Career Help

Find your way to lead at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder

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

Find your way to lead at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder community, there are plenty of ways to build leadership skills.

Not sure where to start? Explore these student leadership opportunities at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, 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.

�鶹��Ѱ��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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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: �鶹��Ѱ��Student Government, the Residence Hall Association, the Off-Campus Life Board and Senior Class Council give students a voice in the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder. 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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.

Traditional

White

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.

Traditional

White

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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

Traditional

White

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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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.

Traditional

White

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 �鶹��Ѱ��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.

Schedule an appointment: Meet with a career advisor to ask questions and learn more.

Career Services offers resources to help students prepare for their internship search. Check out these tips to help you get motivated and make your search more effective.

Off

Traditional

White

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.

Traditional

White

How to stay motivated in your job or internship search

Emily Sampl — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:30:11 +0000

How to stay motivated in your job or internship search Emily Sampl Fri, 02/20/2026 - 14:30

Career Services

Listen to this article

The job and internship search is a big step, and even starting it is an accomplishment. However, it can come with a lot of waiting. If you haven’t heard back from employers yet, you’re not alone—it doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. This stage is part of the journey, and there are simple ways to take care of yourself, stay motivated and keep your momentum going.

Keep things in perspective

Job and internship searches take time, and usually more time than we expect. Between finding openings, updating resumes, writing cover letters and completing applications, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re under pressure to land something quickly.

There’s no “right” timeline but starting your search six to nine months in advance is a good rule of thumb. Creating a plan and tracking your applications can help you feel more in control and reduce stress.

Create balance outside the search

Doing things you enjoy outside of your job search can help you feel better. Try adding fun activities to your daily routine that can keep you motivated and help you reach your goals.

Volunteer: Build skills and give back through campus and community opportunities on CUServes.

Learn something new: Try LinkedIn Learning courses or Coursera Career Academy to build in‑demand skills. build in‑demand skills.

Network: Talking with others can help you learn about careers, meet mentors and discover opportunities. Check out these networking tips to get started.

Prioritize your well-being

Give yourself grace. It’s okay to step away from the search and recharge. Spend time with friends, go outside, rest or do something you enjoy—it can help you come back feeling refreshed.

And be sure to celebrate small wins along the way, like updating your resume, submitting applications or attending a networking event.

Find support

You don’t have to navigate this alone. 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.

Assessments and activities: Explore your interests, values and strengths to build confidence and direction.

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.

Career fairs, workshops and events: Connect with employers and gain practical skills.

If you’re unsure what to do next, schedule an appointment with a career advisor—support is available every step of the way.

If you haven’t heard back from employers yet, you’re not alone—it doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. This stage is part of the journey, and there are simple ways to take care of yourself, stay motivated and keep your momentum going.

Traditional

White

How to prepare for career fairs

Valerie Padilla — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:54:40 +0000

How to prepare for career fairs Valerie Padilla Thu, 01/22/2026 - 10:54

Career Services

Looking for a job or internship? Career Services hosts career fairs every semester so you can meet employers, explore opportunities and practice your networking skills.

Check out these simple tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

Register on Handshake

Handshake is your go‑to place to register for career fairs, see event details and check which employers will be there. �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder students already have an account—just log in and complete your profile with your major, year, preferred name and resume. And make sure your profile is public!

For virtual fairs: Sign up for “Available Sessions,” including one‑on‑ones with recruiters or group sessions about the company.

For in‑person fairs: Employers will have a QR code at their table so you can check in. This lets recruiters view your profile, download your resume and message you later.

Review upcoming fairs to find events that match your interests.

Make it a habit to keep your Handshake profile up to date and check in regularly—search for new opportunities and upcoming events often. The more you use Handshake, the better it gets at recommending jobs and events tailored to your interests, helping you make the most of your job or internship search.

Attend prep workshops

Career Services offers free workshops to help you get ready, including:

Prepare for the Virtual Career Fair on March 9

Prepare for the Career Fair on March 24

Prepare for the Career Fair with The Center on March 30

Get organized

Every career fair is open to all students, from all majors and experience levels. Browse through the list of employers who are attending on Handshake and highlight the ones you want to meet. New companies are added often, so check back before the event.

If you’re attending in person:

Bring your Buff OneCard.

Carry a few printed resumes.

Bring a notebook and pen.

Keep your bag with you (no bag drop available).

Plan your schedule so you have time to visit your top employers—lines and conversations can take longer than expected.

If you’re attending virtually: Have your resume and something to take notes with nearby.

Practice your pitch

Be ready to introduce yourself. Keep it short:

Your name

Your year and major

What kinds of roles you’re interested in

A quick example of related coursework, involvement or experience

You can also talk about one or two of your top skills, and come prepared with a few questions for each employer. Thoughtful questions show you’ve done your homework and help you learn more about company culture and opportunities.

Dress for success

Wear something that reflects who you are but also fits the professional vibe of the roles you’re pursuing. Your outfit can help boost your confidence.

