Undergraduate Student Resources
Career Engagement
Unlock Your Talents and Opportunities
Your Goals. Your Path. Your Success.
College is the perfect time for you to identify your skills and develop the talents you want to use in a career that will be meaningful and rewarding. Think of these steps as your GPS—helping you navigate toward your goals. Texas Education Career Engagement (TECE) is available to guide you along your career readiness journey.
Career Preparation
Resumes
A resume is a professional document that summarizes your education, experience and skills for a particular internship or job position that interests you. Check out the resources below to get started then work with a career coach or attend drop-in hours with a career peer advisor to have your resume reviewed.
Writing Your Resume
- Resume Format – The basics on how to format a resume
- Resume Writing Guide – Learn how to best show off your experiences on your resume with guidance and best practices
- Action Verb List – Every well-crafted bullet point needs a strong action verb
Cover Letters
A cover letter is a means to introduce yourself and is a companion document for your resume. It focuses on specific aspects of an organization that interest you and highlights your relevant skills or knowledge pertaining to the job or internship you are seeking. The cover letter also demonstrates your ability to communicate in writing and organize written material. Use the resources below to learn how to write an effective cover letter to market yourself to employers.
Cover letters are often a required component of job applications. Have your cover letter reviewed by a career coach or attend drop-in hours with a career peer advisor.
Writing a Cover Letter
- Getting Started – Cover Letter Writing Process – Don’t know where to start? Check out this resource for getting started in the writing process.
- Cover Letter Guide – For information on how to format and what to include in your cover letter.
Cover Letter Examples
- Full-time position
- Teaching position
- Sport Management – full-time position with a team
- Exercise Science – part-time healthcare position
- Internship role
- Non-profit internship
Interviewing
Interviewing can be stressful. You have access to multiple resources to help you prepare and build confidence. Check out our tips below.
Before the Interview
Research the Company
- Use our Organizational Research Worksheet to stay organized.
- Understand their mission, values, and recent news.
- Know what they do, who their customers are, and why you want to work there.
Understand the Role
- Read the job/internship description thoroughly.
- Match your skills and experiences to what they’re looking for.
Practice Common Questions
- Example behavioral questions
- Teaching specific questions
Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions.
S – Describe the Situation.
T – Describe what you were Tasked with to accomplish.
A – Describe the Action taken.
R – Describe the Results.
Know Your Resume
- Be ready to discuss any item on your resume.
- Use specific examples from class projects, internships, volunteer work, or extracurriculars.
Prepare Questions to Ask
Show interest by asking thoughtful questions.
- What does a typical day look like in this role?
- What are some challenges the team is currently facing?
- How is success measured in this position?
Helpful Resources
Big Interview is an excellent resource for preparing for interviews. Sample questions in numerous industries are available on the platform. You can also engage in a mock interview and receive AI feedback on your performance.
Day of the Interview
Dress Professionally
- Business casual is usually safe unless the company culture is more formal.
- Make sure your outfit is clean and fits well.
- Need professional clothing? Stop by the Career Closet in Sanchez 2.110
Be On Time (Early!)
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early or log on early for virtual interviews.
- If your interview is online, test your camera, mic and internet connection ahead of time.
Bring Essentials
- Prepared questions.
- Copies of your resume.
- A notepad and pen.
- A list of references (if requested).
During the Interview
Make a Strong First Impression
- Smile, give a firm handshake and make eye contact.
- Be polite to everyone you meet, including receptionists and assistants.
Communicate Clearly
- Speak confidently and at a moderate pace.
- Don’t be afraid to pause and think before answering.
Be Honest and Authentic
It’s okay to admit you don’t know something, but show a willingness to learn.
After the Interview
Send a Thank-You Email
- Send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours.
- Mention something specific you discussed and reaffirm your interest.
Want additional support? A career coach can help you prepare by holding a mock interview.
Networking
Tap into networking resources to showcase your professionalism, expertise, strengths and unique skillset and increase your career prospects.
Creating In-person Connections
- Informational Interview
Informational interviews differ from regular interviews in that the goal is to get information on a specific job or industry. Seek out notable members or mutual connections in a field that interests you to request a meeting. This is a great way to connect with people in the industry without the pressure of job interviewing.
