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Internship & Job Search

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Get an Internship
Connect With Recruiters
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Academic Job Search

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KNOW YOURSELF

  • Explore who you are. Identify your personal interests, skills, values, and what you want out of a career. Check out the Career Decision Making Model for more guidance with this step.
  • Match your skills to needs. Investigate what companies are looking for by reading job descriptions relevant to your field. Establish a list of desirable skills and qualities they want and see if these can be incorporated into your personal brand, resume and cover letter. Check out the Draft a Resume or CV and Build Your Network page for more info.

 

CREATE AN ACTION PLAN

  • Assemble a list of target companies that match your interests, skills and values.
  • Research each organization and the available career opportunities.
  • Set, track and meet short-term goals, urgent deadlines and small milestones. Every minute counts in the job search process!

 

TAP INTO YOUR NETWORK

  • Conduct informational interviews with various contacts and companies in order to gain insight into your field’s job search process
  • Join professional associations and alumni clubs, and maintain regular contact with those you meet.
  • Utilize social media to connect with professionals in your area of interest. Read blogs or articles in areas that pertain to your field and contribute to the conversation.
  • Ask your network for leads or advice.
  • Talk to you adviser and professors about possible opportunities.
  • Visit the Center for Career Opportunities in Young Hall, Rm 132 for job search tips during Drop-Ins.

 

Want more advice? View a CareerSpots video.

Get an Internship

INTERNSHIPS

Resources to research internship opportunities

Internships may be paid, unpaid or give college credit. Check with your academic advisor about opportunities for internship credit.

  • myCCO: Internship and job board for Purdue students and alumni

Co-op Ed/Internships for Credit

Internships by Focus

Purdue - West Lafayette Campus

Internships

Entrepreneurial and Co-ops

Research

 

State of Indiana

 

Political Internships

 

Government Internships

 

Sustainability and Community Service

Connect With Recruiters

CONNECT WITH RECRUITERS @ CAREER FAIRS and INFORMATION SESSIONS

Recruiters visit campus throughout the academic year in order to find students to interview for internships and jobs. The best way to take advantage of these opportunities is to create a myCCO account. Visit the CAREER FAIR SCHEDULE page to explore which career fairs are happening NOW! 

 

HOW TO CONQUER CAREER FAIRS

Attending a career fair allows you to meet with multiple company representatives in one day. Explore the suggestions below to learn how to take advantage of these opportunities.

BEFORE THE FAIR

  • Check out the companies that are attending the career fair, narrow your list down to companies and opportunities that interest you most, and rank them in order of importance.
  • Do your homework. Before you show up, research your target companies so you can talk about something different than everyone else in line. Look at press releases, blogs, the Career Wiki and company social media pages for a few ideas.
  • Dress to impress and make sure you avoid wearing t-shirts, jeans, hats and short skirts.
  • Have a good handshake and practice it before the fair.
  • Prepare more than enough copies of your polished resume. Not only do you want an error-free resume that includes all pertinent information about yourself, you need to have enough.
  • Create and practice a 30 second commercial that includes your name, major, when you’re graduating, what position you’re applying for, and a summary of your relevant skills and experience. Keep it conversational, and try to end with a question to engage the recruiter.

DURING THE FAIR

  • Walk around to become acquainted with the layout of the fair. Check out how long the lines are for certain companies. HINT: Even though a company may be low on your list, consider speaking to their recruiters if the line is shorter. This will also allow you to practice your 30 second commercial and get out some of your nervousness before you approach one of your higher ranked companies.
  • Consider asking the recruiter a question.  Some examples include: Are you familiar with my major? What qualifications are you looking for in a candidate? How can I arrange an interview with your organization? What is your application process? When should I begin applying in relation to my graduation date?
  • Talk to the recruiter and show your personality. Don’t get distracted by the free stuff and giveaways, or look in the sky or ground because you’re nervous. Maintain eye contact and don’t be afraid to show enthusiasm for the company and position. REMEMBER: recruiters are people too and they were once in the same position you are in now!
  • Ask for the recruiter's business card and write notes about your conversation. 

AFTER THE FAIR

  • Follow-up with companies within 24 hours to restate interest. Ask questions about next steps.
  • Consider connecting with them on LinkedIn.

 

HOW TO CONQUER INFORMATION SESSIONS

Information sessions allow organizations to communicate their brand, mission, and employment opportunities. Attending an information session shows a recruiter you’re interested and gives you the opportunity to learn the basic facts about the company culture and position you’re applying for so you can be better prepared by the time your interview rolls around.

See when companies are coming to campus by logging into myCCO!

Find Opportunities Online

FIND OPPORTUNITIES ONLINE

Explore the tools below to research and identify internships and job opportunities within your field.

