Career Help

6 ways to build leadership skills in college

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:11:02 +0000

6 ways to build leadership skills in college Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 09/23/2026 - 08:11

Leadership can show up anywhere in your college experience—in a group project, campus job, student organization or conversation with a friend. Everyday experiences give you opportunities to practice skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability.

As you get involved at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, look for ways to contribute, support others and make a positive impact. Here are six ways to start building your leadership skills.

Practice empathy

Good leadership starts with listening to and considering other people’s experiences and perspectives. Practicing empathy can help you build stronger relationships, communicate more effectively and make others feel valued.

Try practicing empathy by:

Listening without interrupting or immediately offering advice.

Asking questions to better understand someone’s perspective.

Making space for quieter voices during group conversations.

Attending campus events where you can meet people and learn about experiences different from your own.

Checking in with someone who seems left out or inviting them to join you.

Small actions can help create a more welcoming environment in your classes, residence hall, student organization, workplace and other communities.

Take accountability

Taking responsibility for your words, actions and commitments builds trust. Everyone makes mistakes, and leadership often shows in how you respond when something doesn’t go as planned.

If you miss a deadline, make a mistake at work or realize something you said affected someone negatively, acknowledge what happened. Apologize when appropriate, communicate what you’ll do to address the situation and follow through.

Focus on being honest about what happened, making things right when you can and learning from the experience.

Speak up and share ideas

Sharing your ideas is one way to help make your community better. If you notice a problem or see an opportunity for improvement, consider how you could contribute to a solution.

This could mean suggesting a new approach during a group project, proposing an event for your student organization, sharing feedback at your campus job or speaking up about something that could improve the student experience.

When sharing an idea, explain the problem you’re trying to solve, offer a possible solution and listen to feedback from others. Learning how to communicate ideas thoughtfully can strengthen your problem-solving and communication skills.

Communicate through conflict

Disagreements and misunderstandings happen, especially when you’re working with people who have different experiences, priorities and communication styles. Learning how to navigate those moments is an important leadership skill.

Before reacting, ask questions and make sure you understand what happened. Focus on the situation rather than making assumptions about the other person.

For example, if someone doesn’t finish their part of a group project, ask what happened and talk about what the group needs to move forward. They may need clarification, additional time or support from tutoring resources. Clear communication can help your group address the issue while maintaining a productive working relationship.

Follow through

Being someone others can count on is an important part of leadership. Follow through on your commitments, communicate when plans change and put effort into the responsibilities you take on.

You can practice this skill in small ways: arrive prepared for a group meeting, complete your part of a project on time, show up for your shift or give your best effort at practice.

When something gets in the way of a commitment, communicate as early as possible. Being consistent and dependable can build trust with classmates, friends, supervisors and teammates.

Help others succeed

Strong leaders help create opportunities for the people around them to contribute and grow. Supporting others can make your group or community stronger.

You might share a helpful resource with a classmate, recognize someone for a great idea, invite a new member into a conversation or offer support when a teammate is struggling. You can also connect someone with campus resources when they need additional help.

Look for opportunities to encourage others and recognize what they bring to the group. Helping people feel included and supported is one way to make a positive impact in any role.

Find ways to build your leadership skills at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��

College offers plenty of opportunities to practice leadership, whether you want to take on a formal role or simply get more involved. Consider exploring:

Student organizations: Join a student organization to meet people who share your interests, contribute to a group and find opportunities to build leadership skills.

Leadership opportunities: Explore programs, student employment and other opportunities to develop your leadership skills.

Volunteer opportunities: Get involved in one-time, ongoing or group service opportunities on campus and in the Boulder community.

Sustainability opportunities: Find jobs, volunteer opportunities, programs and events through the Environmental Center.

Career Services: Learn how to identify and communicate the skills you’re building as you prepare for jobs, internships and life after college.

You don’t have to wait for a leadership title to start building leadership skills. Look for small opportunities to listen, contribute, follow through and support others. Those everyday experiences can help you grow your confidence and prepare for future opportunities on campus, at work and beyond.

