Welcome
The Career Center has important tools that you can utilize to get started on a job search that is geared towards your values, goals, and education. What do you see yourself doing? How much do you know about yourself? Beginning to explore who you are, can be the first step in finding the job you want.
Job Search: A Comprehensive Guide
The CSUSB Career Center offers a robust framework to guide students through a successful job search, emphasizing self-discovery, thorough research, and strategic application.
○ Understanding Your Core: The initial and crucial step involves deep self-reflection. Students are encouraged to identify their unique skills, core values, and genuine interests. This foundational understanding is vital for aligning personal attributes with suitable career paths and job opportunities.
○ Leveraging Past Experiences: Reflect on previous work, internship, or volunteer experiences. Analyze what aspects stood out, what skills were utilized, and what environments were most engaging. This helps in pinpointing preferences and strengths.
○ Diverse Research Methods: Explore a variety of online and in-person avenues to gather comprehensive information about potential jobs, industries, and specific companies.
○ Company Websites: Directly visit company career pages for detailed job descriptions, company culture insights, and application portals.
○ Job Fairs and Events: Actively participate in career fairs, employer information sessions, and other networking events hosted by the university or external organizations. These events offer direct interaction with recruiters and industry professionals.
○ Informational Interviews: Conduct one-on-one conversations with professionals in desired fields. These interviews provide invaluable firsthand insights into daily responsibilities, industry trends, and career trajectories, helping students make informed decisions.
○ The Coyote Network: Utilize the university's dedicated alumni and student networking platform to connect with CSUSB graduates who can offer mentorship, advice, and potential leads.
○ LinkedIn: Leverage this professional social networking site to build an online professional presence, connect with industry leaders, join relevant groups, and discover job opportunities.
○ Student Mentoring Program: Participate in structured mentoring programs that pair students with experienced professionals, offering personalized guidance and support throughout their career development.
○ Crafting a Powerful Introduction: Develop a concise, confident, and attention-grabbing introduction (often called an "elevator pitch") that includes your name, major, and a compelling statement about your career goals. Practice this for networking events and interviews.
○ Professional Headshots: Ensure you have a high-quality, professional headshot, which is often a requirement for online profiles (like LinkedIn) and some application materials. The Career Center may offer resources for this.
○ Effective Follow-Up: After career events or interviews, send personalized thank-you emails or handwritten notes within 24-48 hours. Briefly reiterate your interest in the position or organization and mention specific details discussed to show attentiveness and genuine interest.
The Career Center actively promotes and provides access to numerous online platforms, including but not limited to:
○ USA Jobs: For federal government opportunities.
○ LinkedIn: For professional networking and job listings.
○ Indeed: A vast job search engine.
○ CalJOBS.cs.gov: California state opportunities available here
○ Company Websites: Reviewing career or employment opportunities on any company website you desire to apply to.
○ GoinGlobal: Helps new and experienced job seekers find opportunities both at home and abroad
○ Coyote Careers powered by Handshake: The primary platform for CSUSB students to find jobs, internships, and connect with employers specifically recruiting from the university.
Internships: Gaining Real-World Experience
Internship experience is a great opportunity to make yourself more competitive in the job market. You can gain exposure and experience in your field of study to see if the particular career field is the right one for you. An internship can help you gain skills that can be applied to future jobs. An Internship may be paid or unpaid, and it tends to last about the length of a school semester or a summer break. Get started by clicking on the Prepare button below!
Internships are an indispensable component of career development, offering practical experience that bridges academic learning with professional demands. The CSUSB Career Center provides comprehensive support to help students secure and maximize these valuable opportunities.
● Core Benefits of Pursuing Internships:
- Skill Development: Internships are prime opportunities to develop and refine skills highly sought after by employers, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical proficiencies.
- Career Exploration: They provide a low-risk environment to explore different career paths and industries, helping students confirm their interests or discover new ones before committing to a full-time role.
- Application of Knowledge: Students can apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world projects and challenges, deepening their understanding and practical expertise.
- Professional Network Expansion: Internships facilitate connections with professionals in their field, leading to mentorship opportunities, references, and potential future job leads.
● Types of Internship Experiences:
- Micro-Internships: These are flexible, paid, remote work experiences designed to be completed in a shorter timeframe, typically ranging from 10 to 40 hours. They offer a great way to gain project-based experience and explore different roles without a long-term commitment.
- View more information here to learn about our Parker Dewey Micro-Internship Program: https://info.parkerdewey.com/student/csusb Refer to our Internship section in our Career Guide here: https://csu-sb.careercenterguides.com/?pid=ODg8826214&p=15&v=1.1%20%5Bcsu-sb.careercenterguides.com%5D
Understanding Internships: Paid vs. Unpaid and Your Rights
Internships offer valuable experience, but it's important to understand your rights, especially concerning compensation. The U.S. Department of Labor uses the "primary beneficiary test" to determine if an intern in a for-profit company should be paid minimum wage and overtime. This test considers several factors, including whether you expect compensation, if the internship is tied to your formal education, and if your work complements rather than displaces that of paid employees. If you are deemed an employee, you are entitled to pay. Internships with public sector or non-profit organizations are generally permissible without pay if you volunteer without expectation of compensation. For more detailed information, you can refer to the Fact Sheet #71: Internships Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
How to Earn Academic Credit
You may be able to earn academic credit for completing an internship, and if your internship is unpaid, your employer may even require it. Learn more about Academic Internships through the Office Community Engaged Learning that provides more information for students seeking academic credit.