  • myCCO: Find internship & full-time opportunities, apply for positions and schedule interviews with companies wanting to hire Boilermakers
  • 21st Century Partners Program: Research over 40 companies who actively recruit Purdue students by partnering with the CCO
  • Career Decision-Making Model: Explore the Gain Relevant Experience page of the CCO website to find internship, research, co-op, study abroad, part-time work, volunteer opportunities, service learning, and study abroad experiences.
  • Resources to research internship opportunities: Find opportunities for community service learning, co-op's and internships, and part time local employment.
  • LinkedIn: Follow company pages, join groups of interest and take advantage of the jobs section. HINT: If you join groups relevant to your field, your network expands greatly and you are able to see the profiles of more professionals. Check out the Build Your Network page for more info on how to network with alumni and professionals who are in careers that interest you!
  • Career Wiki: Explore the CCO Career Wiki to investigate company profiles, industry analysis and market research reports.
  • Job sites targeted towards your area: Find job search engines and professional associations related to your field. 

 

Check out Ace the Interview for information on how to make the most of your interview process!

Academic Job Search

SUCCEED IN THE ACADEMIC JOB SEARCH

PREPARE A RESEARCH STATEMENT

A research statement is a clear and concise summary of your research and dissertation with a focus on the future direction of your research. Think about how your research and dissertation will fit into your future experience and institution you are applying to.

  • Include a concise discussion of your dissertation, and relate previous research into future projects or related research programs.
  • Express the relevance of your work to larger intellectual interests.
  • Answer the questions, “Why does knowing about ______ matter?” and “What will that project tell them what they don’t already know?”
  • Mention the future direction of your dissertation research and the important and innovative directions your research may take.

PREPARE A TEACHING STATEMENT

A teaching statement is a personal mission statement for anyone whose assignment is to help others learn.

  • Use any specific instructions in the job posting as a guide.
  • Length: 1-2 pages
  • Use present tense to reflect your experiences and beliefs.
  • Include discipline specific standards when necessary (avoid technical terms).
  • Make your statement unique and set yourself apart from other candidates.
  • Discuss your philosophy of teaching and learning.
  • Describe your approach to teaching.
  • Provide documentation of your effective teaching strategies.
Purdue CCO
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On campus this summer? Stop by the CCO during our summer drop-in hours!
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On campus this summer? Stop by the CCO during our summer drop-in hours! https://t.co/Imp1wP7cUR
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Safe travels home after finals, Boilermakers! Staying here this summer? We have drop in hours 1-4pm Mon-Fri! https://t.co/AJDLOuf7TV
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On campus this summer? Stop by the CCO during our summer drop-in hours! https://t.co/uGUKYUh5UW
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New User
Participation Agreement
Missed Interview Policy

What is myCCO?

myCCO is a portal where Purdue students and alumni can apply for internships, full-time and part-time opportunities.

 

How can myCCO help me?

Employers posting jobs, internships, and other opportunities on myCCO want YOU. Using the myCCO service allows you to take advantage of Purdue University’s reputation and vast network of industry connections.

How do I get a myCCO account?

  1. As a first time user enter your PUID as both your user name and password.(NOTE: the first 2 digits MUST be a double zero (00) even if they're not included in your current PUID. For example: 0012345678). Your PUID (with the double zero) will always be your username to log in to myCCO. Once you have completed your myCCO profile, the system will send an email with your "NEW" password.
  2. Read the “Participation Agreement” and “Cancellation and Missed Interview Policy” before clicking “I Agree to Terms.”
  3. Complete all required fields when completing your profile.

Video Instructions

 

How can I make the most of myCCO? 

Upload Your Resume

  1.        Click on “Resumes ETC” on the top navigation bar.
  2.        Select “Add New.”
  3.        Add a descriptive label to help you remember each document. Employers will not be able to see the label.
  4.        Select your document type. Use “Other Documents” for your transcript.

Edit Profile Privacy to be included in Resume Books and receive emails from myCCO

  1. Resume Books are a feature of myCCO that allows employers to pull resumes from students who meet the criteria of a position they’re looking to fill. If you opt-in for resume books, you have the chance to receive an email or call from an employer about a position!
  2. CCO Career Consultants will email you every time there is an on-campus interviewing opportunity that hasn’t received a lot of applicants so you know about the opportunity. You will also receive the Inside Track-a weekly career newsletter that updates you on career events happening that week.

Search and Apply for Jobs & On-Campus Interviews

  1. Hover on “Jobs” on the top navigation bar.
  2. Click on “myCCO Interviews and Job Listings” on the drop-down menu.
  3. Use the search bar and the advanced search options to find job postings relevant you.
  4. Apply to a positing by clicking the “Apply” button and submitting the required documents. For some positions, you may not be able to apply. These positions are on-campus recruitment postings and you must meet all screening criteria, including major, degree, graduation date, and work authorization.
  5. Note: Read the job posting carefully as the employer may refer you to the company website to apply.

Create Job Search Agents

  1. After running an “Advanced Search,” Click “Saved Searches.”
  2. Give your search a title and set a schedule for new job posting to be sent to you.
  3. Select “Yes” for “New Results Only.”
  4. Click “Save.”

