Finding Positions

View our online job and internship searching workshop at http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/workshops.html.

Finding job openings to apply for is often times one of the most difficult parts of the job search process.  When speaking to students and alumni, the majority of them report that they found their jobs through talking to friends, family or acquaintances.  Web sites can be a helpful resource, but your most effective job search strategy should be getting out and talking to people that you know about your career plans.  Consider the below advice from alumni:

“Start early. It's never too early to network.  Use every available resource you have (family, relatives, friends, chance encounters) & follow up on possible career opportunities.  Sometimes a job can develop from an internship or part-time work.  Don't immediately reject a position because it is not full time.”

“Conduct informational interviews to find out the type of people hiring managers are looking to hire. Then work to develop some of those qualities/skills.” 

“Join professional organizations to network.”

“NETWORK!”