International students planning to complete an internship must apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) through the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). All international students interested in internships are encouraged to review the following Employment Information for International Students.
To receive approval to complete an internship, international students must enroll in an internship course. Refer to the Understanding Internships & Earning Academic Credit section above for information regarding CSUSB internship classes.
View the Career Center’s Internship Search page for a comprehensive list of internship resources.
CSUSB Internship Programs
- CSUSB College Corps: Cal State San Bernardino was selected as one of 45 partner campuses to participate in the statewide #CaliforniansforAll College Corps program that combines academic and hands-on work experience. #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is a first-of-its kind state service and career development program that provides students with financial support and professional experience while engaging in meaningful community service in education.
CSU San Bernardino College Corps welcomes 75 fellows each year to engage in service in their local community. These College Corps fellows join the Office of Pre-College Programs in making positive impacts at local K-12 school districts and community organizations in the San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
- Pathways to Success: The award funds CSUSB, Norco College, or San Bernardino Valley College students who have an unpaid/academic internship in the arts and humanities. Students who meet the requirements may be eligible to receive up to a $1,000 award.
National and State Internship Programs
- Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Internship Program: offers paid internships with corporations or federal agencies for students from all majors
- Pathways Internship Programs: provides internships with the U.S. Department of State to explore federal careers
- National Park Service Youth Programs: outlines internship and volunteer opportunities with the National Park Service
- Capital Fellows Programs: offers nationally recognized public policy fellowships which provide unique experiences in policy-making and development in each branch of California's state government
- James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program: offers approximately 15 one-year fellowships to graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year to work as research assistants with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- BLAC Internship Program: introduces emerging Black and BIPOC talent to advertising through a 12-week paid internship for creative thinkers that takes place at ad agencies across the country
- Strategies for Searching and Applying for Internships:
- University Platforms: Actively utilize Handshake, the university's dedicated platform for internships and jobs, as well as specific company websites.
- Industry-Specific Associations: Explore websites of professional associations within your target industry, as they often list specialized internship opportunities.
- Career Advisor Appointments: Schedule an "Internship Search" appointment with a Career Advisor at the CSUSB Career Center. They can provide personalized guidance, identify suitable opportunities, and refine application materials.
- Faculty Connections: Discuss your interest in internships with your academic faculty. Professors often have industry connections and may be aware of relevant opportunities or able to provide recommendations.
- Leveraging Personal Networks: Inform friends, family, and other contacts about your internship search. Personal connections can often lead to valuable leads or referrals.
- Volunteering as a Pathway: Consider volunteering at organizations where you aspire to intern. This can provide valuable experience, demonstrate commitment, and potentially open doors to formal internship roles.
- Informational Interviews: Use informational interviews not only for career exploration but also as a way to express interest in an organization and inquire about potential internship openings.
- Direct Outreach: Send professionally written emails with your resume directly to organizations you are interested in, even if they don't have a public listing. This proactive approach can sometimes uncover hidden opportunities.
- General Job Board Databases: While often associated with full-time jobs, many large job boards also feature internship listings.
The Career Development Center's Spring 2025 Internship and Career Series will include the following events for students to hear from professionals and learn about internship opportunities in a variety of industries:
Spring 2026
- PDC Career Showcase: Thursday, March 5, 2026, 10am-1pm, Health Sciences Lobby
- Career and Internship: Thursday, March 19, 2026, Time: 10am-1pm, SMSU North
For more information, view these and other upcoming events on the Career Events Calendar.
The Career Center offers Internship Funding Awards specifically designed to enhance student marketability and competitiveness upon graduation. These awards aim to alleviate financial barriers that might prevent students from taking on valuable internship experiences.
Career Center Internship Award Overview
For the Fall 2025 semester, selected students will be awarded $500 each in scholarships to support their internship endeavors.
Application Period: Application closes Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 at 11:59pm.
*Students will be notified for their Internship Award Jan 9th, 2026*
APPLYAPPLY TODAY
Student Eligibility Requirements
- Participating in an unpaid internship during the fall 2025 semester
- Enrolled in an appropriate internship course during the fall 2025 semester
- Not receiving other campus funding for the internship during the fall 2025 semester
- An undergraduate or graduate student
- In good academic standing (meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress)
FAQ's:
Is the internship award open to all students?
Yes, students that are currently enrolled and participating in an unpaid internship experience are encouraged to apply.
Do I need to upload a resume within my Career Center Internship Award Application?
Yes, students are required to upload a resume as part of the application process. We encourage students to visit our Career Guide and view our Resume Checklist on page 15. Or you may visit the Career Center during drop-in hours for on the spot resume feedback. View our drop-in hours here: https://www.csusb.edu/career-center
When will I receive a decision on my Career Center Internship Award application?
Students will be notified January 9th, 2026 on the application decision.
If selected, when will I receive the Career Center Internship Award funds and how it will be disbursed?
The Career Center Internship Award will be disbursed directly to the student's account 6 weeks from the application decision.
For additional information, visit the Office of Community Engaged Learning: https://www.csusb.edu/community-engagement