Starting your career journey can feel overwhelming — but with the right strategies, you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re applying for internships, exploring your options, or preparing for your first full-time role, this game plan will help you take meaningful steps toward your goals.

1. Be Strategic About Your Search

A successful search starts with intention.
Before you apply, take time to research job titles, companies, and industries that align with your skills and interests. Set up job alerts in Handshake and LinkedIn so opportunities find you — not the other way around.

Conduct informational interviews with alumni and professionals to gain real insights into different career paths.
And when you apply, tailor your resume and cover letter to the role by aligning your skills with what the employer is seeking.

Tip: Update your career interests in Handshake to see more relevant roles and easily connect with your industry-specific career coach.

2. Leverage AI — But Use It Wisely

AI tools can support your job search — if you use them thoughtfully.
Resources like ChatGPT, Jobscan, and Rezi can help you draft resumes, tailor your materials, and prepare for interviews.

But remember: AI is a starting point, not a final product. Always review, personalize, and double-check for accuracy before submitting anything.

3. Prepare Intentionally for Interviews

An interview is your opportunity to bring your resume to life.
Beyond qualifications, employers are looking for genuine interest, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit.

Be prepared for a range of formats, including:

• One-on-one interviews
• Panel and group interviews
• Behavioral interviews (using the STAR method)
• Case and technical interviews
• Virtual and informal interviews

Practice answering common questions ahead of time. Big Interview — free for LMU students — offers training videos, mock interviews, and AI-driven feedback to help you sharpen your skills.

4. Build a Strong LinkedIn Presence

LinkedIn isn’t just for job searching — it’s a platform for building your professional brand.
Start with a clear, professional photo and a headline that reflects your goals. In your About section, share a snapshot of who you are, what you’re studying, and where you’re headed.

Update your experience, leadership, and skills sections — and stay active by posting, commenting, and engaging with your network.

A thoughtful, polished profile increases your chances of being found by recruiters and hiring managers.

5. Create a Results-Driven Resume

Your resume should focus on impact, not just tasks.
Use strong action verbs, quantify your accomplishments where possible, and highlight skills that match the industry or role.

Keep it clean, easy to read, and limited to one page (unless your experience justifies two). Customize your resume for each application, and proofread carefully before submitting.

Avoid outdated practices like listing high school activities, including salary information, or using decorative fonts.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your career journey starts with small, strategic moves — and you don’t have to do it alone.
Here’s how to get started:

• Update your Handshake profile and set your career interests: lmu.edu/handshake
• Schedule a meeting with your industry-specific career coach: Schedule Here
• Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your most recent experiences and connect with classmates, professors, and alumni

Visit careers.lmu.edu for additional resources, tools, and upcoming events to support your next steps.

We’re here to help you build your future — and we’re excited to see where it takes you.