You may search for internships and jobs in two places: the hidden market and the open market. Results vary according to industries and occupations, so consider the tips below when conducting your search.

The Hidden Market

You may find positions that are not publicly advertised by tapping into the hidden market. Once you find a position, your likelihood for success is often greater because of the existing relationship that you or someone you know has with the employer. Competing with a smaller applicant pool also helps. To uncover these hidden opportunities:

• Share your interests with friends, relatives, professors, and other influential people who may alert you to openings or refer you to hiring managers.
• Meet new people at AU Career Center events and networking receptions.
• Join professional associations and membership organizations. Find professional associations related to your field in our major-specific career guides.
• Connect with friends and colleagues through professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
• Consider proposing an internship to an employer.
• Explore internal promotions with your current employer.

The Open Market

The applicant pool tends to be larger for publicly advertised positions. Use the methods below to find internships and jobs in the open market:

• Log into Handshake and search for positions specifically posted for AU students and alumni.
• Tailor your search according to industry or occupation through specialized sites including Idealist for nonprofit positions, USAJOBS, and others.
• Use LinkedIn Job Search to uncover insights such as whom you know at a company, providing an edge in your job search.
• Search more broadly on general sites including Indeed, Glassdoor, and CollegeGrad.
• Target specific openings listed on organizations' websites.
• Speak with employers at the AU Job and Internship Fair each semester and check Handshake for other events and fairs in the area.
• Peruse professional association websites and listservs.