Career Guides

These concise handouts and videos explain career-related subjects like how to write a resume, interview tips, and applying to graduate school. The library below includes digital versions (in PDF format) of the most current guides as well as links to several career advice videos (links open in new window). You can also find this information in our Career Toolkit.

How To's

• All About Handshake
  Learn all about Handshake, the resource that allows students to find jobs and internships, register for workshops and events, set up career counseling appointments, and more.
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• How to Build Your Handshake Profile
  Learn how to get the most out of Handshake by creating a complete profile.
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• All About Big Interview
  Learn all about Big Interview, the online system that combines training and practice to help you improve your interview technique and build your confidence.
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  Big Interview Videos

  
  
  
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• Resume Resources

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Applying for the Job

• Accepting the Offer
  Learn what to consider when presented with a job offer.
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• Career Readiness Competencies
  Develop these competencies to prepare for the transition into the workplace, continuing education, and beyond.
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• Career Readiness Self Evaluation
  Identify which career readiness competencies you already have and how you can further develop them.
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• Career Readiness for Undocumented Students
  Learn how to develop skills and experience to help you get career ready, and about resources designed for undocumented students.
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• ChatGPT, AI, and the Job Search
  Tips on how to use ChatGPT in your job and internship search effectively and ethically.
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• CV to Resume
  Learn about the differences between a CV and a resume and when to choose one or the other.
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• Dress for an Interview
  Learn how to dress for success and make a great first impression for your job interview.
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• Federal Job and Internship Search
  Learn about the many opportunities for current students and recent graduates in the federal government.
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• Interview Techniques
  Learn the top ten rules of interviewing, what to bring, and what to remember before, during, and after your interview.
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• Job Hunting for International Students
  Learn about the variety of resources available to international students looking for job and internship opportunities.
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• Job Search Strategies
  Learn the top five strategies for a successful job or internship search.
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  See also: Focus 2 Career
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• Job Search Strategies for Veterans
  Learn the top five strategies to present the skills you developed during your time in the military in a way that employers can understand and appreciate.
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• Prepare for the Fair
  Make the most of an upcoming career fair by learning tips on what to do before, during, and after the fair.
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• Resume Help
  Learn how to develop a resume. Includes formatting tips, areas to include, and how to adapt your resume into a CV.
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• Resume Writing Strategies for Student Veterans
  Learn how to highlight the skills you developed in the military in a manner that is relevant and accessible for civilian employers.
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• Types of Interviews
  Learn about the different types of interviews and what to expect for each.
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• Write a Cover Letter
  Learn how to craft a cover letter. Includes structure, tips, and an example cover letter.
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Applying to Graduate School

• Application Checklist
  Use this handy checklist to help stay on track with your applications during your junior and senior years.
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• Applying to Law School
  Includes law school application timeline (freshman and sophomore years, junior year, end of junior year/senior summer, early senior fall, and senior fall/winter) and application checklist.
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• Business School FAQ
  Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about attending business school.
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• Considering Grad School
  Learn about different considerations to keep in mind when considering graduate school.
  Download in PDF format.
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• Grad School for Health Professions
  Includes application timeline for freshman and sophomore years, junior year, summer before senior year, senior year - fall quarter, and senior year - winter and spring quarters.
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• Law School Personal Statement
  Your personal statement lends your voice to your application. Learn how to craft a statement that demonstrates your strong writing skills.
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• Write a Statement of Purpose
  Learn how to craft a personal statement that will set you apart from other graduate school applicants.
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Internships

• Internships
  Learn about how to find and maximize your internship. Includes worksheet for evaluating your internship.
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Planning Your Future

• Career Direction Resources
  Learn about the Career Pathways resources that will help you discover your interests, connect to opportunities, and succeed in your career search.
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• Choosing a Major
  Learn how to find the major that best fits your interests and intended career path.
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  See also: Focus 2 Career
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• Finding Campus Jobs
  Learn more about how to find a part-time job on campus. Includes information on the work-study program.
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• Gap Year
  Learn more about gap year - the transition period prior to pursuing graduate school or establishing a career, typically used to gain skills, prepare for exams, or obtain hands-on experience.
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• Informational Interviews
  Informational interviews are a great way to learn more about different career paths. Learn how to set one up and how best to prepare.
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• Transfer Student Guide
  Learn how to get started on your career path from your junior year and beyond.
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DCP Services

• Career Preparation for Students with Disabilities
  Check out these resources to help you make the most of your talents and address challenges in your career development and job search.
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• First-Generation Students
  Learn about the many resources available both at the UCI Division of Career Pathways and outside of it that can help you capitalize your time and succeed at UC Irvine.
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• Graduate Students
  Learn about the DCP resources available for graduate students.
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• OCI: On-Campus Interviews
  Learn more about the On-Campus Interview (OCI) Program and how you can interview conveniently with employers right on campus! All OCI positions are posted on Handshake (uci.joinhandshake.com).
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• Students Services
  Learn more about the services the UCI Division of Career Pathways provides, including individual career counseling appointments, drop in advising, workshops, and more.
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• Student Veterans
  Learn more about the services the UCI Division of Career Pathways provides that can help student veterans translate their military experience into civilian terms.
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Networking & Communication Skills

• Dining Etiquette
  Learn dining etiquette tips for dining during pre-interview, interview, internship event, client meeting, company celebration, and social events outside of work.
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• Elevator Pitch
  Learn how to create a brief introduction and prompt questions or additional information.
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• Networking
  Learn tips to help you become more confident in your networking skills.
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• Networking for Ph.D Students
  Learn the best strategies for academic networking, including how to introduce yourself, discussion tips, and more.
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• What is LinkedIn?
  Learn how to create a professional LinkedIn profile and tips for building your network and searching for job opportunities.
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