UI Career Center

🔎 Did you land your campus job, internship, or full-time position through Handshake? We want to hear from YOU!

We spotlight students and alumni who found success on Handshake—and we’d love to feature your story. Share your experience and inspire fellow Hawkeyes with your advice!

📝 Fill out the form and explore past highlights: careers.uiowa.edu/handshake/hires

Don't be fooled by scammers! If you are searching for a job, you could be more vulnerable to fraud. We've seen it all, and have compiled a list of common red flags:
1. Unsolicited contact from someone claiming to be a recruiter
2. Job requirements and descriptions are vague
3. You are offered a job without applying, interviewing, or sharing your resume
4. Pay is unusually high for very little work
5. They ask you for money
6. Messages seem unprofessional and come via text or messaging apps such as WhatsApp
7. No clear company contact information is provided
8. You're asked for confidential or financial info before being hired
9. You're told to apply through unconventional platforms like Google Forms
10. Emails are sent from free, insecure accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail
11. You're asked to run strange “errands” like purchase equipment with a promise of reimbursement or deposit money into your bank account and send it elsewhere

Keep yourself safe:
✅ Use Handshake—all employers and postings are vetted by the Career Center
✅ Thoroughly research employers
✅ Apply directly on trusted company job portals
✅ Don’t respond to unsolicited emails or texts unless you are familiar with the sender
✅ If you receive a suspicious email through your UI account, report it to ITS right away!

Find more tips on researching employers on our website: careers.uiowa.edu/research-employers

🌟 Intern Spotlight: Linda Masengarb 🌟

Meet Linda, an Archives Intern at the University of Iowa Libraries Special Collections & Archives! We asked what made this experience special: "Honestly? My favorite part was that no one day was the same! I would walk in each day, grab these primary boxes to clean, survey, and/or rehouse and each time would be a new thing for me to explore and learn about!"

Whether on or off campus, internships provide an avenue to discover your interests and develop your professional skills!

Think networking is hard? Think again!
Networking can happen anywhere, especially during summer break. It doesn’t have to feel formal or awkward. Start small, stay curious, and keep it low-pressure.

💡 Try these:
• Volunteer for a cause you care about
• Reconnect with past teachers, coaches, or supervisors
• Join a local club, rec league, or fitness class
• Ask family friends about their career paths
• Grab coffee with an alum from your field (most are happy to chat!)
• Attend free community events, workshops, or library talks
• Shadow someone for a day in a career you’re exploring
• Start conversations with coworkers at your summer job
• Join online groups or LinkedIn communities related to your interests

Remember: every conversation is a chance to learn something new! Need more tips? Check out our networking page 👉 careers.uiowa.edu/networking

🌟 Intern Spotlight: Carly Schafer 🌟

Carly, a senior Accounting and Finance major at the University of Iowa, spent her spring semester as a Tax Intern at Savant Wealth Management.

"During my internship, I gained hands-on experience preparing tax returns, organizing client financial information, and working with software like UltraTax. One of the most valuable things I learned was how attention to detail directly impacts accuracy in tax work. My favorite part was being able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real client situations and seeing how everything connects in practice. This experience helped confirm my interest in pursuing a career in tax accounting and strengthened my confidence in a professional setting."

We love hearing how internships contribute to students' professional development and affirming their career paths! 👏 Looking to add an internship to your resume? There are over 1,300 listings on Handshake right now: careers.uiowa.edu/handshake

Applications sent. Interviews conquered. Offer secured.
Now comes the part many new professionals overlook: negotiation.

Before you accept, make sure you’re setting yourself up for long-term success. Here’s how to approach it with confidence:
1. Know Yourself
What matters most to you? Salary, flexibility, growth, location? Get clear on your goals.
2. Know the Company and Industry
Understand what’s typical so you can ask for what’s reasonable.
3. Know Your Market Value
Research salaries for your role, experience level, and location.
4. Prioritize What Matters
Compensation isn’t just salary—think benefits, PTO, start date, and more.
5. Have the Conversation
Negotiate professionally and confidently.
6. Make Your Decision
Choose the offer that aligns with both your goals and your worth.

👉 View each step in detail: careers.uiowa.edu/career-prep/negotiating

🌟 Intern Spotlight: Zoe Shadravan 🌟

Zoe is a Geology major and Undergraduate Researcher who shared her spring internship experience with us: "I loved interning with the Iowa Geological Survey. I gained hands-on experience researching geological hydrogen and strengthened my analytical skills through real world data. Contributing to emerging energy research was incredibly rewarding and confirmed my interest in a career in sustainable energy."

Every day, we are impressed and proud of the work Iowa students are doing at their internships! Check out our resources to help you find an opportunity you love: careers.uiowa.edu/internships

Celebrating our graduating Career Peer Advisors! 🎓

We couldn’t be more proud of this incredible group. Throughout their time with the Career Center, they’ve supported their peers, strengthened our community, and grown into thoughtful, confident professionals. It’s been an honor to watch their journeys, and we’re so excited to see the impact they’ll make next.

As they wrap up this chapter, we asked them:
“How has this role shaped your interests, goals, or sense of purpose—either personally or professionally?”

Danielle Velasquez: "This role has driven me to gain experiences that will enhance my professional career. I am now confident in networking with others, and prepared when attending professional conferences."

Madelin Schwager: "This role has shown me how much I enjoy working in a collaborative team environment and how important my work setting is to my happiness."

Avery Watkins: "This role has helped me recognize the impact I can have on others. My drive of helping others has only been reinforced through my work here. I’m excited to use skills from this role professionally!"

Kasia Wiebel: "Personally, this role has tested my patience in the best way. It has pushed me to find new ways to show up for people and help them by connecting them to resources on campus."

Ben Alger: "Being a Peer Advisor has allowed me to better understand the job market, personal connections with students and PCC staff, and learn to leverage experience to result in the most successful outcomes."

Anne Judge: "This role has given me so much confidence, both in working with students and expressing myself professionally. I can confidently say this role has solidified my desire to continue in this field."

Thank you for the energy, care, and dedication you’ve brought to this work. We are so proud of you and we can’t wait to see where your paths lead next. 🎉

Hey new alums: while we’re sad to see you leave, we’re excited to see where you'll go next!

Even though your time at Iowa has come to an end, the Pomerantz Career Center still has your back. Job searching? Exploring next steps? Need advice? As an Iowa alum, you get:
✅ 1 year of free career coaching post-graduation
🤝 Lifetime access to Handshake, our online job board with 31,000+ current opportunities
💼 Access to on-campus Career Fairs

Call 319-335-1023 to book your coaching session, or explore alumni resources online 👉 careers.uiowa.edu/alumni

Happy Summer Break, Hawks! ☀️

The Career Center has updated summer hours:
Monday–Friday
8 a.m.–Noon | 12:30–4:30 p.m.
(Note: Drop-in hours are not available during the summer)

Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment anytime! Whether you’re searching for jobs, updating your resume, or just have questions, we’re still here for you!

Wishing you a relaxing and well-deserved break. 💛