Never been to the Magner Career Center? Watch our Orientation!

Check out our About the Magner Career Center Section for information about all of our services!

Internships & Fellowships for Seniors & Recent Graduates:

What Are Some Internship/Fellowship Opportunities for Seniors and Recent Graduates?

BC Handshake

Handshake is the #1 job placement & career development software for college students! On the platform, students can apply for jobs & internships, and build connections with Fortune 500 recruiters.
> CUNY-specific jobs and internships and actively recruiting employers! 
> Customized AI-powered job & internship opportunities! 
> Student-centered opportunities requiring no previous experience! 
Claim your account by clicking the button below:

Add Your Personal Email to Handshake!

Follow the steps below to add your personal email to Handshake.

Top Resources for Seniors

> Career Document Guide:
Learn how to craft exceptional resumes, cover letters and more!
> Career Workshops, Events & Company Visits:
Check out how to sign up for career development events, in collaboration with top companies & across industries!
> Finding a Job:
Learn how to kick off you job search and secure your dream opportunity!
> Meet With a Career Coach:
Work with a professional to clarify your career goals and identify new industries & opportunities!
> Major-Specific Career Resources:
Learn career tips and tricks designed for your major!
> Building In-Demand Professional Skills:
Learn how to up-skill, build relevant professional experience, to make you a better candidate for opportunities!
> Internships/Fellowships for Seniors:
Check out internship/fellowship opportunities for CUNY seniors and recent graduates!
> Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Success:
Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile and connect with mentors & recruiters!

Remember that AI is a great start, but any documents & career planning should be reviewed by a Career Coach before being used for applications. Also, remember that AI creates a far inferior product to one you could develop through considerable effort and dedication.  

Exploring Careers

Connecting Major/Interests to Careers

Prompt: I am interested in [interests] majoring in [major] what are some potential career options for me?

Learning About a Career or Job

Prompt: What tasks and responsibilities are completed as a [job title]?

Resume Prompts

Developing a Resume Template

Prompt: I am a [Year] (EX: Sophomore) at CUNY Brooklyn College, studying [Major]EX: Computer Science], seeking internships. Can you provide a sample resume that does not falsify any experiences, only includes my name at the top of the resume, and meets these specifications: [copy + paste resume checklist text from Career Document Guide] 

Modifying Existing Resume

• Prompt 1: I will provide my resume text first, then in the second message I will provide a resume checklist that needs to be used to edit my resume. Here is my resume: [paste resume text or upload file]  
• Prompt 2: Here is the checklist: [copy + paste resume checklist text from Career Document Guide] 

Catering Resume to Job Description

• Prompt 1: I will provide my resume text [or upload file] first, then in the second message I will provide a job description that needs to be used to cater my resume by adding keywords. Here is my resume: [paste your full resume text or upload file] 
• Prompt 2: Here is the job description [copy + paste job description text] 

Cover Letter Prompts

Developing a Cover Letter Template

• Prompt 1: I am a [Year] EX: Sophomore] at CUNY Brooklyn College, studying [Major]EX: Computer Science], seeking internships. Create a one-page cover letter template based on my resume and a cover letter checklist, which I will send in separate messages. Here is the resume: [copy + paste resume text or upload file]  
• Prompt 2: Here is the checklist: [paste cover letter checklist text from Career Document Guide] 

Improving Existing Cover Letter

• Prompt 1: I will provide my cover letter text first, then in the second message I will provide a resume checklist that needs to be used to edit my provided cover letter text. Here is my resume: [paste your cover letter text]  
• Prompt 2: Here is the checklist: [paste cover letter checklist text from Career Document Guide] 

Also, check out: Ben Broch’s Cover Letter Copilot: which creates cover letters based on job description & resume.

Informational Interviewing Prompts

Prompt: I am interested in [interests] majoring in [major] what are some topics I can discuss with industry professionals. I’m not sure where to even start.

Job + Internship Search Prompts

Finding Job/Internship Search Platforms

Prompt: I am a [Year] [EX: Sophomore] at CUNY Brooklyn College, studying [Major] [EX: Computer Science]. Can you find me 10 (*or remove number*) internship & job application platforms that I can use?  

