Career Resources
Career Services offers a comprehensive list of resources and materials to support student and alumni career and professional development and help you feel confident taking the next steps after graduation.
Students and alumni can make a virtual or phone career services appointment Monday through Friday. Appointments are scheduled through Calendly. Please ensure you provide the correct email address upon booking. A confirmation email with appointment access information and relevant links will be sent after scheduling. Should you have any questions or difficulties scheduling, please contact Career Services.
12 Twenty is USU’s career management system equipped with employer and recruiter connections, current openings, upcoming events, salary information, and more. New and current students have access to 12Twenty throughout the duration of their program. Upon graduation, students transition to "Alumni" status and have access to the platform for one year following their graduation year.
Here’s how you can get started with 12Twenty:
- Navigate to usuniversity.12twenty.com
- Log in using your USU email & password
- Complete the quick survey upon log in
- Build your student/alumni profile to include all career-related information
- Explore career opportunities, register for upcoming events & fairs, access the career resource library and view university employer contacts
Should you have difficulties accessing 12Twenty, view the detailed student start-up guide or contact Career Services.
Suit-Up is a partnership between JCPenney & United States University that provides an opportunity for students, staff, faculty, and alumni to purchase professional attire and accessories at a discounted rate.
Spring 2024 Suit-Up Sale will be Sunday, January 28th through Sunday, May 5th, 2024.
How it works:
- Starting January 28th, text ‘USUJCP’ to 67292 to get your extra 30% off coupon.
- From January 28 - May 5, 2024, go to: http://www.jcpenney.com/m/suit-up-event and shop the sale. Items are already up to 30% off online and in-store.
- What to shop for: career wear, socks, shoes, jewelry, handbags, luggage, scarves, belts, watches, and more!
You can shop online or use your coupon in-store at your local JCPenney store until May 5th. For questions or accommodations regarding this event, please contact Career Services.
Resumes: Your resume is a marketing tool written to tell potential employers about your skills, education, and work experience. In this section, you will learn how to create a resume to attract recruiters and hiring managers based on your field of study.
- Resume Writing Guide
- General Resume Sample
- Nursing & Health Sciences Resume Sample
- FNP Nursing Resume Sample
- Business & Technology Resume Sample
- Education Resume Sample
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) Sample (For Research, Faculty, or Experienced Professionals with 10+ Years)
Cover Letters: Cover letters are another marketing tool that provides employers with further information regarding your interest in the position and space for you to personalize your application further.
Career Assessments can help you identify and explore your unique talents, skills, interests, values, personality, and abilities. These tools, when combined, can give you clarity on a career destination or pathway. The following Career Assessments are offered at no additional cost to all USU students and alumni:
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Personality Assessment
- Knowdell Motivated Skills Card Sort Assessment
- Knowdell Career Values Card Sort Assessment
- Holland RIASEC Interest Assessment
- Clifton Strengths (StrengthsQuest) Assessment
- Sparkpath Challenge Mindset Card Sort Assessment
All students and alumni should schedule an appointment with Career Services to evaluate which assessment(s) would best suit your needs and obtain access at no cost.
USU recommends many online platforms and resources to assist you with your job search. Should you need 1:1 job search support from Career Services, please schedule an appointment.
- 12Twenty
- Job Search Checklist
- Job Application Tracker
- Career Readiness Competencies
- Informational Interviewing Guide
- How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
- Career Change Search Tool
- ONetOnline.org (for career exploration)
- Firsthand.co
Your interviewing skills are a crucial part of the hiring process. Identifying interviewing strategies specific to your skills, personality, and career goals will allow you to take a more active role in interviews and increase confidence.
- Interviewing Guide
- How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions using the STAR Method
- The Best Outfits for Job Interviews
- Body Language Tips for your Next Job Interview
- Illegal Interview Questions and How to Respond
- Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview
- Google Interview Warmup - Online Virtual Interview Prep Tool
- Yoodli - AI Communication and Interview Prep Tool
Networking: Did you know, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of jobs are found through networking? Networking is the process of making connections and building relationships. These connections can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions.
- How Do I Start Networking? Brainstorm who your connections are and who they might know. Write down the names of people already in your network.
- People to consider: USU faculty and staff members, Former supervisors or colleagues, Parents’ friends, Classmates, Co-workers, Club/organization members, etc.
- Networking Guide
- USU Alumni Network
LinkedIn:
- LinkedIn Profile Checklist
- 10 LinkedIn Tips for Students & New Graduates
- How to Use LinkedIn Effectively as a New Grad
- Sample LinkedIn Connection Requests
Personal Branding:
- Create Your Elevator Pitch/30-Second Commercial
- Build Your Teacher Philosophy
- Pfpmaker.com (Turn any photo into a professional headshot!)
Understanding the value of your education and professional experience plays an information role in salary conversations and negotiations, especially as a new graduate. Working at a pay level you deserve and are comfortable with gives you a sense of motivation, and as you progress and move forward with you career, you can later ask for a raise or starting salary that aligns with your expectations.
- Salary Negotiation Guide
- Job Offer Evaluation Template
- Payscale.com (detailed salary reports and information for a variety of careers)
- Glassdoor.com (for salary and interview transparency)
- Educate to Career Salary Calculator (built for recent college graduates)
- What NOT to Say When Negotiating Salary
- O*Net Online
- Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Salary.com