Leadership skills can grow through everyday experiences. Explore six ways to practice communication, empathy, accountability and teamwork, and learn how getting involved can help you build leadership skills at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

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How to choose or change your major at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��

Kyra Raye Loch — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:54:38 +0000

How to choose or change your major at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Kyra Raye Loch Thu, 09/17/2026 - 11:54

Career Services

Listen to this article

Not sure what you want to major in? Thinking about changing your major? You’re not alone. Your interests and goals can change as you take classes, meet new people and discover new possibilities.

You also don’t need to have your future career figured out before choosing a major. Your major is one part of your college experience, and it doesn’t necessarily determine what you’ll do after graduation.

If you’re unsure about your major, start by thinking about your interests, strengths and values. Then explore your options, learn more about the majors that interest you and talk with an advisor before making a decision.

Start with what interests you

Choosing a major starts with learning more about yourself. Think about the classes, activities and experiences you’ve enjoyed and what made them interesting to you.

Ask yourself:

What subjects or topics do I want to learn more about?

What skills do I enjoy using or want to develop?

What kinds of problems or questions interest me?

What activities or experiences have been most meaningful to me?

What matters most to me in my education and future work?

Look for patterns in your answers. You may discover interests or priorities that can help you narrow down your options.

You can also try the Career Values Card Sort and SparkPath Challenge Cards to explore what matters most to you in your future career.

Explore majors and career possibilities

You can start with a major, a career or an area of interest. If a subject interests you, explore where that major could lead. If you have a career in mind, look at different majors that could help you build relevant skills.

Try these tools to get started:

Majors Card Sort: Explore ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� majors that may align with your interests and goals.

What Can I Do with This Major?: See common career areas associated with different majors.

Programs from a Different Lens: Compare academic programs based on topics, learning outcomes and how courses are taught.

I want to ...: Explore degree options based on career fields and topics that interest you.

Remember, a major doesn’t have to lead to one specific career. Focus on finding an academic path that helps you explore your interests and build skills you can use in many different ways.

Take a closer look at your options

Once you have a few majors in mind, learn what studying them would actually be like.

Look at the classes. Browse the university catalog and department websites. Do the required courses and electives sound interesting?

Check the requirements. Run a degree audit to understand required courses, credits and your progress toward graduation.

Try it out. If you have room in your schedule, consider taking an introductory class in a major you’re exploring.

Talk with others. Connect with students, faculty or professionals in areas that interest you. An informational interview can also help you learn how someone’s academic interests connected to their career.

Pay attention to what you learn along the way. Exploring an option and deciding it isn’t for you is still useful—it can help you get closer to what fits.

Talk it through and take your next step

You don’t have to make the decision by yourself. Different campus resources can help depending on what questions you have.

Not sure what interests you or how a major could connect to your future?

Meet with Career Services to explore your interests, values, skills and career possibilities.

Want to compare majors or understand your academic options?

Talk with an academic advisor about programs, courses and requirements and how different options could fit into your academic plans.

Thinking about changing your major?

An academic advisor can help you understand how your credits may apply, whether a change could affect your graduation plans and what steps you need to take. Make an appointment through Buff Portal Advising or get general advising and enrollment help through Ralphie’s Advising Help Lab.

If you’re considering a major in a different college, school or program, there may be additional requirements or an intra-university transfer (IUT) process. An academic advisor can help you understand what applies to your situation.

You don’t have to figure it all out today

Choosing or changing your major doesn’t mean deciding what you’ll do for the rest of your life. Give yourself time to explore, ask questions and learn from your experiences.

Not sure about your major or thinking about making a change? Exploring your interests, strengths and goals can help you find an academic path that fits. Learn how to compare majors, consider career possibilities and use ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� resources to help you decide what your next step could be.

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5 ways to build your resume and gain career experience

Emily Sampl — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:45:13 +0000

5 ways to build your resume and gain career experience Emily Sampl Tue, 09/15/2026 - 11:45

Career Services

The experience you gain in college can help you build skills, strengthen your resume and feel more prepared for your first job.

You don’t need to know exactly what career you want before you start gaining experience. Internships, campus jobs, volunteer opportunities and short online programs can all help you build skills, strengthen your resume and learn what kind of work interests you.

Here are five ways to gain career experience this semester.

Find an internship

Want hands-on experience in your field? An internship can help you apply what you’re learning, build professional connections and explore what you want from a future job.

Search Handshake for internships or explore ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� internship programs for specialized opportunities and experiences. New internships are added regularly, so check Handshake often as you search.