Finding Potential Job/Internships Titles

Prompt: I am going to first provide my resume text, then I’d like you to provide me with a list of 20 internship/job titles I should target based on my experiences. Here is the resume text: [paste your resume text or upload file] 

Finding Professional Associations

Prompt: I am a [Year] [EX: Sophomore] at CUNY Brooklyn College, studying [Major] [EX: Computer Science]. I am going to first provide my resume text, then I’d like you to provide me with a list of 20 professional association organizations I should target based on my experiences. Here is the resume text: [paste your resume text or upload file]

Finding Companies to Apply to

Prompt: I’m looking for entry-level positions as a [career title]. Share companies in [location/region/city/country] that hire for this role?

I am interested in working as a [career title] for [company name]. What are five other companies that hire for similar positions?

Interview Preparation Prompts

Interview Questions

Prompt: I am going to first provide my resume text, then a job description. After receiving both, please create sample interview questions I may be asked. Here is the resume text: [paste your resume text or upload file] and here is the job description [paste the job description or upload file]

Prompt: I am interviewing for a position as a [career title]. Give me a list of the most common questions asked in an interview for this position.

Elevator Pitch

Prompt: I am going to first provide my resume text, then create an elevator pitch I can be used for employers in [industry]

Additional Resources:

• Use ChatGPT’s voice chat feature in the phone app to interview in real-time. You can also ask for advice on how to respond to challenging questions
• Check out: Adzuna: a comprehensive interview preparation tool & question generator through AI

LinkedIn Optimization Prompts

Drafting LinkedIn About Section

Prompt: I will provide my resume text (or my entire LinkedIn profile). Create a sample LinkedIn about section, of at most 100 words. Here is the resume text: [paste your resume or upload file or LinkedIn profile text]

Highlighting In-Demand Certifications

• Prompt 1: I will first provide my resume text, then next send a job description. After I send both entries, then create a list of certifications on LinkedIn Learning that I should pursue to make myself a more competitive applicant. Here is my resume: [paste your resume text or upload file]
• Prompt 2: Here is the job description from [insert company name]: [paste job description]

Magner Career Center Workshop About Using AI in the Job Search

[embedyt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB_e1H8YIkk[/embedyt]

We have prepared a guide that details career activities to complete each week of the academic semester. Follow it below, and make sure to stay connected with us to attend all the awesome career events and opportunities available to you!

We recommend following the timeline listed below which mimics the academic semester. This is a general timeline to help you plan, but some items can be done much earlier! We encourage you to check the date of our job fair and, if needed, do those tasks sooner than the rest of the tasks.

STAYING ON TRACK: To help stay on track will keep an online journal. Use this template to create your journal (be sure to click on “File,” “Download,” and label it with your name). The journal will have actions or responses you need to complete based on the activity. Review the journal at the beginning of each week to see what tasks need to be completed. Below are the topics you will complete each week with detailed information on the various career milestones.

TASKS BY WEEK

Week 1: Get Familiar with the Career Center:

• Become familiar with the Magner Career Center by watching Welcome to the Brooklyn College Magner Career Center! and Magner Career Center Orientation.
  • Name 3 services you are interested in using at the Career Center. Complete Slide 3.
  • Name 1 thing that stood out to you/that excites you. Complete Slide 3.

• Watch at least one video from one of the following playlists. Complete Slide 4.
  • School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences Playlist
  • School of Visual Media and Performing Arts Playlist
  • School of Humanities and Social Sciences Playlist
  • School of Education Playlist
  • School of Business Playlist
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.

• Complete slides 1, 3 & 4 in your journal.

Week 2: Explore Your Interests

• Complete the Ideal Career Self-Assessment on Slide 5. If you need some help getting started, take the Color Q self-assessment to gain some possible insights.
• Reflect on your interests, skills and abilities by completing Slide 6.
• Take the O’NET Online Interest Profiler assessment. Jot down at least 3 careers you want to learn more about. List them on Slide 7 in the Career Interest box.
• Conduct research on these careers using ONETonline and MyNextMove. Complete Slide 7.
• Schedule a group appointment with a career coach to discuss your career interests and what you learned. Complete Slide 8 to prep for the appointment.
• Reflect on your group discussion. Complete Slide 9.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.

• Complete slides 5 through 9 in your journal.

Week 3: Getting Career Ready – Resumes

• Draft your resume by using the resources on this page.
  • Note: a resume does not only highlight work experience. You can highlight volunteer experience, class work you’ve completed, clubs you are/were a part of and much more.
• After drafting your resume, email it to careernews@brooklyn.cuny.edu requesting feedback on the document. Include feedback you receive on Slide 10.
• Make edits to the resume based on the feedback from the Career Coach. If needed, schedule a group appointment to discuss the feedback. When your resume has been edited, upload it to Handshake.
• Link the edited document to Slide 10.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 10.

