Get Involved!

Become involved with the Smeal Career & Corporate Connections Office early in the fall semester. That way, no matter when you plan to do your internship and/or co-op, you have the greatest number of opportunities to choose from. Use this guideline to help you make your decision.

First-Year Students

• Get involved with a Smeal student organization
• Build your resume
• Attend / volunteer at a career fair
• Meet with your adviser to plan for study abroad / internship or co-op opportunities – planning now means that you will be able to fit these into your schedule later
• Introduce yourself to the Career & Corporate Connections staff
• Start conducting research on industries and jobs you are interested in to effectively choose your major
• Participate in Job Shadowing
• Learn about the BA 297A – Career Planning and Strategies class and plan to take it during your Sophomore year

Sophomore Students

• Sign up for SmealConnect – Career & Corporate Connection’s online recruiting system
• Update your profile to reflect that you are a sophomore
• Change your voicemail to ensure it is professional
• Hold a leadership position within your Smeal student organization
• Update resume (visit Career & Corporate Connections Office); sign up for Recruiter-in-Residence appointments through SmealConnect
• Attend networking and career development events
• Attend the Fall Career Days event and Spring Career Days event
• Conduct company research to determine which companies you would enjoy working for on an internship or co-op
• Procure an internship and complete the online acceptance form

Junior Students

• Hold an even higher leadership position in your Smeal student organization
• Network with Smeal Alumni through SmealConnect
• Update your resume
• Attend the Career Fairs
• Prepare for and attend company info sessions
• Procure a internship/co-op and complete the online acceptance form
• If studying abroad, secure an internship before leaving

Senior Students

• Register with Bank of America Career Services Center for full-time job postings
• Hold an even higher leadership position with your Smeal student organization
• Build your network through scheduling informational interviews
• Update resume
• Complete degree audit with adviser
• Complete senior survey
• After graduation, join the Penn State University Alumni Association and connect with Smeal’s Alumni Career Services Office.