Explore Careers
Explore careers through experience
Internships, externships, part-time jobs, service learning, and participation in a Registered Student Organization (RSO) are great ways to develop professional skills and build your network. Opportunities are posted year round in Handshake.
Internship
Complete at least one internship while at WMU. An internship offers you a chance to learn the skills and practice with the supervision of a more experienced professional.
Externship
Part job shadow, part informational interview, these one to three day site visits with employers can help you understand various work environments, corporate cultures and daily job tasks.
Part-Time Job
- On-Campus - Consider working in academics, the Library, Dining Services or program offices throughout campus. Work Study options may also be available based on your financial aid package.
- Off-Campus - Many area retail stores, restaurants, and non-profit organizations seek student employees each year.
Service Learning
Service learning addresses community-identified needs, and it allows you to put academics into practice. Service learning always includes critical reflection of the work, interactions, and learning regarding the service.
Student Organization Leadership
Leadership programs will help you develop into a well-rounded leader and transfer the leadership skills that you acquire to life beyond and outside of WMU.
Informational interviewing
Informational interviewing is a way to gain first-hand knowledge about a career by speaking with someone who is in your position of interest or who is familiar with the industry. Family, friends, fellow students, faculty, WMU alumni and co-workers are great resources. You can make connections through social media sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter.
- Think about the connection as a way to build a relationship and expand your network.
- Informational interviews are not about asking for a job or a job lead; the point is to learn something.
- The person you have made a connection with is doing you a favor; follow their lead on whether meetings should take place in person, by phone or by email. It is about what is convenient for them.
- Do your homework before the meeting; try to learn more about the person.
- Set the agenda and know what you want to ask.
- Be respectful and do not overstay your welcome; ask the person how much time they have.
- Always send a thank you note or email to the person who made the connection for you, and the person who granted the informational interview.
What questions should you ask?
About the interviewee
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How did you get into this field/position?
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What is a typical day like for you?
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What professional organizations, books, journals or writers have had the greatest influence on your work?
About the job/occupation
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What is the preferred degree or major for entry into this field?
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Are there any entrance requirements?
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What are the most rewarding and least rewarding aspects of the job?
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What qualities and skills do you feel a person in this field should have?
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What is the average starting salary for an entry level position at your organization?
About the industry
- What are the typical issues faced in the industry? What are the best ways to learn more about the industry?
- If you could improve one thing in the industry, your workplace, or your department, what would it be?
Going forward
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Who would you recommend I talk with to further my knowledge? Can I tell them that you referred me?
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Would you look over my resume and let me know what you would recommend improving?
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What places would you recommend I observe, volunteer, or intern?
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What organizations would you recommend joining?
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What certifications do you recommend earning?
Networking
Networking is about getting to know people. Building your network is a valuable job search resource. To be successful at networking, you must learn to form mutually beneficial relationships with others and it involves both give and take. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) estimates that 75–80% of available positions are never advertised but are filled through word-of-mouth or networking.
Who belongs in my network?
Networking means developing a broad list of contacts. Initially, you will utilize your existing resources for contacts to spread the word that you are looking for a job.
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LinkedIn contacts and groups such as WMU Career Mentors
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Relatives, friends and acquaintances
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Classmates and former classmates
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Alumni, including recent grads
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Parents of classmates
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Professors, instructors and advisors
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Professional student organization members and members of other groups you belong to
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Coaches and administrators
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Current and former co-workers
Brainstorm for contacts
There are three different types of contacts, and while you may begin with those contacts closest to you, eventually you will include all three types of contacts in your network.
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Hot contact: A person you know well and with whom you have a direct connection
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Warm contact: A person with whom you have a connection, but you may not know them personally
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Cold contact: A person with whom you have no connection
Tips for networking
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Networking is often about first impressions. Dress well, polish how you speak, make eye contact, and present yourself to impress others. Practice your personal introduction and be prepared to use it.
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Prepare questions. Networking is a conversation between two people, so it is best to have questions in mind when speaking with someone about their career.
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Follow up with every person you meet. A short note telling someone that you enjoyed meeting them will solidify your initial impression and help them remember you.
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Stay connected. Networking will be an ongoing part of how you manage your career, so stay in touch with your contacts.
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Stay organized; it is important to keep track of your contacts and your communication with them.