Week 4: Getting Career Ready – Cover Letters

• Identify at least one internship you are interested in on Handshake and download/save the job description. If you can’t find one on Handshake, try the following resources.
• Draft your cover letter based on the internship you identified by using the guidebook.
• Email your cover letter to careernews@brooklyn.cuny.edu requesting feedback on the document, record the feedback on Slide 11.
• Make edits to the cover letter based on the feedback. If needed, schedule a group appointment to discuss the feedback.
• Link the edited document to Slide 11.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 11.

Week 5: Develop Your Pitch

• Take a look at this sample Elevator Pitch (shortened version of the answer to the question “Tell Me About Yourself” – the most popular interview question).
• Write down some points you would say in a 30 to 45 second pitch on Slide 12.
• Practice your pitch with a Career Coach during group session Walk-In Hours and write the feedback on Slide 13.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
• Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slides 12 & 13.

Week 6: Professional Email & Phone Communication

• Review the Business Etiquette page which explains best practices in the workplace.
• Log into LinkedIn Learning with a Brooklyn Public Library card, then complete the following communication module around Business Etiquette: Phone, Email, and Text.
• Based on what you learned, complete the scenarios on Slides 14 & 15.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slides 14 & 15.

Week 7: Job/Intern Fair

• BEFORE FAIR: Attend a job fair prep event. If you can’t attend an event, watch this 3-part prep video playlist. Write down 3 key takeaways from the prep. Complete Slide 16.
• BEFORE FAIR: Make a list of employers you want to speak with along with questions you want to ask. Complete Slide 16.
• DURING FAIR: dress to impress, bring resumes copies and smile!
• AFTER FAIR: Send thank you notes to each employer you spoke with. Refer to resume/cover letter guide pages 29 & 30; use this as a guide not something to copy. Complete Slide 17.
• Reflect on the fair. Complete Slide 17.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2
• Complete Slides 16 & 17.

Week 8: Networking and Mentoring

• Create a profile on LinkedIn.com. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. This allows you to build your professional identity online, and stay in touch with colleagues and classmates, as well as discover professional opportunities. Review this page to help build your profile. Complete Slide 18.
• Work with a Career Coach on the LinkedIn profile for feedback during Walk In Hours or schedule a group appointment.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 18.

Week 9: Building Professional Relationships

• Review the Building Professional Relationships presentation (BPR).
• Join the Magner Career Center LinkedIn group. Complete Slide 19.
• List alum that you would like to connect with in your field of interest by following these steps. Try to connect with one of the alums by sending them a connection request and a personal note. Complete Slide 19.
• Prep for the Mentor meeting using tips in the BPR. Complete Slide 20.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slides 19 & 20.

Week 10: Interview Prep

• STAR (click link for info on the technique) is a method that can help you organize your responses to behavioral based questions. Make a copy of this STAR Interview tool and come up with at least two STAR stories that demonstrate your skills in an interview by picking an interview question linked in column A1, and then filling in the rest of the columns. Complete Slide 21.
• Make a copy of this “interview organizer” and fill it in. The organizer will help you address other questions you may be asked in an interview. Complete Slide 21.
• Join a group session to discussion interview prep with a career coach.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 21.

Week 11: Now That You’ve Built the Foundation – Get Ready to Apply to Internships

• Review Internships 101. Complete Slide 22.
• Review Magner Career Center’s freshman/sophomore programs or junior/senior programs. Either apply to programs or develop a list of programs you plan to apply to. Alternatively, if no programs appeal to you, list your ideal internship position/company. Complete Slide 23.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slides 22 & 23.

Week 12: Personal Branding

• Join an on-campus club. Complete Slide 24.
• Plan to participate in at least 1 of these activities. Complete Slide 24:
  • Volunteer in your local community
  • Clean up your social media accounts by reviewing them in the eyes of an employer
  • Start a social media account for your career interest
  • Create a blog or personal website
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 24.

Week 13: Professional Development:

• Complete the Career Readiness Self-Assessment in your journal and identify at least one competency you would like to work on. Slides 25 to 31.
• Using LinkedIn Learning (free with your Brooklyn Public Library card) watch a video about the competency you selected that you want to work on the most.
• Create a short video or presentation that shows what you learned from the material you read and the video you watched. This is an opportunity to reflect on the past few months and what you learned. Slide 32.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slides 25 to 32.