Build skills and earn a credential

Want to build a specific skill on your own schedule? Career Academy offers free, self-paced online courses and professional certificates from companies like Google, Adobe and Salesforce.

You can develop practical skills in areas such as data analytics, project management, cybersecurity and digital marketing while earning credentials you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Try a job simulation

Not sure what career interests you yet? A job simulation can help you explore different roles before committing to an internship or job.

Through Forage, you can complete free online simulations based on tasks from real jobs and industries. It’s a low-pressure way to learn what different careers involve, practice skills and discover what kinds of work you enjoy.

Get an on-campus student job

Want to earn money while gaining experience? An on-campus job can help you build transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and time management.

Campus jobs are also designed with student schedules in mind. Explore student jobs at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to learn more and find opportunities.

Gain experience through volunteering

Want to build skills while contributing to something you care about? Volunteering can help you gain experience, meet new people and explore interests outside the classroom.

Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE) can help you find volunteer opportunities based on your interests and availability.

Choose one way to get started

You don’t have to do everything at once. Choose one experience that fits your interests, goals and schedule this semester. Even a short course, campus job, job simulation or volunteer opportunity can help you build skills and learn more about what you want from your career.

These are just a few ways to gain experience during college. You can also explore opportunities in areas like research, leadership and entrepreneurship. Not sure where to begin? Career Services can help you explore your options and take your next step.

Build your resume and gain career experience this semester. Explore five ways to get started, from internships and on-campus jobs to volunteering, job simulations and free online courses. Find an option that fits your interests, goals and schedule while building skills and learning more about what you want from your career.

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How to use Handshake to find jobs and internships

Emily Sampl — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:43:58 +0000

How to use Handshake to find jobs and internships Emily Sampl Thu, 09/03/2026 - 10:43

Career Services

Looking for an internship or job? Handshake is ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� online career platform, where students can search opportunities, connect with employers and find career fairs and events.

Every undergraduate and graduate student automatically has a free Handshake account, regardless of your major or year. Even if you aren’t ready to apply for a job or internship, you can use Handshake to explore career options and see what employers are looking for.

Here are some tips to get started on Handshake.

Complete your Handshake profile

Start by completing your Handshake profile. Add information about your education, experience, skills, interests and the types of opportunities you're looking for.

A complete profile helps Handshake recommend jobs and internships that match your interests. Making your profile visible to employers can also help recruiters who are looking for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� students find you.

Keep your profile updated as you gain new experience, skills and career interests.

Search for jobs and internships

Handshake includes on-campus student jobs, internships and full-time opportunities across a variety of industries and locations.

Use keywords and filters to narrow your results based on what matters to you, such as career field, location or remote work. Try searching for skills or areas of interest (like “marketing,” “music” or “sports”) in addition to specific job titles.

Not sure what you’re looking for yet? Browsing opportunities can help you learn about different career paths, job titles and skills employers value.

Searching for jobs as an international student

If you’re an international student looking for an internship or job in the U.S., Handshake has tools that can help you find opportunities based on work authorization.

Use the CPT/OPT & Sponsorship Friendly Opportunities Collection to find professional opportunities that may be open to students who need CPT, OPT or U.S. visa sponsorship. You can also use Handshake's Work Authorization filters to narrow your search.

When reviewing a job or internship, check the “At A Glance” section of the posting for information about whether the opportunity is open to CPT, OPT or visa sponsorship.

Explore resources for international students from Handshake and Career Services for additional guidance on work authorization and the U.S. job and internship search.

Save your searches and get job alerts

Turn on notifications for your saved searches to hear about new opportunities that match your criteria.

You can create multiple saved searches based on different types of roles, industries or locations. This can make it easier to keep up with new opportunities without checking Handshake every day.

Explore opportunities selected by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��

Not sure what keywords to use? Explore ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Collections in Handshake. Career Services groups opportunities around specific interests, industries and locations to make it easier to discover relevant options.

Collections may include opportunities with Colorado startups, local employers or organizations in specific career fields. They can be a helpful starting point if you’re exploring your options or aren’t sure exactly what type of position you want.

Find career fairs and events

Handshake isn’t only for job postings. You can also use it to find career fairs, workshops, employer information sessions and other events.

Visit the events section to:

Find upcoming career fairs and see which employers are attending.