Not sure what’s expected? Check company websites, talk with professors or advisors or reach out to Career Services for guidance.

Take notes

You’ll meet and chat with a lot of people at career fairs—don’t try to rely on your memory alone. Write down important details from each conversation, including the recruiter’s name and anything that stood out. Your notes will help you write stronger follow‑ups and prepare for interviews.

Find support

For more tips to help you prepare for career fairs, review our accessibility resources and check out upcoming programs and workshops.

Buffs can also stop by the Career Services office on the fourth floor of the Center for Community (C4C) to take a free professional profile picture or to have your resume reviewed. If you have questions about the fair, ask a Career Services team member through LiveChat on the Career Services website.

For accommodations including real-time captioning or a sign language interpreter, email adacoordinator@colorado.edu or visit the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance website at least seven days before the event. During the fair, visit the student check-in or info table for assistance or email careerservicesevents@colorado.edu to request an accommodation.

Looking for a job or internship? Career Services hosts career fairs every semester so you can meet employers, explore opportunities and practice your networking skills. Check out these simple tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

Zebra Striped

White

Upgrade your professional experience this semester

Emily Sampl — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:45:13 +0000

Upgrade your professional experience this semester Emily Sampl Tue, 01/20/2026 - 11:45

Career Services

It's never too early to start building your resume and explore what kind of career you actually want.

Employers like to see real-world experience like internships, projects or certifications because it shows you’ve got skills and drive. Bonus: Professional experiences help you discover what kind of job and company vibe suits you.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder has tons of ways to level up. Whether you’re building your resume, exploring interests or getting a jumpstart, now’s the time to dive in.

Find an internship

According to a national survey, internships are the top experience that employers look for when hiring. Why? Because it shows you’ve applied your skills in the real world.

Internships aren’t just resume boosters—they help you:

Build real-world skills

Make professional connections

Discover what kind of work and workplace fits you best

As a Buff, you’ve got access to amazing tools to help you land internships like Handshake, internship credit options and specialized experiences. Handshake is your go-to platform for finding internships (many of which you won’t see anywhere else). Review these tips tailored to your major to make it easier.

You can also explore unique experiences like �鶹��Ѱ��in D.C., Education Abroad and the Public Interest Internship Experience (PIIE) to find the right fit for your goals. And for more opportunities, check out workshops for landing an internship from Career Services.

Explore Career Academy

Career Academy Boulder gives you access to free career training programs from major companies like Google, Meta, IBM and more. These programs are designed to complement your classroom learning and professional experiences, helping you gain practical skills that employers value. Everything is online and self-paced, so you can fit career-building into your schedule.

Build skills through hands-on learning

Find the right role for your career goals

Earn micro-credentials to boost your resume and give you an edge in the job market

Whether you’re looking to explore new industries or strengthen your expertise, Career Academy offers flexible options to help you stand out to employers and prepare for your future.

Try a job simulation

Job simulations let you experience a “day in the life” at top companies like Red Bull, The New York Times, Bank of America and more—without needing to apply or commit.

Through Forage, you can experience real-world tasks from major brands and industries, and You can explore your options before jumping into an internship or job. It’s a low-pressure way to:

Test-drive different careers

Build skills employers care about

See what kind of work excites you

Work on campus

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder hires thousands of students every semester, and on-campus jobs are more than just a paycheck. They offer:

Flexible work hours that fit your class schedule

Hands-on experience you can add to your resume

A chance to grow your professional network right here on campus

No matter your major or interests, there’s a job for you. Start exploring open positions on Handshake and see how working on campus can support your goals.

Volunteer

Volunteering isn’t just good for the community—it’s great for you, too. You’ll gain new skills, meet people and make a difference.

Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE) can help you find opportunities that fit your schedule and interests, with flexible commitment levels and tons of ways to get involved.

Plus, volunteer experience can give you a major edge when applying for jobs or internships—especially with nonprofits or government agencies. Whether you're passionate about social change, sustainability, education or something else, there's a way to get involved and grow.

Set yourself up for success

Career Services helps students position themselves for success through workshops, events, training and other resources. Learn more about getting started with Career Services.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder has tons of ways to level up. Whether you’re building your resume, exploring interests or getting a jumpstart, now’s the time to dive in.

Zebra Striped

White

5 ways AI can optimize your job search

Kyra Raye Loch — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:23:47 +0000

5 ways AI can optimize your job search Kyra Raye Loch Tue, 01/20/2026 - 11:23

Career Services

Looking for a job or internship as a college student can feel like a big adventure—and AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini can make navigating the process easier than ever.

So many people are applying for jobs right now that recruiters get thousands of applications every day. Companies use AI to help sort through all these resumes, and the number of applications sent on LinkedIn has shot up by more than 45% in the past year—about 11,000 every minute! Because of this, about 9 out of 10 employers now use AI to quickly scan and rank resumes before a real person even looks at them, according to the World Economic Forum.

This means your application needs to stand out while still feeling authentic. AI can help you save time and spark ideas—but it’s a helper, not a replacement. Your personality and unique experiences should always shine through. Here are some practical ways to use AI in your job search.