Week 14: Goal Setting

• Review Magner Career Center’s page on Goal Setting.
• Develop a Career Plan (click link to download) which will cover the next 2+ years at Brooklyn College and sum up everything reflected on in your journal. Complete Slide 33.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 34.

Week 15 & Beyond: Catch Up & Staying Engaged

• Use this time to finish any tasks you didn’t have a chance to complete. We know you had a busy semester, and if you didn’t complete everything that’s okay!
• Be sure each semester you attend our events, especially our Job/Internship Fair, work with the Career Center to establish and refine goals/your resume, apply to opportunities, and engage with your campus community!

Read through the check-list below to identify what are the best ways to create an eye-catching profile:

Your Overview:

• A Photo in professional attire is key. Profiles with photos are 14 times more likely to be viewed. A Visual Header can be added to your Linkedin account as well.

• Professional Headline tells the reader WHY to keep reading. It is a small strip of text below your profile picture with a 120-character limit.
  • Samples of Professional Headlines that stand out:
    • Aspiring Human Resources Professional. Currently helping students connect to their dream careers.
    • Environmental Science Major, Business Minor at KCC focused on Sustainable Development.
    • Molecular Cell Biology Intern at IDEXX | Integrative Biology Student | Hockey & Student Government.
• About (summary) should be used to position yourself for your next job. Highlight those skills and experiences that support your career direction. Be sure to include industry related keywords. Use ONETOnline.org to search the career you’re interested in to determine keywords you want to use. The first 2 sentences of your profile are all that initially appear. You can try this summary builder exercise to make the most out of your summary.

Detail Your Experiences:

• Experience is a version of your resume. Use targeted keywords and accomplishments.

• Media Links allow you to link media to your LinkedIn account that showcases your accomplishments through websites, videos, and PowerPoints.

• Skills & Endorsements is an important section to customize. Your skills are the keywords that will help you show up in a recruiter’s search. 

• Recommendations from supervisors, coworkers, clients, professors, or fellow students who know you well enhance your profile.

• Additional Sections can be added to enhance your profile. Consider adding sections such as Projects, Courses, Certifications, Languages, Publications, and Volunteer Experience.
  •  LinkedIn learning is available through Brooklyn College as a student. Set up your account by following the instructions on this page. After you graduate, if you no longer have access through Brooklyn College, you can access it for free through the Brooklyn Public Library.

• Customize your Public Profile URL for use on business cards, your resume and in your email signature. In the same section you can also access your privacy settings.

Content inspired from sabrina-woods.com

Check out our other article: How can I use LinkedIn to Find a Job?

Color Q Personality Test

> Complete the Color Q, a personality test designed to match you to possible career pursuits and suitable work environments based on color matches.
> After completion, match your colors to corresponding chapters.
> Then, select 5-10 job titles that look most interesting to you.

Career Interest Profiler – MyNextMove

> Complete the My Next Move Assessment to identify career paths based on the work-related task you prefer to complete.
> Then, select 5-10 job titles that look most interesting to you.

Value Reflection Exercise

1. Take the 10-20 job titles you selected from Color Q & My Next Move.
2. Complete the Value Reflection Worksheet.
3. Consider: Do my selected job titles align with my career & lifestyle values?
4. Eliminate the jobs that do not match your values.
5. Select 3-5 final job titles that you want to conduct more research on.

Review our article on Conducting Research on Career Interests.

Then, Schedule an Appointment with a Career Coach to further discuss your results, and learn how to Find Related Internships.

If you have any questions, please call us at 718.951.5696 or email careernews@brooklyn.cuny.edu.

Besides learning new skills you will have an opportunity to apply previous skills from your classes and labs to a real research project. You get great exposure to the current technology, trends, and literature in the scientific community, not to mention meeting researchers and learning the issues in your field of study. You will also create a network of professionals, graduate students, post-docs, and fellow undergraduate students who can become part of a network of peers who can give you support after you graduate.

Many of these programs are in the sciences, but opportunities exist in the humanities, business, and social sciences. Many are designed to attract students from groups considered under-represented in their relevant disciplines and to help the institutions increase diversity in their programs.

Most research projects require an application with a statement of purpose (a description of your development as a scholar in your field thus far and why summer research would help your professional development), a résumé, and letters of recommendation. Deadlines vary but they generally start in January and continue through the spring. The most competitive programs tend to be earlier.

