Student & Alumni Resources

Handshake is the #1 college-to-career network in the nation and is available to all W students and alumni to aid in their search for careers.

Visit our Career Center on Handshake to view resources, learn about and register for upcoming career readiness events, and request an appointment with staff. Our resources address how to navigate the platform; complete a profile; schedule an appointment; register for events; post content; connect with students, alumni, and employers; and search and apply for jobs and internships.

Join Handshake

How to Activate Student Accounts (.PDF)

How to Activate Alumni Accounts (.PDF)

Career Exploration

It's hard to figure out what you're supposed to do 'the rest of your life.' No one thing or person can tell you what to major in or what career path you should take, but career assessments can provide direction so you can make the best decision for YOU.

Career Exploration

Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume is how you introduce yourself to a prospective employer. Are you making the best impression? Here are some tips to improving your resume.

Be as brief as possible to ensure your resume is read. One to two pages is ideal.
Be very selective in choosing references. Make sure your reference is qualified to address your skills, work ethic, and work quality. It’s never a good idea to ask a relative to serve as a reference.
Always be truthful about your work experience and accomplishments. Most companies will verify with a reference check.
Proofread carefully. Then ask a friend to proofread. Typos and grammatical mistakes are fatal in a resume.
Write a cover letter that summarizes your major skills and goals and tells a potential employer why you’re a fit for the position.
Format the resume in a way that is attractive and easy to read, but never place appearance over the actual content of your resume. Employers are interested in what you can bring to the position.

Resume & Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter Example (.pdf) Resume Example (.pdf)

Interviews

Click the articles below for tips and tricks for putting your best foot forward during the interview process.

Indeed – How to Make a Great Impression in a Job Interview: 20 Tips

Indeed – Video Interview Guide: Tips for a Successful Job Interview

Indeed – How to Succeed in a Panel Interview: Tips and Questions

Indeed – How to Dress for a Job Interview

Career One Stop – Common Interview Questions

The Muse – 70 Smart Questions to Ask in an Interview in 2025

Career One Stop – Writing Thank You Notes

Photo of a W student interviewing with two employer representatives.

Build confidence for your job search

The Job Search Academy is a free, virtual career development program brought to you by Indeed and the Mississippi University for Women to help you excel in your job search. The Academy focuses on mastering the 5 key areas of the job search so you feel confident every step of the way–because everyone deserves better work.

View JSA Workshops

Career Literature

Below is a list of different books you might pick up a copy of to help you on your career journey.

Never Split the Difference. by Chris Voss
What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles
Skills for Career Success – Maximizing your Potential at Work. by Elaine Biech
Take the Leap – Change your Career, Change your Life. by Sara Bliss
Choose Possibility – Take Risks and Thrive (Even When You Fail) by Sukhinder Singh Cassidy
The Long Game – How to Be a Long- term Thinker in A Short-Term World. by Dorie Clark
The Calling – Pursuing your Dream Career While Keeping Your Day Job. by Todd Conner
The Unspoken Rules – Secrets to Starting Your Career Off Right. by Gorick Ng