Job & Internship Search

Since a job or internship search can take 6-9 months, you should start your employment search early—ideally 2 semesters before you plan to be employed.

When searching for a position, you should write down your professional goals. These will help you reduce the amount of time and energy you spend searching.  

Ask yourself the following questions: 

• What skills or knowledge do I offer an employer?
• What types of positions am I searching for? 
• What companies or organizations interest me? 
• What are possible locations for my future employment? 
• What could my career trajectory look like? 

When you’re ready to search, make sure to register in Handshake, attend job fairs, and network with employers. 

As a job seeker, you should be aware of online job scams. The Better Business Bureau is a good way to vet potential employers.

Handshake Jobs Portal

Handshake is Winona State’s job and internship recruitment tool.

Here, you can:

• Find a job, from part-time, temporary, summer, local, work-study, and student-help positions to full-time jobs that require a degree and internships
• Share your resume with employers who are hiring
• Register for career events (e.g., interviews, job fairs, special events)

Winona State University or its Career Services department does not endorse any of the posted positions in Handshake. Employers submit position and employer descriptions. 

Neither the University nor the Career Services department assumes responsibility for inaccurate or misleading information. The presence of a posting on this site does not mean the position is appropriate for any student.

We strive to provide our students and alumni with job seekers who have quality employment and internship opportunities. Employers must adhere to Handshake’s Terms of Service. 

Please use caution and common sense when applying to positions. Do not disclose Social Security numbers, credit card information, or bank account numbers with unknown employers. 

When you apply for a position through Handshake, you grant an employer access to view your profile information. Please review your profile information before applying.

Part-Time Jobs

Many students get part-time jobs during their time at WSU. 

Before you begin to search for jobs, it’s important to understand the employment options you have on and off campus.

On-Campus Jobs Off-Campus Jobs

On-Campus Jobs

There are 2 types of on-campus jobs:

• Work Study positions are federally funded and given based on financial need. You’ll see “FWS or SWS Eligibility” listed on their Financial Aid Award if you can
• Student Help positions are available to any student as these are funded through WSU departments

Search Handshake to find all work study positions and many student help positions.

Off-Campus Jobs

There are many local employers who want to hire WSU students for part-time jobs.

Often, employers are looking for students to work weekend and evening hours.

Search Handshake to find on-campus and off-campus jobs or attend the Part-time Job Fair.

Why Work & Volunteer in College

As a college student, you’re busy enough with classes and daily life so it may seem like getting a job is another thing you don’t have time for. But working regularly or even volunteering every so often can give you great experience for your future career.

Working Abroad

Working abroad is a wonderful way to grow your cultural competencies and knowledge of other cultures’ traditions and social norms. 

There are many factors to consider before accepting a job in another country:

• Wages and currency conversions
• Locating housing
• Travel costs and travel insurance (temporary employment)
• Acquiring a visa and tracking visa status
• Employment laws/regulations
• Adjusting to new social norms/customs
• Vaccinations and health conditions
• Culture shock and homesickness
• In-country transportation
• Contractual agreements (internships)

The Study Abroad Office and Warrior Success Center can help you prepare for international travel and work. 

Salary & Cost of Living

Before accepting a job offer, it’s important to assess your financial needs to determine what will be a reasonable salary. 

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What’s the baseline for your total living expenses?
• What benefits (insurance, savings plans, etc.) do you need for yourself, your family?
• How do you know if an employer’s salary offer is competitive?
• How expensive is the city you’ll be living in? (i.e., taxes, commuting costs, leisure expenses)

Resources

• WSU WhichWay
• Occupational Outlook Handbook 
• Career OneStop Wages Toolkit
• CNN Money Cost of Living Calculator 
• Bankrate.com Cost of Living Calculator  
• NerdWallet Cost of Living Calculator 
• MoneyGeek Cost of Living Calculator 
• Educate to Career Salary Calculator 
• Money Geek Salary Guide 

Graduate Follow-Up Reports

Explore the “Graduate Follow-Up Reports” to see the jobs that recent alumni accepted and their employers. 

You can even research salary outcomes by college and major.

When you’re hired, please send us your employment data via the Graduate Follow-up Survey. Personal data (e.g., first name, last name) will not be shared with the public.