SUIP & PREP Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) and Penn Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) each of which are paid research opportunities for underrepresented students who are interested in pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Graduate Studies. SUIP is a ten-week summer experience for undergraduate students, whereas PREP is a 1-to-2 year long program for recently-graduated students who would like to build their research experience before applying to graduate school.

You can find more information about SUIP and PREP using the links.

RESEARCH THE COMPANY

• Visit the company website to gather information such as its history, philosophy, recent news, size and services provided, its mission, their competitors etc.
• Identify the roles that align with your skills and experience, and understand what qualifications or traits the company values in employees.
• Visit helpful websites to gain knowledge about the field and company such as Glassdoor, LinkedIn or professional associations in the field.

PREPARE AND ASK QUESTIONS

• Prepare at least 5 questions (sample questions below).
• When asking your questions first introduce yourself (name, class status and major) and then ask your question.
• Be mindful that others will have questions, so be sure to scan the room after a question.
• Avoid questions about salary, benefits, and work hours; focus instead on learning about the company and its culture. 

Sample Questions

• Can you describe an ideal employee?
• Can you describe the culture?
• Could you describe your company’s management style and the type of employee who fits well with it?
• How can I be better prepared for an interview?
• Can you describe your career path?

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

• Try to arrive before the actual start of the event.  If circumstances do not allow that make sure to arrive on time.
• Do not smoke.
• Smile, give friendly greetings.
• Be aware of your mannerisms and nervous habits (do not tap your fingers, swing your feet or sit slumped over).
• Make sure your cell phone is turned off.
• Go to the restroom if needed so you do not have to interrupt during the meeting.
• Attire: The first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire. Dressing conservatively is always the safest route.
  For more details on how to dress properly, review our Dressing Appropriately Page

ELEVATOR PITCH

After the formal presentation of an information session there will be the opportunity to speak to the representatives.
Prepare an elevator pitch:

• Your name, your major, graduation year, and your past work/internship experiences and club memberships. Pitches should relate to the specific role or industry when possible. 

WHAT TO BRING

• When applicable bring extra copies of your resume and cover letter.
• Take a pen and notepad to jot down any information you receive during the session. Taking notes during the session makes a great impression.
• Bring along the questions you have prepared to ask.
• For virtual events, keep a digital copy of your resume ready to share.

NETWORKING AFTER THE SESSION:

Make sure to take the opportunity to speak with recruiters/employees after the conclusion of the event, time permitting. If the person does not have time, ask for their LinkedIn or for a business card.

• Give your introduction and ask questions to engage in a conversation.
• Thank the employers/recruiters for their time and useful information.
• Ask them for their business cards or LinkedIn.
• Give them your resume, or apply online (as instructed).
• PRO TIP: Once you apply to a role, reach back out to the recruiter to update them.

Step 1: Create a Profile

Remember:

• Your profile is a resume, interview, and reference document all in one.
• Pay close attention to the content, layout, and organization of your LinkedIn profile. Your profile is your first impression, so periodically update it with new accomplishments.

How to create and update your LinkedIn profile:

• Create your profile by going to the main LinkedIn site.
• Use relevant keywords that match job descriptions in your field to improve your profile’s search visibility. 
• Double check all spelling and grammar.
• Think of an employer scanning your profile – what do they see? Make sure they catch all the important things.
• Manually update your headline with a catchy but professional phrase that conveys your brand. Show your unique qualities.
• Use your summary to expand your headline. Don’t just re-list your experience. Rather, emphasize qualities that you want them to pick up from your resume.
• Link your profile to other social networks that you use professionally.

Check out our article, How can I optimize my LinkedIn profile for my career?

Step 2: Connect

You need to be strategic with your profile. Once you have crafted a profile that represents your skills, the next step is to locate people who also have LinkedIn profiles and “establish connections” with them.

• Start by connecting with friends and family.
• Then, move onto people you’ve worked with in the past or currently.
• Connect strategically. Quality connections are more valuable than quantity – connect with those who know your work or are in your target field.
• Personalize your connection requests by mentioning how you met or why you’re interested in connecting. This increases the chance of a positive response.