Conduct industry research with AI

Generative AI isn’t just for writing—it can also help you learn about industries, companies and job trends.

How to use AI:

Ask AI for an overview of a company, its mission and recent news.

Use AI to identify networking opportunities or common roles in your field.

Request summaries of labor market trends or emerging skills in your industry.

Pro tips:

Always cross-reference AI-generated information with trusted sources like Handshake and O*NET. AI can make mistakes or “hallucinate” facts.

If you’re reviewing multiple sources, try NotebookLM, a �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder-approved AI tool. It can organize your research, create quick industry outlines and even turn your sources into an AI-generated podcast!

Bonus: Join regular AI Career Boost workshops this semester to learn more about how you can leverage AI tools in your career journey.

Craft a strong resume

Tailoring your resume for each job takes effort. AI tools can help you write clear, impactful bullet points that highlight your skills.

How to use AI:

Share your past responsibilities and ask AI to turn them into achievement-based bullet points.

Paste your current resume and ask for alternative wording.

Treat AI like a brainstorming buddy—give feedback and refine until it feels right.

Pro tips:

Don’t copy, paste and submit the first draft. Edit for tone and accuracy.

Check for mistakes or irrelevant details.

Avoid sharing sensitive personal info.

Bonus: Use Quinncia for resume reviews and check out more resume tips from Career Services.

Customize your cover letter

AI tools can speed up the writing process, but personalization is key.

How to use AI:

Paste the job description, your resume and a cover letter outline into an AI tool.

Ask for a cover letter draft, then tweak it to sound like you.

Run multiple versions and pick what works best.

Pro tips:

Proofread carefully—AI can make typos.

Add company-specific details to show you’ve done your research.

Bonus: Schedule a review with an advisor in Career Services for more advice.

Write professional emails

Not sure how to respond to an interview invite or connect on LinkedIn? AI tools can help you draft polished messages.

How to use AI:

Paste the email you received (minus personal info) and ask for a professional response.

Use AI to draft LinkedIn introductions or thank-you notes.

Pro tips:

Always personalize the tone—your voice matters.

Proofread before sending.

Bonus: Schedule time with a career advisor to chat through the job search process, including how to answer an email or tips to negotiate a starting salary.

Prepare for interviews

Practice makes perfect! AI tools can help you anticipate questions and rehearse answers.

How to use AI:

Ask for common interview questions based on the job description.

Come up with answers to these questions and practice out loud, or request sample answers and rewrite them in your own words.

Pro tips:

Remember, real people will interview you—make your responses authentic.

Use AI for ideas, not scripts.

Bonus: Try Quinncia’s mock interview tool or meet with an advisor.

Rember—AI tools are great, but they aren’t perfect. They can’t replace your creativity or personal touch. Use them to save time and spark ideas, but make sure your application reflects who you are.

Find support

Career Services is here to help! Check out �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s AI tools list and the AI Resource Guide for tips and more. Here are some more resources to learn about AI:

Career Academy: Sign up to complete free certificates from top companies like Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Salesforce and more. Each certificate teaches you the latest ways to use AI in fields like content creation, data analytics, UX/UI design and over 40 other areas.

LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning has tons of quick, easy-to-watch courses on professional skills. You can learn about all kinds of AI topics here, whether you’re just starting out or already know about using AI tools.

Looking for a job or internship as a college student can feel like a big adventure—and AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini can make navigating the process easier than ever.

Traditional

White

Career Help

Find your way to lead at �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder

Take on a student leadership role

Build your skills through a leadership program

Get leadership experience through a campus job

Use your voice on a board or committee

Lead in everyday moments

Turn your experience into career skills

Find your next opportunity

Related Articles

Finished your internship? Here’s what to do next

Thank the people who supported you

Reflect on what you learned

Update your resume and online profiles

Use your experience to prepare for what’s next

Related Articles

3 reasons to work on campus

1. Work around your classes

2. Build your community

3. Gain experience for your future career

Ready to find an on-campus job?

Related Articles

Job hunting after graduation? Start here!

Find jobs on Handshake

Attend career events

Connect with your network

Get support from Career Services

Related Articles

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

Streamline your search

Stay one step ahead

Take advantage of career events

Find support

Off

Resume tips every college student needs

Keep it simple

Keep it relevant

Keep it active

Keep it going

Related Articles

How to stay motivated in your job or internship search

Keep things in perspective

Create balance outside the search

Prioritize your well-being

Find support

Related Articles

How to prepare for career fairs

Register on Handshake

Attend prep workshops

Get organized

Practice your pitch

Dress for success

Take notes

Find support

Related Articles

Upgrade your professional experience this semester

Find an internship

Explore Career Academy

Try a job simulation

Work on campus

Volunteer

Set yourself up for success

Related Articles

5 ways AI can optimize your job search

Conduct industry research with AI

Craft a strong resume

Customize your cover letter

Write professional emails

Prepare for interviews

Find support

Related Articles

Find your way to lead at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder