Career Center

No matter where you are in your career journey, Career Services is here to help you achieve your goals. From exploring majors and career paths to preparing for internships, graduate school and full-time employment, we offer resources and personalized support to help you succeed.

Our services include:

• Career exploration and major selection
• Resume and cover letter assistance
• Internship and job search support
• Interview preparation
• Career readiness and professional development
• Networking and employer connections
• Graduate and professional school guidance

Successful career management starts with EXPLORING and developing a plan for your time at LU and beyond. Start by thinking about your current and past professional experiences and exposures. This is often an overlooked step in the process of exploring and preparing for your future career. You need to look both backward and forward to ensure you can set a specific career goal that best suits your interests and abilities.

Explore freshman year support

After determining your career goal, beginning to ENGAGE in campus activities and opportunities is key to further development. There are many opportunities to participate in organizations relating to your major, interests and future goals on campus. You need to research these opportunities more fully to determine what options are best for you. Finding your place and people on campus increases the likelihood of you finding both academic and career success.

Explore sophomore year support

Now, it’s time to test your abilities and knowledge relating to the industry; it’s time to EXCEL. You should become more active, both on and off-campus, growing your knowledge and experience base. This may be a semester to study abroad or expand your experience beyond campus. To excel, you need to begin diving deeper into research on the industry, companies and roles you’re exploring. Draw more insight from the network connections you’ve formed and set yourself up to excel in the future.

Explore junior year support

You’re ready now, it’s time to EARN. It’s time for you to bring your personal, academic, and professional knowledge and experiences together to land that perfect first job! Be comfortable and confident in how you are marketing yourself. Make final updates to your resume, cover letters and interviewing skills. The effort you put in during the previous three years will make this a much less stressful time for you. It’s time to compete confidently.

Explore senior year support

Connecting with employers on Handshake can open doors before you even apply. One of the best ways to stand out is by sending a message first.

Why Message an Employer?

Messaging an employer shows that you’re a self-starter. It’s a chance to introduce yourself, express interest in a role and ask thoughtful questions about the company and position. This not only gives you an inside scoop — it helps you build a connection that could make your application stand out.

1. How to Find Employers Open to Messaging:

1. Use the Filter
   On the Handshake Jobs page, use the search filter to find employers who are open to messaging.

2. Look for the “Employer is open to messaging” tag
   This label indicates that you can reach out directly.

3. Start the Conversation
   Click on the job posting and send a friendly, professional message. Briefly introduce yourself, share your interest in the role, and ask a couple of questions about the job or company.

2. Sign Up for a Virtual Info Chat

Virtual info chats are informal 15-minute one-on-one conversations with employers. They’re a great way to:

• Learn more about a job before applying

• Ask thoughtful questions

• Make a personal impression with a recruiter or hiring manager

Look for postings that allow you to schedule a time slot directly. You may also get a message from an employer inviting you to book a chat.

3. Attend an Employer Event

Handshake hosts a wide range of events, both virtual and on-campus. These events help you explore career paths, get hiring insights and build your professional network.

Common event types include:

• Info sessions about specific companies or industries

• Career fairs and networking events

• Resume and interview workshops

• Panel discussions with current employees

You can find upcoming opportunities under the Events tab or right on your Handshake homepage.

1. Discover Jobs Tailored to You

Handshake shows you opportunities based on your school, major and interests — so you’re only seeing jobs that make sense for where you are and where you’re headed.

2. Message Employers Directly

Employers on Handshake want to hear from students. If a job listing shows “Employer is open to messaging,” take initiative! Send a brief message introducing yourself and asking about the role — it’s a great way to stand out and show that you’re serious.

3. Sign Up for Virtual Info Chats

Many employers offer 15-minute one-on-one chats through Handshake. These are informal and low-pressure, but incredibly valuable for:

• Learning more about the company

• Asking smart questions

• Making a personal connection with recruiters

4. Attend Employer Events

From virtual info sessions and career fairs to resume workshops and alumni panels, Handshake hosts events that give you direct access to hiring teams and professionals in your field. You’ll find these under the Events tab or right on your Handshake homepage.

5. Get Noticed by Employers

Companies on Handshake actively search student profiles. Keep your profile updated with your experiences, interests and career goals to increase your chances of being contacted about opportunities that match what you’re looking for.

Lincoln University offers a free LinkedIn Learning account to students. Are you looking to upskill or gain new professional tools? Maybe you would like to find videos to help you with your college classes, self-improvement or your professional path - find it all on the LinkedIn Learning platform. With expert-led courses available anytime, you can build valuable skills and gain the knowledge needed to succeed both in the classroom and throughout your career.