- Elevator Pitches
Talking about yourself in an informational yet concise way when trying to network in person can be difficult. Prepare an elevator pitch, a one- to two-minute brief about yourself that highlights your skills and experiences to share with potential connections.
Creating an Online Presence
Employers often use social media to screen candidates. Check out these tips for crafting your online presence:
- Maximize your professional online presence by regularly updating your accomplishments and making connections to help you achieve your career goals.
- Stay active and connect with people on 12twenty, LinkedIn and HookedIn. These sites allow you to see mutual connections and expand your network while exploring career opportunities.
- Stay professional. Make a good first impression for prospective employers by curating your posts accordingly.
Preparing for Your Networking Journey
Connect with a career coach to review your LinkedIn profile, help you develop your elevator pitch and prepare for an informational interview.
Ways to Gain Experience
Gaining hands-on experience helps you build your resume and network while developing transferable and marketable career readiness skills.
Explore the resources below to identify opportunities that fit your interests and career goals. Note that you are not expected to participate in every opportunity listed here. These are options to explore based on your interests, goals and capacity, not a checklist to complete.
Undergraduate Research
Office of Undergraduate Research supports undergraduate research endeavors through services including advising, workshops, funding, research programs and information session and other events that empower you to develop your skills. Use Eureka, a searchable database, to explore the many undergraduate research opportunities at UT Austin.
On-campus Jobs and Internships
UT Workday is the primary platform for all UT Austin student employment, including undergraduate, graduate, academic, non-academic, work study and other professional positions.
Practicums
- Longhorn Wellness Peer Educators Program – Longhorn Wellness Peer Educators gain peer health leadership expertise through a three-semester academic course and experiential learning that promotes health and wellness on campus.
- SHARE Support Specialist – The Longhorn SHARE Project recruits approximately 25 students to become SHARE Support Specialists each October. Longhorn SHARE (Support, Healing, Active listening, Reciprocity, Empowerment) Project is a social connection and mental health peer support program created by and for UT students.
- Texas Athletics Performance Nutrition – Open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing careers in sports nutrition, the performance nutrition intern program provides mentoring, education and unique opportunities to work with student athletes.
- Yoga Specialization – The yoga specialization prepares students how to teach yoga and incorporate it into their fields of study and professional pursuits. Students will participate in group settings where they will practice teaching each other with guidance from a professor and eventually develop their own yoga class. Meet with an academic advisor to learn more.
Off-campus Internships
Looking for a job or an internship?
Start Your Search Online
- Indeed compiles job listings from other sites and company job boards.
- Texas Education Agency Job Board for prospective educators.
- American Kinesiology Association Job Board for people seeking jobs related to kinesiology.
- JobsInSports contains job listings related to sports and sport management.
- Federal Job Board lists federal jobs all across the country.
Prepare Your Application Materials
Once you have a few listings, get your application materials together. Specific requirements may vary from each listing. Materials can include:
- Resumes or CVs provide a brief overview of your past work experiences and skills.
- Cover letters introduce you to prospective employers and provide details on how your skills make you the right fit for a job.
- References speak on your behalf as a worker. Prospective employers contact references to gain insights on your work ethic and experiences.
Need some help going over your application materials? Schedule an appointment with a career coach.
Follow These General Hints
Having concerns about the process? Here are a few helpful hints:
- Many people feel like they do not have all of the qualifications that match the job description—that’s okay! If you feel like you could competently do a role and have a decent amount of the skills the listing is looking for, apply anyway!
- Be sure to tailor your application materials to each job. Tailored materials can help bypass applicant tracking systems.
- Stay on top of your job search by using this template to track your progress and resources.
- Start your job search at the beginning of your last year of school to give yourself plenty of time to prepare for research, preparation and navigating the hiring process.
Our Job Searching 101 Guide provides a deeper dive into the search process.
Education Abroad
- Texas Global – Find an Education Abroad program, attend an information session and meet with an education abroad advisor.
- LASSO – Search for education abroad scholarships and funding by selecting “Texas Global” in the category search filter
- Interstride – A resource for international students and global opportunities such as international-friendly jobs and internships in the US, work and study abroad opportunities, international network, career and immigration resources.