Explore Career Services workshops and programs for help with resumes, interviews and other parts of your job or internship search.

Find employer events where you can learn about organizations, career opportunities and the experiences of current or former employees.

Attending events can help you learn about your options, make connections and prepare for your next steps—even if you aren’t actively applying for positions yet.

Get help with Handshake and your career search

Not sure what to search for, how to improve your Handshake profile or whether you’re ready to apply? Career Services can help.

Visit Career Services during office hours or schedule an appointment to talk with a career development advisor about Handshake, your job or internship search and other career questions.

Looking for an internship or job? Handshake is the best place for CU students to find on- and off-campus opportunities. Here are some tips to help you make the most of Handshake.

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Find your way to lead at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��

Valerie Padilla — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:02:00 +0000

Find your way to lead at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Valerie Padilla Tue, 08/25/2026 - 12:02

You don’t need a title or previous leadership experience to be a leader on campus. Whether you want to meet people, make a difference, earn money, build your resume or get more involved in the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� community, there are plenty of ways to build leadership skills.

Not sure where to start? Explore these student leadership opportunities at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and find an option that fits your interests and goals.

Take on a student leadership role

Want hands-on experience working with other Buffs? Student leadership positions let you build skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving and event planning while making an impact on campus.

Sko Serve site leader: Plan and lead a spring break service trip for fellow students.

Residential student leaders: Live and work in the residence halls, support fellow Buffs and help create an inclusive residential community.

Journey leader: Welcome new Buffs to ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, meet new people and help students find their place on campus.

ASAP tutor mentor: Get paid to tutor and mentor students living in the residence halls and first-year students.

Student organizations, fraternities and sororities also offer opportunities to lead. Depending on the group, you might organize events, manage a budget, recruit members, run communications or help set the organization’s direction.

Explore student organizations on BuffConnect to find groups that match your interests.

Build your skills through a leadership program

Leadership programs can help you develop new skills, connect with other students and learn more about the kind of leader you want to be.

CU GOLD: Build leadership skills through different program paths and opportunities.

Bloom: Student organization leaders can connect with a peer mentor or mentee to exchange advice, support each other’s goals and grow together. and grow together.

EcoReps: Build leadership and sustainability skills through workshops, field trips, volunteer opportunities and hands-on projects while helping create positive change in your residence hall community.

Get leadership experience through a campus job

Want to build experience and earn money? An on-campus student job can be a great place to start.

Student jobs can help you develop transferable skills like communication, time management, teamwork and problem-solving. Some positions also give you opportunities to train others, lead projects or take on more responsibility over time.

Search Handshake for on-campus student jobs and look for roles that match your interests, schedule and career goals.

Use your voice on a board or committee

If you have ideas about how to make ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� better, consider joining a student board, council or committee. These groups give students opportunities to advocate for their peers, help make decisions, plan programs and shape the campus experience.

Depending on what you’re interested in, you can:

Plan programs and events: The Center for Student Involvement Board, Cultural Events Board and Distinguished Speakers Board offer opportunities to help bring events, speakers and experiences to campus.

Represent other students: CU Student Government, the Residence Hall Association, the Off-Campus Life Board and Senior Class Council give students a voice in the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� experience.

Shape campus spaces and services: The CUSG Recreation Board and UMC Board help students contribute to decisions about important campus spaces and resources.

Make an impact through sustainability and service: The Environmental Center Board and Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement Joint Board connect leadership with environmental, service and community issues.

Recognize residential leaders: The National Residence Hall Honorary recognizes students and staff who demonstrate leadership and service in ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� residence hall communities.

Explore the individual boards and committees to learn about eligibility, time commitments and how to get involved.

Lead in everyday moments

Leadership doesn’t always come with a position or title. You can lead by welcoming someone new, speaking up when something isn’t right, helping a classmate, making your organization more inclusive or looking out for another Buff.

The Colorado Creed reminds us that our choices and actions help shape our community. Learn how to be an effective bystander, recognize concerning situations and get help when someone may need it.

Turn your experience into career skills

The skills you build through campus involvement—communication, collaboration, decision-making, problem-solving and project management—can also help prepare you for internships and jobs.

Career Services can help you identify the skills you’re developing and show you how to communicate those experiences on your resume and in interviews.