Video Instructions

Follow Purdue Internships on Twitter

  1. Purdue Internships keeps you connected to myCCO internship postings on a daily basis!

 

What else comes with a myCCO account?

  • Live Online Resume, Interview and Job Coaching: Brainfuse Job Now
  • Ability to practice interviewing using Big Interview
  • Access company data using Mergent Online
  • Access to listings of company information sessions
  • Network with company contacts who have recently recruited at Purdue
  • See what companies are coming to upcoming career fairs

 

Having trouble creating your account?

  • FORGOTTEN PASSWORD: If you think you have an existing account in myCCO but don't remember your PU-ID, email askcco@purdue.edu with the subject line: Existing myCCO Account Forgot PU-ID.
  • ALUMNI: If you need to request your PU-ID: Click here to submit the Alumni PU-ID Request form and the CCO will respond to your request within 3-5 business days.
  • FUTURE STUDENT: We look forward to seeing you on campus. Your PU-ID will work at the beginning of the semester that you start your full-time classes.
  • REGIONAL CAMPUS: Students attending any of the Purdue Regional Campuses or Statewide Technology locations pursuing a "Purdue" degree are eligible to utilize myCCO. Please contact your campus Career Services office.
  • POST DOC FELLOWS: Please complete the PU-ID Request form. In the Problem Description area please enter CURRENT POST DOC and the department that currently employs you. Note: When you create your myCCO account, select the graduation year you will finish your post doc position at Purdue University.

Have questions? Please contact the CCO at askcco@purdue.edu.

I agree to:

Accurate Information: Certify my job search documents to be truthful and accurate

Grant Access: Allow CCO to provide my job search documents to prospective employers

Honor Commitments: Keep all appointments that I've scheduled with employers and CCO Staff

Genuine Interest: Sign up for interviews with only employers with whom I'm interested in working

Professional Conduct: Accept an offer of employment in good faith and immediately notify employers of acceptance or non-acceptance of the offer. Withdraw from interviewing process and no longer pursue positions with other employers

Report Suspicious Inqueries: Understand that job seekers can be deceived by organizations posing as legitimate employers. Evidence of this behavior includes requests for personal information (i.e. social security numbers or credit card numbers) and requests for money. If you're suspicious of such an organization, do not respond to them and please share details with us at askcco@purdue.edu

Consequences for Non-Compliance: Accept that failure to adhere to any point in this agreement may result in the removal of my interview privileges in the Center for Career Opportunities

The CCO agrees to:

Provide Services: Assist you with your career decision-making and job search activities

Access of Information: Provide access to a range of career opportunities and types of employers

Non-Discrimination: Provide access and reasonable accommodations to prospective employers without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability

Protect Confidentiality: Exercise sound judgment and fairness in maintaining your confidentiality

Student Advocacy: Respond to employer EEO non-compliance concerns and unethical behavior. Follow-up with those posting suspicious vacancies, when possible, and consult with students and alumni affected by this dubious behavior

On-campus Interviewing: Cancellation and Missed Interview Policy

If you must miss an interview, you are required to cancel it in advance. When you fail to cancel your interviews in a timely fashion or do not appear for your interviews, your actions reflect poorly on you as an individual and on the University as a whole. Not only do you inconvenience the employer, but you may also deprive another student of a valuable interview opportunity. These situations, if unchecked may also have more serious implications on the University's relationships with employers overall.

Therefore, the Center for Career Opportunities treats these incidents very seriously and advises you to take special note of the following Cancellation and Missed Interview Policy.

Interview Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations will NOT be accepted via email or voice mail.
  • Students must appear in person in Young 132 to complete paper work before an interview can be cancelled
  • Students are required to give three business days or 72 hours notice to cancel an interview
  • Always investigate an alternate date with the employer before you cancel an interview
  • It is your responsibility to speak personally with the employer representative and explain why you will not be attending the interview. Be aware, however that the employer may still report you to the CCO
  • If you cancel an appointment directly with an employer, remember to also contact the CCO
  • Regional Campus Students ( Purdue Calumet, IUPUI, Purdue North Central and IUPU Ft Wayne ) are required to work through their Regional Career Services office to cancel interviews. The Regional Campus Liaison will forward the information regarding the cancellation

Sudden Illness or Serious Personal Emergency on Interview Day

  • Students are expected to contact the CCO (765) 494 - 3981 prior to their interview time. Employers check-in between 8 and 8:30 AM and should be notified prior to that time

Employers typically are not in the office on weekends. Monday appointments should be cancelled no later than Friday morning.

If you miss an interview:

  • Your myCCO account will be locked
  • You will receive an e-mail from CCO with instructions to come to Young 132 immediately to resolve this matter
  • You will be required to meet with a walk-in counselor and discuss the reason you missed the business appointment to which you committed
  • The discussion and your reason for missing the interview will determine whether or not your file will be reactivated and if you will have the opportunity to use myCCO in the future.
I do not agree to the terms outlined above.
I agree to the terms outlined above.