The Hidden Job Market

PSU Resources

  1. Apply for work “Projects” with Alumni via LionLink.
  2. Read the “Career Connection” email delivered to your inbox.
  3. Research past Interns’ career paths via Canvas Pride internship archives (login to Canvas before clicking the link).
  4. Attend Career Fairs – Brandywine, Career Days at UPark, Abington, Berks, Harrisburg, specialty by your College at UPark.
  5. Private Job Boards: Nittany Lion Careers + PSU Student Jobs - save your job search criteria to receive automated email alerts when new postings go up.

Target Employers

  1. Google maps – enter a desired zip or city then click NEARBY to enter a professional keyword to discover, explore and target specific employers. Consider convenience (public transportation access, near home, school, city of your dreams, etc.)
  2. Target Employers – use their ATS (Applicant Tracking System) – Setup Account, upload resume, setup auto alerts about new openings
  3. Visit an employer office location to express interest (works best for small to mid-sized businesses that are not high security)

Network / Connections

  1. Overcome your barriers to initiating contact with alumni / professionals you don’t yet know.
  2. Nurture your Network – tell your existing contacts that you are looking, share your resume & your goals.
  3. Expand your Network – research shows that new leads are your hottest leads. Connect with ALUMNI via 2 resources: LionLink & LinkedIn alumni search – see their current/previous employers / connect with those in your desired career + recruiters, apply for work “Projects” with alumni via LionLink.
  4. Schedule a “career conversation” aka “informational interview” with someone in your desired field. This helps build deeper connections and learn of even more professional contacts they may recommend.

The Open Job Market

Searching the open market is still useful at times and can lead to job offers. However, it’s best to mix up your Search methods, focusing more on the hidden job market where you’ll have less competition and more meaningful connections.

  • Google search internships (i.e. “Accounting Internships Philadelphia”)
  • Public Job Boards (to name just a few):
  • Social Media
  • Specialty publications
  • Professional Associations websites – find via onetonline - lookup a profession and scroll down to “Sources of Additional Information”

Additional Search Resources

Job Search webpage – contains Action Plan worksheet and links to remote opportunities and gigs or short-term work projects.

International Students – Internships & Work in the U.S. – webpage developed by previous Brandywine international student who was hired by Goldman Sachs for her internship / CPT then offered f/t employment upon graduation / OPT.