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 annual Career Center Internship Award opportunity will be announced soon.
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.
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
For additional information, visit the Office of Community Engaged Learning: https://www.csusb.edu/community-engagement
How to Identify Fraudulent Postings
The Career Center monitors CSUSB Handshake employers and job postings and the campus has processes in place to help identify and prevent fraudulent employer outreach and phishing attempts. Unfortunately, some attempts may still get through despite these safeguards. The Career Center, its staff, the CSU System, and the State of California assume no liability for the accuracy of information provided in job listings and do not represent or act on behalf of the hiring authority. Students are urged to validate job postings and use caution when applying.
Tips to identify if an employment posting or offer might be a scam:
- You are offered immediate employment with little or no previous interaction with the employer.
- You are asked to provide personal information, such as social security, visa, or bank account numbers.
- You are asked to provide payment of any kind for an opportunity, training, or equipment.
- The position requirements are vague and do not specify needed skills or expected responsibliities.
- The pay is unrealistically high for the work.
- You have not received a written offer for full-time or contract work that specifies scope of work and compensation.
- The posting appears to be from a reputable employer, yet the domain in the contact’s email address does not match the employer’s website domain, e.g., “cisco@gmail.com” (incorrect) versus “@cisco.com” (correct).
- The posting appears on a list maintained by the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Students who believe an employer has misrepresented themselves or their organization, violated non-discrimination or harassment laws, posted an illegally/unethically structured position, or generally not complied with Career Center employer policies should contact the Career Center at careercenter@csusb.edu to initiate an investigation.
As additional tips, we recommend the following for students that have received or responded to email communication from a fraudulent employer.
- Forward the phishing email as an attachment to CSUSB Information Security at abuse@csusb.edu and consult resources on how to identify, respond to, and prevent scams
- Report it to UPD immediately, especially if you have responded to a request to deposit a check on the employers behalf.
Possibly experienced discrimination or harassment?
CSUSB's Office of Civil Rights & Title IX provides resources to report instances of discrimination and harassment associated with on-campus employment. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission facilitates a EEOC complaint filing for all other employers.
Possibly involved in a scam?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has given the following instructions to individuals who have responded to fraudulent postings:
- The student should immediately contact local police, who will conduct an investigation whether the scam artist is local or in another state.
- If a student has sent money to a fraudulent employer, the student should contact their bank or credit card company immediately to close the account and stop the charges.
- If the transaction occurred over the internet, the student should file an incident report with the Department of Justice Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Equal Opportunity Hiring and Recruitment Events
The Career Center welcomes employers who adhere to federal, state, and local employment laws and campus policies in their recruiting practices. Generally, such laws and policies prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of job candidates and/or employees on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, physical or mental disability, age (40 or older), or genetic information. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides detail on how to recognize and protect yourself against discrimination and harassment.
