Please note: The sites below are not associated with Brooklyn College. Signing up opts you into direct communications with them and provides you with information directly. 

Micro Internships & Job Simulations

Micro internships are short-term, project-based experiences that offer flexibility for students to work on small-scale projects for various companies. It’s advisable to research each posting carefully. Review our Red Flags Page to identify signs of scams and fraudulent offerings.

Parker Dewey
Paid, short-term micro-internships.

Forage
Free virtual work experience program, complete tasks based on real-world scenarios from top companies. 
> Forage is now connected to Navigate. To access it, log in and click “Forage.”

MindSumo
Solve real-world business challenges for companies. 

Extern 
Shorter, often unpaid, opportunities where students can complete projects in their field of interest while also being mentored by professionals.

CUNY Specific Online Courses, Certifications and Micro-Credentials

LinkedIn Learning
Educational platform that helps users discover and develop skills through expert-led course videos. 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.

CUNY Upskilling Programs are specific training tracks designed to provide targeted learning in high-growth industries. See tracks available below:

Business
Gain expertise in key business skills and training that will help to write a business plan and identify the next steps to turn a business dream into a business reality. 

IT & Software Development
Develop programming and other cyber skills. Students will build software development, IT skills and gain knowledge about high growth tech fields like cybersecurity. 

HealthCare Administration
Offers knowledge about how hospitals use tools like salesforce to manage patient data and services. 

Data Analytics
Receive training on Excel and SQL and learn how tools like Google Analytics help companies track business goals. 

Professional Skills
Enhance important workplace skills such as business communication, how to plan and lead meetings, global and diversity awareness, and career readiness.  

Beyond these specific tracks, there are platforms that partner with CUNY that help students enhance their technical and soft skills.

Skillful.ly
Develop technical and soft skills through various programs including recorded on-demand webinars.  

Coursera
Online courses in a variety of fields, from data analysis to marketing. Many of these courses are taught by top universities. 

Other Non-CUNY Upskilling Programs 

IBM Skills Build
With a partnership from the Advertising Education Foundation (AEF) and Index Exchange, a firm which has a sponsored partnership with the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) for Brooklyn College, you will be able to take advantage of the IBM Skills Build to power your future in tech for free, along with several resources offered by AEF and ANA.

Association of National Advertisers (ANA)
Brooklyn College students have access to programs offered by the Advertising Education Foundation (AEF) and the Association of National Advertisers, including Certified ANA Marketing Student (CAMS), MarTech Foundations Certificate Program & SeeHer Education Certificate Program. Visit this flyer for the access code to register for MarTech and this flyer to register for CAMS.

Google Career Certificates
Online training programs that provide professional certificates in high-demand technology fields. The certificates are taught by Google experts and senior practitioners in the relevant fields. Graduates gain access to a job platform where they can apply to jobs from employers in the Google Career Certificates Employer Consortium.  

EdX
Online learning platform that offers courses from universities and organizations around the world. Programs in subjects like computer science, software engineering, and leadership are available.  

Udemy
Udemy has a large collection of free courses in content across a wide range of subjects including technology (like web development, data science, and IT certifications), business, design, personal development, and creative arts.

Internship Programs

Below are some internship programs for seniors or those who will graduate.
Also check out: Internship/Fellowship List for Graduating Seniors.

CUNY Internship Programs
CUNY offers several internship programs that allow students to gain practical experience. There are internships available in a variety of industries taking place throughout the academic year. 

The LifeSci NYC Internship Program
The LifeSci NYC Internship Program is the City of New York’s innovative, paid internship program that provides access to local, diverse talent, helping source undergraduate and graduate students for summer and non-summer internships. Special emphasis on the life sciences, tech, business and more!

Specialty Programs  

These types of programs are designed to help students gain education, develop professional skills and connect with mentors in their industry of interest.

COOP
Tuition-free fellowship matches peer cohorts of underemployed college grads with alumni coaches who support them in building the professional skills and networks they need to get their first professional job after graduation. 

StreetWise Partners
Connecting underrepresented talent to mentorship and career opportunities within the New York and D.C. Metro areas. This program provides the skills, resources and access to networks to secure and maintain employment.   