Step 3: Get Recommendations

When asking for a recommendation, ask a range of people who can talk about different aspects of your brand. Think about supervisors, mentors, colleagues, professors, or coaches who know:

• your greatest strength
• your ability to work on a team
• how you manage your greatest weakness
• your leadership capabilities

It’s important to be strategic about who you ask since their recommendation will appear on your profile. Try to get at least one recommendation for each work experience.

Step 4: Join Groups

Groups on LinkedIn are a great way to find people with shared interests and to network. Ask these important questions:

• How active is the group? Focus on active groups that have regular posts and engagement. A well-maintained group helps you build valuable connections.
• How many people are in the group? Sometimes a small group of 30 is the perfect intimate setting for good relationship building. For others, they will be looking for a larger group that will expose them to a wide range of diverse people.

Once you choose groups that you want to be a part of, you must try to integrate yourself. Build rapport by joining conversations and adding value to discussions before reaching out to connect.

Step 5: Job Search

Use search to research companies of interest, enabling you to see stats on the company, current employees, and more. You can find potential contacts, Brooklyn College Alumni, and organize informational interviews.

• Use LinkedIn’s ‘Open to Work’ feature to signal your interest privately or publicly, depending on your preferences.
• You can also express interest by using the “I’m Interested” button located under the “About.” This allows you to privately demonstrate interest in working for a company and get on a recruiter’s radar before you even put in an application.

Check out these resources on LinkedIn’s Job Search.

• LinkedIn Premium 
• LinkedIn Learning (free with a Brooklyn Public Library Card)
• About.com Job Searching on LinkedIn

Step 6: Maintain

As mentioned earlier, it’s very important for you to maintain your LinkedIn profile even after you have found a job. Request new recommendations periodically from trusted colleagues or supervisors after significant projects or roles. This keeps your profile fresh and credible. 

Step 7: Additional Tips

• Emphasis on Personal Branding: Create a personal brand on LinkedIn, as it’s increasingly important for differentiating oneself. This can include tips on building a consistent brand through the profile picture, banner image, and content style. 

• Skills and Endorsements: Listing skills and getting endorsements can help profiles appear more credible and appealing to recruiters. 

• Activity Level and Engagement: Staying active by engaging with others’ content (e.g., commenting, liking) and sharing relevant industry updates can help keep their profiles visible and strengthen connections. 

• Utilizing LinkedIn Tools: AI-generated profile summaries and insights on skills in demand. 

• Networking Events: LinkedIn now has event features for webinars, virtual meetups, and industry events. Attending and engaging in these events is a good networking strategy. 

• Following Industry Influencers: Recommend following key influencers and companies in their industry, as this can provide insights and keep them updated on trends. 

Research can come in many forms. Here are some ways for Students to research employers:

• Students can use these websites to search up organizations/companies as well as reviews from current/previous employees:
  • Linkedin
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • My Next Move
  • Glassdoor
  • Indeed
  • Career One Stop
  • WayUp
  • MyPlan
  • O*Net Online
• Check out the LinkedIn Brookyln College Alumni page at https://www.linkedin.com/school/brooklyn-college/people/. You can search up alumni by title, keyword, or company.
• Join related student organizations on campus related to your major, hobbies, or interests and attend events hosted by other offices and academic departments.
• Watch our videos of alumni, employers and students from various career fields.
• Attend Magner Career Center workshops and events such as career exploration events focused on specific career fields etc.

Watch this video for a quick tip on finding a mentor, who can give you access to knowledge about a profession and the experience of working in a certain company.

• Get an internship. Some internships are meant for students who may not have all the experience that employers are looking for. The Magner Career Center can help!
• Get a temporary position or part-time job, or apply for a position on campus.
• Volunteer at a community organization.
• Do a project for a company.
• Assist a professor with research or a project or become a teaching assistant for a class.
• Secure a leadership position in a student organization or help run one of their events.
• Get actively involved on campus by joining student government, the school radio station, or the student newspaper, The Brooklyn College Vanguard. Interested students should inquire via e-mail at the bcvanguard@gmail.com 

Take advantage and continue developing Professional skills. Professional development is an essential practice that you will continue throughout the rest of your career.

• Review NACE’s Career Readiness Competencies
• Consider courses at Brooklyn College which will help you with your skill development such as Public Speaking, Intercultural Communications and Business Writing etc.
• Computer Training workshops in the Library help students improve their overall knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
• Participate in clubs, student government, leadership positions and/or other extracurricular activities to help develop your skills.

Should you have any questions, please contact us at CareerNews@brooklyn.cuny.edu or call us at 718.951.5696