Domestic Study
- UTLA – Spend a semester in Los Angeles to jump-start your career in the entertainment industry
- UTNY – Business, government and technology merge with entertainment, fashion and media in dynamic New York City. Spend a semester exploring UTNY’s connections with companies, people and prospects.
- Archer Program in Washington DC – Spend a semester at the Washington, D.C., campus of The University of Texas System where you will live, learn and intern in the nation’s capital to develop understanding of federal policymaking.
- Alternative Breaks – Spend your academic break with a small group of UT students going to outside communities to learn through immersive service experiences.
Student Leadership
- Hornslink – Search this database to find student organizations that tap into your personal and academic interests.
- Texas LEAD – Helps students realize their potential as postive change leaders through programming, coaching and workshops.
Certificates and Microcredentials
- Coursera – Learn new skills and hone existing ones by earning industry-leading certificates for high-demand career paths.
- LinkedIn Learning – Access on-demand online learning modules on the latest software and other skills.
- UT Austin Digital Badges – Digital badges enable students to showcase their knowledge, skill and attitudes gained through their academic program of study and co-curricular activities.
- Job Simulations – Learn directly from leading companies and gain valuable career skills by completing virtual work experiences on Forage.
Micro-Internships
- Parker Dewey – Micro-internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects allow you to demonstrate job-related skills, explore career paths and build your professional network.
Entrepreneurship
- Harkey Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies – Serves students of ALL majors interested in entrepreneurship and developing their own businesses through the entrepreneurship minor, Summer Entrepreneurship Academy, Summer Fellowship, Undergraduate Mentor program and a Living Learning Community.
- Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute – KS WELI equips and empowers the next generation of courageous and creative leaders who will change the world- in business and beyond. KS WELI is open to all and is a place for you to figure out what entrepreneurship might mean for you. Whether you’re a freelancer, a creative, a scientist, a business major, or have a side hustle, KS WELI is there to support you.
Volunteering
- Volunteer UT/Give Pulse – Search for volunteer opportunities and events.
- Office of Volunteerism and Service Learning – Connect to volunteer opportunities and find events to get involved in community service.
- Volunteering for Health Professions – Check out the Health Professions Resources page for pre-health volunteering resources.
Shadowing
Health Professions Office – check out these strategies for finding shadowing opportunities provided by the Health Professions Office.
Job and Internship Search
Looking for a job or an internship? Break down the process with our step-by-step guide.
Start Your Search Online
- Indeed: This job site compiles job listings from other sites and company job boards.
- Texas Education Agency (TEA) Job Board: TEA has a job board for prospective educators.
- American Kinesiology Association (AKA) Job Board: AKA has a job board for people seeking jobs related to kinesiology.
- JobsInSports: This site posts listings relating to sports and sport management.
- Federal Job Board: This site features federal jobs all across the country.
This list is not exhaustive. Meet with a career coach to explore other ways to find jobs in your industry and that align with your interests.
Application Materials
Resume/CV: These documents are a brief overview of your past work experiences and skills. These documents highlight experience you have gained and relevent skills.
Cover Letter: This document highlights your interest in the position and can be a way to provide more detail on how your skills are right for the job.
References: References are a way to have someone else speak on your behalf as a worker. Prospective employers may contact your references to have an external insight on your work ethic and experiences.
- Be sure to tailor your application materials to each job. Tailored materials can help bypass applicant tracking systems.
- Stay organized with your job search by using this template.
- Start your job search early: Many people start looking for a job at the end of their senior year or even after they graduate. Stay on-top of the curve and start your search earlier.
- Many people feel like they do not have all of the qualifications that match the job description—that’s okay! If you feel like you could competently do a role and have a decent amount of the skills the listing is looking for, apply anyway!
Once you have a few listings, get your application materials together. Specific requirements may vary from each listing.
Need help going over your application materials? Schedule an appointment with a career coach.
General Hints
Having concerns about the process? Here are a few helpful hints:
- Be sure to tailor your application materials to each job. Tailored materials can help bypass applicant tracking systems.
- Stay organized with your job search by using this template.
- Start your job search early: Many people start looking for a job at the end of their senior year or even after they graduate. Stay on top of the curve and start your search earlier.
