead of an internship.

Service learning

At IU, we lead with heart. Many IU academic departments and schools encourage service learning so that you can make a positive impact on the community and apply what you learn in the classroom as you gain real-world experience.

Study abroad

As you study in another country, you can build language skills and cultural awareness that will help you in your future career.

Undergraduate research

Take on the world’s most complex problems and be part of big solutions. IU offers opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to work on research projects side-by-side with faculty as early as your first semester.

Volunteering

In addition to helping in the community, you can develop important skills, learn about different organizations, and network when you volunteer.

Work-study

With this form of federal financial aid, you can gain valuable experience with part-time jobs that are typically related to your studies.