Find your next opportunity

There’s no single way to be a leader at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. Start with something that matters to you, whether that’s supporting other Buffs, getting involved in an organization, earning money through a campus job or helping shape the university community.

Learn more about getting involved this fall:

Check out upcoming student events.

Download the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Life app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and X.

There are many ways to be a leader in your community and plenty of opportunities on campus to build new skills. Here are a few ways to gain leadership experience this semester.

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Finished your internship? Here’s what to do next

Anonymous — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Finished your internship? Here’s what to do next Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 07/31/2026 - 00:00

Career Services

Congratulations, you completed your internship! Whether you spent the summer exploring a new industry, building new skills or discovering what kind of work you enjoy, your internship is more than just a line on your resume. Taking a few simple steps now can help you make the most of your experience and prepare for your next internship or job.

Thank the people who supported you

Before your internship ends, take a few minutes to thank the people who helped you along the way. A thoughtful thank-you note or email to your supervisor, mentor or teammates shows your appreciation and leaves a positive impression.

It’s also a great time to connect with colleagues on LinkedIn. The relationships you build during an internship can lead to future opportunities, whether that’s a recommendation, mentorship or even another job down the road.

Reflect on what you learned

Internships help you build more than technical knowledge. They also give you a chance to learn about yourself.

Think about questions like:

What projects or responsibilities did I enjoy most?

What skills did I develop?

What kind of work environment helped me do my best?

What would I like to learn next?

Reflecting on your experience can help you identify what you’re looking for in future internships or jobs and make it easier to talk about your experience during interviews.

Need help putting your skills into words? Career Services’ MySkills program can help you identify and communicate the strengths you’ve developed through internships, jobs, volunteer work and other experiences.

Update your resume and online profiles

Don’t wait until you’re applying for your next opportunity to update your resume. Add your internship experience while it’s still fresh in your mind.

Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, highlight the impact you made. Whenever possible, include measurable results. For example, instead of saying you “managed social media,” you could write that you “increased social media engagement by 23%.”

Be sure to update your LinkedIn, Handshake and other professional profiles, too. Keeping everything current makes it easier to apply for future opportunities and share your experience with employers.

If you’d like another set of eyes, Career Services can review your resume and help you highlight the skills and accomplishments employers are looking for.

Use your experience to prepare for what’s next

Your internship can be a steppingstone to what’s next.

As the semester begins, look for ways to build on what you’ve learned. Attend career fairs, explore internships and jobs in Handshake or meet with a career advisor to talk about your goals. You can also practice answering interview questions so you’re ready to confidently talk about your internship experience when opportunities arise.

Your internship may be over, but the experience can continue to shape your goals, applications and next steps. No matter where you are in your career journey, Career Services offers workshops, career advising and resources to help you move forward with confidence.

As your summer internship wraps up, it’s important to reflect on the new skills you learned and maintain the relationships you established. Here are a few steps you can take after completing your internship to set yourself up for future success.

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3 reasons to work on campus

Emily Sampl — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:39:25 +0000

3 reasons to work on campus Emily Sampl Fri, 07/24/2026 - 10:39

Listen to this article

Looking for a job or internship that fits your class schedule? An on-campus job can help you earn money, build your resume and meet other Buffs—all while keeping your academics first.

Whether you’re looking for your first job, an internship or hoping to gain experience related to your major, here are three reasons to consider student employment at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

1. Work around your classes

One of the biggest benefits of an on-campus job is flexibility. Most campus departments understand that you’re a student first, so supervisors typically schedule shifts around your classes and other commitments. Many also offer extra flexibility during busy times like midterms and finals.

Most student employees work about 10–15 hours each week, with a maximum of 25 hours. That means you can earn money while still making your coursework your top priority.

2. Build your community

An on-campus job is a great way to meet people outside of your classes. Whether you work at Campus Recreation & Well-Being, the Environmental Center, the University Memorial Center (UMC), Campus Dining & Hospitality or another department, you’ll get to know fellow Buffs who share your interests and become part of your campus community.

You’ll also work alongside faculty and staff who can become mentors, offer career advice and support your goals long after graduation. Many student supervisors serve as references, write recommendation letters or help students connect with internships, research opportunities and future jobs.

3. Gain experience for your future career

Every student job helps you build valuable skills employers look for, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and time management.

