Upgrade your professional experience this semester
It's never too early to start building your resume and explore what kind of career you actually want.
Employers like to see real-world experience like internships, projects or certifications because it shows you’ve got skills and drive. Bonus: Professional experiences help you discover what kind of job and company vibe suits you.
CU Boulder has tons of ways to level up. Whether you’re building your resume, exploring interests or getting a jumpstart, now’s the time to dive in.
Find an internship
According to a national survey, internships are the top experience that employers look for when hiring. Why? Because it shows you’ve applied your skills in the real world.
Internships aren’t just resume boosters—they help you:
- Build real-world skills
- Make professional connections
- Discover what kind of work and workplace fits you best
As a Buff, you’ve got access to amazing tools to help you land internships like Handshake, internship credit options and specialized experiences. Handshake is your go-to platform for finding internships (many of which you won’t see anywhere else). Review these tips tailored to your major to make it easier.
You can also explore unique experiences like CU in D.C., Education Abroad and the Public Interest Internship Experience (PIIE) to find the right fit for your goals. And for more opportunities, check out workshops for landing an internship from Career Services.
Explore Career Academy
Career Academy Boulder gives you access to free career training programs from major companies like Google, Meta, IBM and more. These programs are designed to complement your classroom learning and professional experiences, helping you gain practical skills that employers value. Everything is online and self-paced, so you can fit career-building into your schedule.
- Build skills through hands-on learning
- Find the right role for your career goals
- Earn micro-credentials to boost your resume and give you an edge in the job market
Whether you’re looking to explore new industries or strengthen your expertise, Career Academy offers flexible options to help you stand out to employers and prepare for your future.
Try a job simulation
Job simulations let you experience a “day in the life” at top companies like Red Bull, The New York Times, Bank of America and more—without needing to apply or commit.
Through Forage, you can experience real-world tasks from major brands and industries, and You can explore your options before jumping into an internship or job. It’s a low-pressure way to:
- Test-drive different careers
- Build skills employers care about
- See what kind of work excites you
Work on campus
CU Boulder hires thousands of students every semester, and on-campus jobs are more than just a paycheck. They offer:
- Flexible work hours that fit your class schedule
- Hands-on experience you can add to your resume
- A chance to grow your professional network right here on campus
No matter your major or interests, there’s a job for you. Start exploring open positions on Handshake and see how working on campus can support your goals.
Volunteer
Volunteering isn’t just good for the community—it’s great for you, too. You’ll gain new skills, meet people and make a difference.
Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE) can help you find opportunities that fit your schedule and interests, with flexible commitment levels and tons of ways to get involved.
Plus, volunteer experience can give you a major edge when applying for jobs or internships—especially with nonprofits or government agencies. Whether you're passionate about social change, sustainability, education or something else, there's a way to get involved and grow.
Set yourself up for success
Career Services helps students position themselves for success through workshops, events, training and other resources. Learn more about getting started with Career Services.