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Undergraduate Student Resources

 

Career Advising

Career Specialists provide individualized guidance to undergraduate and graduate students and alumni through all stages of career development.  Career Specialists are available for one-to-one appointments either in person or virtually. Students may log in to Handshake to sign up for an appointment with the Career Specialist based on their academic major. 

Learn More and Make an Appointment

 

Career Development 

Developing Your Career Development Plan provides a structured, goal-oriented approach to building the skills, experiences, and network necessary to achieve long-term career success. By outlining actionable steps each year, students can gain clarity on career direction, develop competitive resumes and portfolios, and make informed decisions about internships and jobs, ensuring they graduate professionally ready for the job market or graduate school.  As an undergraduate student, it's important to explore opportunities, remain flexible and adjust as you learn more about your interests, skills and career aspirations. 

Customize Your Career Development Plan

Career Strategies for Freshmen and Sophomores

 

Career Readiness Competencies

Career Readiness is a foundation from which to demonstrate you possess and have demonstrated the core competencies workplace success and lifelong career management.  There are 8 Career Readiness Skills that employers seek in candidates for internships and post-graduate employment.

Career Readiness Competencies

Career Readiness Self Reflection Workbook

 

Resumes and Cover Letter Templates

Access sample resumes and cover letter templates that you can modify with your education, skills, and experience. 

Resume and Cover Letter Templates

 

Acing The Interview

Access Tips for Preparing for an Interview, Succeeding durng the Interview and Following Up after an interview. 

Practice Interviewing by:

 

References

10 Tips for Top Notch References

 

Claim Your Handshake Account

Handshake is an online platform and career hub where UC Merced students and alumni can find and apply for on and off campus jobs and internships, meet with employers, register to attend career workshops and events and access “How To” Guides designed to help you effectively write your resume, successfully interview, create you LinkedIn Profile and More! Once logged in, the next step is to complete your Handshake profile with as much information as you would like to include.  Your account is created using some basic information. You are able to choose whether to include additional information about yourself in your Handshake profile, but we encourage you to include at least one experience, one co-curricular activity or organization and one skill.    
 

 

Internships

Locating and Applying for an Internship

Building Your Internship Resume

Earning Your Experiential Learning Pins 

Graduating undergraduate students who have participated in study abroad, community service, leadership, internship and/or undergraduate research experience will be eligible for an Experiential Learning pin. You can apply for one or more recognitions by completing the Experiential Learning Recognition Request Form. Note that you can complete one form for multiple recognitions.

Student Success Internship Program
The Student Success Internship (SSO) program provides undergraduate students an opportunity to participate in a meaningful, career-driven project experiences on campus.  The projects are designed by faculty, staff and campus departments. Projects may be in person, virtual or hybrid.   
 
2025-2026 applications will open on September 8 and be open until filled.   Students may find and apply for the projects on the Handshake Career Management System. 
 

Career Connect + Program for Recognized Clubs and Organizations

Registered Clubs and Organizations (RCOs) may apply for up to $500 in funding to host a career-focused event!  This microgrant program supports RCOs planning in-person, virtual or hybrid events that help peers explore, prepare for, or connect to careers.  Events must take place during the 2025-2026 academic year and be open to all students. Approved events may also receive Student Career Center marketing support (socials and Handshake), and AI-ready resume assistance for RCO members. Funds are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until fully allocated
 
 

Student Career Center Student Advisory Board

The Student Career Center’s Student Advisory Board brings the student voice to identifying, enhancing, and assessing the services, resources and events offered by the Student Career Center with the goal of supporting student career readiness and success upon degree completion.  Interested students may contact Liz Atilano; Director, Student Career Center

 Student Advisory Board Guidelines

 

Career Communities

Guides to Professional Development, Employment Opportunities, On and Off Campus Resources.

Career Communities

Connect with the SCC!