Many on-campus employers also offer student employment internships, giving you the opportunity to gain career-related experience while you’re still in school. These internships can help you stand out to future employers and strengthen your resume before graduation.

You can also find student jobs in fields like graphic design, marketing, social media, event planning, data analytics, research and more. Whether you’re exploring a career path or building experience in your major, these roles can help you develop technical skills while making professional connections.

Ready to find an on-campus job?

There are hundreds of student employment opportunities available across campus throughout the year.

Start your search in Handshake, where you can explore hourly and work-study positions with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� departments.

You can also meet campus employers in person at the On-Campus Student Job & Professional Experience Fair on Aug. 25 and learn about open positions.

Need help getting started? Career Services can help you search for jobs, improve your resume, prepare for interviews and make the most of Handshake—whether you’re applying for your first job or your next opportunity.

Looking for a job or internship that fits your class schedule? An on-campus job can help you earn money, build your resume and meet other Buffs—all while keeping your academics first. Whether you’re looking for your first job, an internship or hoping to gain experience related to your major, here are three reasons to consider student employment at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

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Job hunting after graduation? Start here!

Lynia Herrington — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:54:03 +0000

Job hunting after graduation? Start here! Lynia Herrington Wed, 04/15/2026 - 08:54

By Career Services

The transition from being a college student to what comes next doesn’t have to be something you navigate alone. No matter where you are in the process of figuring things out, Career Services is here to help.

As a Forever Buff, you can keep using many ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� career resources after graduation.

Find jobs on Handshake

You don’t lose access to Handshake after graduation. As an alum, you can continue searching for jobs, internships and part-time roles.

A complete, public profile makes a big difference—students and alumni with completed profiles are much more likely to be seen by employers. You can also review tips for building your profile and setting up job searches based on your major and interests.

Attend career events

Forever Buffs are always welcome at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� career and internship fairs, plus workshops, panels and info sessions for alumni. Many events are offered both in person and virtually, so you can join no matter where you live.

Use Handshake to register and stay up to date on event details.

Connect with your network

Your network can play a big role in your career journey, sometimes even more than job boards alone. Staying connected with other professionals can also help you:

Learn about career paths and industries

Find job and internship opportunities

Get advice from people who’ve been where you want to go

Here are a couple tools you can use to grow your network:

The Forever Buffs Network: This platform connects CU students and alumni from around the world. You can create an account, message alumni and set up informational interviews to learn about roles or industries you’re curious about. No matter where you move, there’s likely a ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� alumni chapter nearby.

LinkedIn: If you don’t already have one, LinkedIn is a great way to build a professional online presence. You can connect with people, explore companies, follow industries and discover job openings—all in one place.

Also, don’t forget about the people you already know: professors, supervisors, coworkers, classmates, friends and family. Let them know what you’re interested in and that you’re open to opportunities.

Get support from Career Services

Career Services is here to help at every stage. Career development advisors and peer career advisors can support you with:

Exploring career interests

Writing and updating resumes

Preparing for interviews

Planning your job search

You’ll also have access to tools like Quinncia, a free AI resume editor, and other on-demand career resources.

New graduates receive free career advising for one year after graduation, followed by two free appointments every year for life. Additional appointments are available for $30.

Learn more about getting started with Career Services as a Forever Buff.

Career Services is here to support you even after graduation. Take advantage of these resources available for Forever Buffs.

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It’s not too late! Here’s how to find a summer internship

Emily Sampl — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:45:29 +0000

It’s not too late! Here’s how to find a summer internship Emily Sampl Mon, 03/16/2026 - 07:45

Career Services

The end of the semester is getting closer, but it’s not too late to land a summer internship. Career Services offers tools, tips and support to help you stay motivated and make your search more effective.

Here are some tips to help you in your search, but remember—you don’t have to do everything at once. Choose what works best for you.

Streamline your search

Saved searches can save you a lot of time. Instead of checking job boards every day, set up alerts so new opportunities come straight to you.

All current CU students already have a Handshake account. In Handshake, you can:

Filter jobs by industry, location or role

Save your search so you’re notified when new positions are posted

Customize how often you receive email alerts

You can even create multiple saved searches if you’re exploring different fields or locations.

Stay one step ahead

Being prepared makes it easier to apply quickly when a great opportunity pops up.

