Job and Internship Search
A focused search goes further than a scattered one. Decide what you're looking for, use a few good sources, keep track of what you send, and talk to people along the way.
Start with a goal
Write down two or three types of roles, the places you'd consider living and the kinds of organizations you'd like to work for. A clear target makes every search faster and every application stronger. Not sure yet? Start with Explore Majors and Careers.
Know the timing
Many organizations recruit summer interns in the fall and winter, and some large employers hire graduating seniors in the fall. Smaller organizations, nonprofits and schools often hire people closer to the start date. Look at postings in your field early so you don't miss deadlines.
Where to look
- Handshake: jobs, internships and on-campus positions posted for WWU students. Save your searches and turn on alerts.
- On-campus jobs: Student Employment at WWU.
- LinkedIn: job postings, plus a look at who works where.
- Indeed and other general job boards: wide reach, so filter carefully.
- USAJOBS: federal jobs and student programs.
- Idealist: nonprofit jobs, internships and volunteer roles.
- Washington state jobs: state government jobs.
- Your field's professional association: many run job boards the big sites miss.
- Adventist employers: conferences, schools and health systems often post on their own career pages as well as in Handshake.
- Student Missions: a student missions year can be a strong next step.
Stay organized
Keep a simple tracker with the organization, role, date applied, deadline, contacts and next step. Use ours or build your own. Our application tracker is in Handshake Resources.
Apply with care
A few tailored applications tend to go further than many generic ones. For each, adjust your resume, write a specific cover letter, and follow up if you haven't heard back in about two weeks.
Watch for scams
Real employers won't ask you to pay to get a job, to deposit a check and send part of it back, or to share bank details before you're hired. If something feels off, be extra careful. FTC guide to job scams
International students
Check your work authorization before you apply or accept an offer. International Students: Work and Internships
Talk it through
Not sure where to start, or stuck partway through?
A note on AI
AI tools can search many job boards at once based on what you tell them, which can save time. However, they often find outdated or fake jobs. If you choose to use them, decide your target first so the tool works from your goals, not the other way around.