Apprenticeships 
Apprenticeships are structured programs where students work and train in a specific field, often leading to full-time positions. They combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, providing a comprehensive way to build professional skills. There are various apprenticeships programs in NYC, such as ApprenticeNYC, CareerWise New York, and programs suggested by the Department of Labor.  

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.

WHAT IF YOU DON’T HEAR BACK:

If you don’t receive an update from a recruiter about a job offer, here’s how to handle it professionally:

• Manage expectations: Remember that roles are not unlimited. Even if you interviewed well and are a strong candidate, there may not be an available opportunity due to budget changes, internal shifts, or competing priorities.
• Be mindful of the timeline: If a recruiter gave a timeline, wait until that window has passed. If no timeframe was provided, 7–10 business days after your last conversation is a reasonable point to follow up.
• Limit your follow-ups to no more than two:
  • First follow-up: A polite, concise check-in expressing continued interest.
  • Second (and final) follow-up: Sent about 7–10 business days after the first, briefly reiterating interest and acknowledging you understand if decisions are still in progress.
• Use a professional, respectful tone: Keep your message clear, grammatically correct, and appreciative of their time. Avoid sounding impatient or entitled – your goal is to signal enthusiasm, not pressure.
• Know when to move on: If you don’t receive a response after two follow-ups, it’s best to focus your energy on other opportunities while leaving the door open for future contact. You never know when another role with the company will pop up!

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. 

John Jay College’s Institute for Justice and Opportunity have prepared a resource to educate students on how background checks work and what to anticipate in their guidebook Getting the Record Straight: A Guide to Navigating Background Checks.

• Enhance your GPA with work experiences and extracurricular activities.
• Be able to explain why it is low.
• Use your major GPA if it is higher than your cumulative GPA, or provide both if asked for a GPA.
• Highlight any academic awards or achievements.
• Retake courses you had trouble with, take future classes pass/fail, or change your grade to pass/fail. The Brooklyn College Bulletin has information on how and when it can be done.
• Prioritize in-person connection, building relationships at career fairs, participating in professional organizations, and more.

Be Prepared

• Review the Resume/Cover Letter Guide to ensure you have an excellent resume and cover letter. The Magner Center also offers resume review during Walk-in Wednesdays and Group Coaching Appointments.
• Review the Interview Quick Reference to ensure you are properly prepared. And, Schedule a Group Appointment for interview prep.
• Attend our Career Workshops & Events, featuring top companies providing insider knowledge and hands-on experience, including exciting company visits.
• Review other job search websites such as CollegeGrad.com, a great entry-level job website that offers a large amount of free job search content.

Do Research

Network with Professionals

• Attend Magner’s Networking Events & Info-Sessions, network with top employers and other alumni professionals. Check our page: Building A Professional Network
• Check out our page: How can I use LinkedIn to find a job?
• Find professional associations for your career interest by industry using Career One Stops or by searching on Google!
• Check out: How to Network with Professionals.

Immediate Employment

If you are looking for employment quicker, look into the following organizations.

Please note: These job & internship boards are not associated with Brooklyn College. Signing up opts you into direct communications with them. Please also do research into these to determine if they are right for you, including confirming if there are any fees involved.

• AARP Work Search  
• Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation  
• Brooklyn Navy Yard Employment Center
• iRelaunch 
• Virtual Workforce1 Career Center System 
• Other Work Agencies:
  • Adecco
  • AscendHire
  • Beacon Hill Staffing
  • Kelly Services
  • Robert Half

A Word From Us To You
Your journey, academically and professionally, is ultimately yours to own. The Magner Career Center comes in career counseling, job fairs, and resources that assist you. The Magner Center encourages students to take the initiative and seek services and guidance if necessary, but your path comes from the journey you choose to take. So choose wisely, and be proactive! 

BC Handshake

Students should make sure they have signed-in at least once onto BC Handshake. We use BC Handshake to post many opportunities directly, and, you should be subscribed to our mailing list for regular updates via email every week.

CUNY Mailing List

CUNY’s Career Success Team also has a mailing list for CUNY Students, updated weekly. You can register to receive weekly career opportunity updates here.

Other job-search engines:

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor

To find jobs off-campus, check out BC Handshake, the dedicated job board for Brooklyn College students.

Students who are looking for research opportunities can find those separately. Please visit the research opportunities webpage for more information.