Getting Started
Prepare for your journey
There are several things you can do now to prepare for the road ahead. Below are our top three recommendations of ways you can get started. You’ll also see how to effectively use the many resources in our job search & event platform, Handshake.
1. Develop A
Plan
An Individual Development Plan
is a helpful tool to guide
you on your journey.
2. Gain
Experience
Find opportunities that develop
leadership, organizing,
and collaboration.
3. Identify your
network
Take inventory of the people and professionals in your life who can support your interests.
Handshake: Your Resource Platform
Job & Internship Search
Login to Handshake today to explore career options, find jobs and internships, and connect with employers. We particularly recommend using CareerShift (in Handshake’s Career Center > Resources), as it provides comprehensive searches for graduate-level postings.
- Jobs: This tab on the landing page features opportunities posted by employers at schools, though it is not a search engine.
- CareerShift: a powerful job-search engine we subscribe to for you.
- GoinGlobal: a search engine for jobs around the world (including the USA), with guides to working and living in each country. Also has an H-1B guide for international students.
Make an Appointment
As a graduate student, you have access to a dedicated Graduate Career Coach for your program who is here to support you. You can meet with your Career Coach to discuss any graduate-level career-related topic, such as: job/internship search, networking, designing resumes & cover letters, interviewing, and negotiating compensation. Choose the coach that aligns with your program of study:
- Francine Mahak, PhD
Engineering, Science, Mines & Earth Science, Medicine: Research Groups, PMST
- Catherine Tingstrom, PhD
Social & Behavioral Sciences, Health, Nursing, Social Work, Public Health, Education: Ed Psych, SPED, UITE
- Dan Moseson, PhD
Humanities, Fine Arts, Architecture + Planning, Education: ECS, ELP (M.Ed. Student Affairs Emphasis coach is Anna Renzetti.)

Start Networking
Handshake is the ideal place to find events where you can begin networking. Join an employer information session, attend a career fair, or get a resume review from an employer. Networking Tips:- Seek conversations with academic and outside professionals whenever you can.
- In your conversations, focus on them so you can hear what work is like in different careers and environments. Share your interests as well.
- Follow up with a specific thank-you message about what you most valued. Check-in with them periodically to build the professional relationship.
Connect With Your Community
Network with graduate students and alumni from other schools: go to the Community tab to find people in your field who might share your interests and broaden your professional network.
Prioritizing Self Care
School can be a lot of stress and pressure, which is why prioritizing self-care is crucial to your success. Review the
variety of FREE resources available to you at the U of U!