Before you apply:

Create a resume and cover letter template you can easily customize

Highlight your skills, experience and accomplishments

Use resume writing tips and the Quinncia AI resume editor to get instant feedback

Additionally, knowing how to clearly talk about your experiences can help you stand out.

For interviews:

Review common interview questions

Write out and practice your answers with a friend, family member or career advisor

Try Quinncia’s AI mock interview tool to build confidence

Take advantage of career events

Career Services offers events, workshops and career fairs to support your internship and job search. Don’t miss out on these upcoming events:

April 6: Resume Revamp

April 9: AI Career Boost: Future-Ready AI Strategies for Career Readiness

April 13: Landing a Job or Internship

April 14: Startups2Students

April 16: Handshake Help Center

April 20: Interviewing 101

Explore more upcoming career events.

Find support

Wherever you are in your journey, Career Services offers tools to support you at every step:

Artificial intelligence resource guide: Learn how to tailor your materials to applicant tracking systems and increase your chances of getting noticed.

Career help on demand: Access tools for exploring majors, careers and professional skills.

Job search resources: Get help with resumes, interviews, networking and salary negotiation.

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Resume tips every college student needs

Emily Sampl — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:03:34 +0000

Resume tips every college student needs Emily Sampl Tue, 03/10/2026 - 10:03

Career Services

Your resume is often the first impression you make on an employer and plays a crucial role in landing an interview. Typically, employers only spend 10-30 seconds scanning it, so it’s important to produce an effective resume that is easy to read, highlights relevant experience and grabs their attention.

Here are a few tips and best practices to help you create a strong, strategic resume.

Keep it simple

Tailoring your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is a great way to increase your chances of making it past the initial screening stage. Most companies and organizations use an ATS to manage the volume of applicants, often reducing the number of candidates by 70%.

Follow these guidelines to ensure your resume is compatible with ATS:

Avoid using columns, text boxes, colors and graphics.
When it comes to fonts, limit yourself to three font sizes and one font style.
Pull keywords from the job posting or the mission and values of the organization and incorporate them in your resume.

As a student, you have access to Quinncia—an online AI tool that provides free personalized feedback on your resume. Quinncia’s in-depth recommendations can help your resume pass through an ATS.

Keep it relevant

Use your resume to show employers why you’re qualified for the job. Remember, not all experience has to come from formal employment. For example, include foundational skills—like communication, teamwork and leadership—you gained through class projects or volunteering when it’s relevant to the job description.

Start your resume bullets with what you accomplished and answer one or more of the following:

How did you do it?
Why did you do it?
For what purpose?
Quantify information whenever possible.

Whether you have no experience at all or you are wanting something else to round out your skills, Career Services offers a variety of opportunities that take from 20 minutes to multiple semesters to complete and will help you add professional experience to your resume.

Keep it active

Always start bulleted statements with past-tense, active verbs and delete words like “a,” “and” and “the.” You want to paint a vivid picture of your skills in action that is short and to the point. A few action verbs that stick out to employers include "developed,” “enhanced," "created," “analyzed,” "managed” and "mentored.” For more examples, review this list of action verbs to use on your resume.

Keep it going

Career Services offers several career fairs and industry events throughout the year. Here are a few of the upcoming events where you can improve and showcase your resume:

March 24: Prepare for the Career Fair
March 26: Career Chats with Forever Buffs
March 30: Prepare for the Career Fair with The Center
April 2: Just in Time Career & Internship Fair
April 6: Resume Revamp
April 13: Landing a Job or Internship (virtual event)
April 16: Handshake Help Center
April 16: Landing a Job or Internship (in-person event)

Use Handshake to register for these events and others as well as sign up for one-on-one sessions with employers during virtual career fairs. If there are specific employers that you are scheduled to chat with, make a variation of your resume that is tailored to each of them.

Career advisors are available to help you create and edit your resume. Check out this list of more resume tips and schedule an appointment to meet with Career Services so that you’re prepared to apply when opportunities arise.

Here are a few tips and best practices to help you create a strong, strategic resume.

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Resume tips every college student needs

Keep it simple

Keep it relevant

Keep it active

Keep it going

Related Articles

Find ways to build your leadership skills at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��

How to choose or change your major at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��

Explore opportunities selected by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��

Find your way to lead at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��