Job/Internship Search
Job Searching Steps
What does the job search entail?
A job is a paid position of regular employment where an individual performs specific tasks or duties within an organization in exchange for compensation. Job searching involves a series of steps, including:
- Identifying career interests,
- Creating a compelling resume and cover letter,
- Searching for job openings through various channels, such as online job boards, company websites, and networking,
- Applying to positions that match one’s skills and interests, and
- Preparing for and attending interviews to secure employment.
Effective job searching requires persistence, organization, and often the ability to adapt one’s approach based on feedback and market conditions.
Career Exploration
If you need support in exploring what kinds of jobs to apply for, please feel free to book an appointment with a career coach and/or check out our Major and Career Exploration Page for more information.
Getting Started with the Resume and Cover Letter
Update your resume and cover letter to your field of interest. Our career coaches are available to review your documents and provide tailored feedback. Access our Resume/Cover Letter Guide by clicking here.
Networking
Networking offers powerful benefits for both personal and professional growth. It helps you build meaningful relationships, learn about opportunities you might not find on your own, gain insight from others’ experiences, and increase your visibility within your field. Strong networks can lead to internships, jobs, mentorship, and collaborations that accelerate your career.
That said, effective networking does require effort. It takes time to attend events, initiate conversations, follow up, and maintain relationships over the long term. It also involves stepping outside your comfort zone and being intentional about connecting with others. However, the investment pays off—consistent, genuine engagement often leads to lasting and valuable connections. Learn more about networking here.
UCCS Student and Alumni Exclusive Resources
Handshake
As a UCCS student and alumni, you have access to Handshake: the #1 way college students find jobs. Join today to explore career options, find jobs and internships for students, and connect with employers. Connect with over 750,000 employers hiring students for internships and jobs through Handshake.
Watch this YouTube Video to learn more about how Handshake works for UCCS students and alumni.
UCCS Part-Time On Campus Student Employment (SEANS)
On-campus jobs can be a great way to get professional experience in a flexible setting. These positions often allow you to support a specific department on-campus. Whether it’s research, lab work, administration, or campus outreach, these are excellent ways to dip your toes into getting professional experience at UCCS.
UCCS Internships
Internships at UCCS are organized within each college. Students interested in experiential learning opportunities or internships should contact each college's internship coordinator for more information about requirements and opportunities.
Additional Job and Internship Resources
- CU System Careers
- Pikes Peak Workforce Job Seeker Resources
- Connecting Colorado
- Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Job Board
- City of Colorado Springs Job Board
- El Paso County Job Board
- State of Colorado Job Board
- Colorado Department of Education Job Board
- Colorado Nonprofit Association Job Board
- Colorado Wyoming Museum Association Job Board
- Conservation Job Board
- USA Jobs
- US National Labor Exchange
- LinkedIn Job Board
- Zippia Job Board
- Idealist Job Board
For a specific field, you can find more targeted job boards through: What Can I Do With This Major? > Selecting relevant Major Categories > Scroll to the bottom of each page for Additional Resources, which include the targeted job boards: What Can I Do With This Major Resource
Gain Experience through Experiential Learning
Internships
Structured work experiences where students gain hands-on skills in a professional setting.
- Example: Learning skills at a marketing firm or career center
Practicums
Similar to internships but usually tied directly to academic programs and supervised closely.
- Example: Counseling students completing required clinical hours
Job Shadowing
Short-term observation of professionals in their workplace.
Example: Spending a day with a lawyer or healthcare provider
Service Learning/Community Service
Combines community service with academic coursework and reflection.
- Example: Volunteering at a nonprofit as part of a class
Cooperative Education (Co-ops)
Longer-term, often paid work experiences integrated into academic programs.
- Example: Alternating semesters of school and full-time work
Research Experiences
Students work on research projects with faculty or independently.
- Example: Assisting in a psychology or STEM research lab
Access research at UCCS here
Study Abroad / Global Learning
Experiences in different cultural and academic environments.
- Example: Semester abroad or faculty-led trips
Access UCCS study abroad here
Access national student exchange through NSE here
Leadership Experiences
Opportunities to lead organizations, teams, or initiatives.
- Example: Student government, club leadership
Access student clubs/organizations through MLC here
Access leadership training through UCCSLead here
Apprenticeships
Hands-on training in a skilled trade under a professional.
- Example: Electrician, carpentry programs
Project-Based Learning
Students complete real-world projects through coursework, often for actual clients.
Example: Creating a marketing plan for a local business
Information on the International Job/Internship Search
Check out more opportunities here
Job Scams and Fraudulent Offers
While the Career Center does not knowingly accept fraudulent job postings, regrettably, false job postings may appear in our listings from time to time. Please report any suspicious listings you find to careers@uccs.edu
Common Red Flags to Watch For:
- “You’ve been selected!” with no application
If you didn’t apply but suddenly get an offer, it’s probably fake. - Payment requests
Real employers never ask you to send money, buy gift cards, or deposit checks and send money back. - Generic email addresses
Legit employers use official company emails — not Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. Scammers have also used compromised UCCS email addresses to impersonate UCCS staff. - Email addresses that don’t match official domains
Scammers may use @uccs-careers.com or other lookalike domains instead of @uccs.edu - Poor grammar and urgent tone
Scammers rush you, so you don’t think critically or have a chance to second-guess.
How to Stay Safe
- Use Handshake or official UCCS job portals
- Verify the company before replying (check company website)
- Reach out to official contacts to verify a message
- Never give your SSN, bank info, or address to unverified contacts
- Report suspicious emails
- Follow cybersecurity best practices
Phishing
Be careful downloading random unknown files, scanning random QR codes, and clicking on unknown links! They may download harmful, invasive software or try to steal your personal information by mimicking a company’s real website—especially if it takes you to a log-in page. If anyone sends you an urgent message and encourages you to click on something, navigate to the organization’s website on your own instead.
Vishing & Smishing
Vishing, or voicemail phishing; and smishing, or text phishing, are similar to email phishing except that they use your phone!
Receiving a text message with a link in it from an unknown number, especially when they warn you about something needing immediate attention like an issue with your taxes or a bill, is also a type of phishing! Don’t click on mysterious links in your text messages. Common text message phishing attempts include warnings about a missed delivery, utility bills due, or compromised accounts. For jobs scams, many fraudulent recruiters will send strange messages through text!
As for scam calls and voicemails, the same principle applies: a scammer—possibly using a pre-recorded message, a robotic text-to-speech recording, or an advanced AI voice—urges you to answer or call back for something urgent like debt collection or a relative in danger. Be vigilant of how a call sounds!
Read the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) page on fraudulent employers: https://www.naceweb.org/career-development/organizational-structure/fraudulent-employers-tips-for-career-centers-and-students/
Websites such as the Better Business Bureau (https://www.bbb.org/), Glassdoor (https://www.glassdoor.com/), and Guidestar (https://www.guidestar.org/) can help you decide if a business is legitimate and good to work for.
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