- Many people feel like they do not have all of the qualifications that match the job description—that’s okay! If you feel like you could competently do a role and have a decent amount of the skills the listing is looking for, apply anyway!
Career Fair Preparation
Attending a career fair is a great way to build your professional network and learn about your field of interest. The College of Education offers multiple opportunities to connect with employers each year.
Check out the resources below to get started.
Before the Fair
- Research Companies – Know what they do, their values, and open roles that match your interests.
- Update Your Resume – Tailor it to the industries you’re targeting. Bring multiple copies.
- Practice Your Pitch – Prepare a 30-second introduction: who you are, what you’re studying, and what you’re looking for.
- Dress Professionally – Business casual or formal attire depending on the fair’s tone. Need professional clothing? Visit the COE Career Closet!
During the Fair
- Be Strategic – Prioritize companies you’re most interested in, but explore others, too.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions – Show genuine interest and be yourself. “What qualities do you look for in interns?” or “What’s the company culture like?”
- Take Notes – Jot down recruiter names, roles discussed and follow-up ideas.
After the Fair
- Follow Up – Send thank-you emails to recruiters you spoke with. Mention something specific from your conversation.
- Apply Online – Even if you handed in a resume, apply through official channels if required.
Want more help? Schedule an appointment with a career coach or attend drop-in hours with a career peer advisor to have your resume reviewed.
Career Closet
The College of Education Career Closet offers free donated professional and business-casual clothing for current UT students. If you’re a current student preparing for an interview, career fair, networking event or other professional opportunity, you are welcome to shop in person.
Career Exploration
College of Education graduates are prepared for rewarding careers in education and health. You may be surprised by the number of career options that will be available to you thanks to the skills you will gain while you are with us. Explore with the resources below.
For more in-depth exploration and career resources such as 4-year plans and career how-to guides, and career pathways by major, join our Career Exploration Canvas course. This asynchronous Canvas course will provide you with activities, resources, and information to start your exploration process.
Meet with a Career Coach
Want to talk to someone about career exploration? Make an appointment with a career coach on 12Twenty@Texas!
Take a Career Assessment
Learn about how your strengths, interests, values, and skills can align with different careers. The College of Education offers various career assessments.
- Focus 2 Career – create an account by clicking the “Register” option and using the access code: longhorns
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator – requires a referral from a career coach.
- Clifton Strengths – requires a referral from a career coach.
- Strong Interest Inventory – requires a referral from a career coach.
Occupational Research
O*Net – Find, search, or browse across 900+ occupations based on your goals and needs. Learn about requirements, characteristics, and available opportunities for your selected occupation.
What Can I Do With This Major? – this tool features 100 major profiles with information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities. Scroll to the bottom of each profile for links to professional associations, occupational outlook information, and job search resources.
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this tool lets you explore information about hundreds of occupations such as education requirements, pay, outlook for the future, and more.
Where Do Students Intern and Work?
Where COE Students Intern
Students in Kinesiology and Health and Youth and Community Studies (YCS) may be required to complete an internship. Learn more about where our students have interned recently.
Where COE Graduates Work
Collected from LinkedIn and graduate survey data on graduates from the past three years, these resources highlight what you can do with a degree from the College of Education.
- Education Majors (Also see Job Titles by Industry)
- Kinesiology and Health Majors (Also see Job Titles by Industry)
Graduate School
Considering Graduate School
This guide will help you determine if pursuing graduate study is right for you.
Our Graduate School Guide will show you how to navigate the application process once you have made the decision to apply. Use this spreadsheet to track your applications.
Gather Application Materials
Application materials may differ from each program. Here are a few common examples of application materials
- Statement of purpose: More common in STEM fields, the statement of purpose is an essay that highlights your skills, experience and background and how you plan to pursue your goals.
- Personal Statement: More common in liberal arts fields, the personal statement is an essay geared towards your personal background and experience.
- Resume/CV: These provide a broad overview of your school and work experience.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically written by professors or supervisors who know you and know how you work and can greatly influence your application.
Navigate the Next Steps
After you’ve received an acceptance, check out this guide for planning the next steps and things to help you prepare for your next academic chapter
Want help navigating the process? Schedule an appointment with a career coach.
Job Search Academy

University Resources

Virtual resources and tools to support self-guided career development.


