Career Services for Students
Career Services advisors help students develop career readiness through exploration of majors, career paths, and work-based and experiential learning such as internships, co-ops, and on-campus student employment, as well as part-time and full-time jobs. To schedule an appointment, search for opportunities, register for events, and network with employers visit Handshake or contact Career Services at 330-972-7747 or career@uakron.edu.
Meet with a Career Services advisor to learn more about each of the following resources as well as other opportunities to explore majors and career paths, such as job shadowing and informational interviews.
Focus2: Free online assessment guides users through a reliable, intuitive career and education decision making model to help explore interests and occupations, select a major, and make informed career decisions.
- Login for first-time users: Create an account; access code is "zippy".
- Login for returning users: Login.
Top Jobs Guide: See how UA majors and degrees align with top occupations in Ohio.
"What Can I Do With This Major?” website features 100+ major profiles with information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities.
Meet with a Career Services advisor or attend a workshop or event to learn about:
- Resumes, cover letters, curricula vitae (CV), and application materials.
- Interview preparation and mock interviews.
- Graduate school preparation.
- Developing soft skills and professionalism in the workplace.
Review Career Resource Guides: Resume Writing, Cover Letter Writing, Job Search, Interviewing, Safeguard Your Career Search, Transferable Skills, LinkedIn Guide, Graduate School Preparation, Using AI in the Job Search, and more on the Resources section on Handshake (login needed).
O*NET OnLine has 900+ detailed descriptions of occupations from the world of work. Learn about requirements, characteristics, and available opportunities.
Meet with your Career Services advisor to discuss job search strategies and work-based and experiential learning opportunities. UA main campus and Wayne College students are welcome to meet virtually or in person on UA’s main campus.
Handshake, UA’s networking and job board
Access Handshake:
- Incoming Students: If you are an incoming student who will enroll in classes at The University of Akron for an upcoming semester, you will automatically receive access to Handshake when you are a confirmed student and you receive your UA email.
- Current Students: If you are a current student, you can log in to Handshake through the following link: https://uakron.joinhandshake.com/login and then choose “The University of Akron Sign On”. Type in your UANetID or UA email and your password and click "Login."
Make the Most of Handshake:
- Search for work-based and experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and co-ops, and on-campus student employment, part-time, and full-time jobs.
- Review and register for career events such as workshops, panels, and career fairs.
- Schedule an appointment with your Career Services advisor.
- Access Career Resource Guides 24/7.
- Research, follow, and message employers and other students in Handshake to expand your network.
Micro-internships: Short-term projects/gigs through Parker Dewey.
- Consult with your academic department to determine if a specific micro-internship is eligible for internship credit.
On-Campus Student Employment: Zips@Work On-Campus Student Employment positions provide opportunities to work on campus and gain new skills, make invaluable connections to expand networks, build resumes, meet new friends, earn money, and become career ready. Career Services & Student Employment assists students with exploring jobs that are located on campus within UA offices and departments, in addition to some off-campus locations. On-campus student employment jobs include Federal Work Study positions.
OhioMeansJobs.com: A free career platform that features job postings, assistance in researching careers, resume tips, practice interview tools, and other resources.
Ohio College2Careers: Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) has a College2Careers counselor onsite at The University of Akron, offering college to careers services to students with disabilities.
View and register for events on Handshake
- Career Fairs and Job Fairs
- Etiquette Experience Event
- JCPenney Suit-Up Event
- Career Chat Pop-Ups
- Information Sessions and Workshops
- Employer Chat Pop-Up Recruitment Tables
- Career Panels and Events
- Launch to Graduation Events
- Rock Your LinkedIn Profile Sessions – Presented by LinkedIn Staff
Watch for Employer Chat Pop-Ups and Career Chat Pop-Ups all semester long - your chance to connect directly with recruiters and Career Services advisors. Stop by these tabling events to learn how we can assist you with reaching your career goals and to pick up some free giveaways!
IRIS Professional Headshot Photo Booth
Need a new headshot for Handshake, LinkedIn, or your next big opportunity? Drop by the IRIS photo booth in our main office, Jean Hower Taber Student Union 211, and grab yourself a free professional pic — it takes just a few minutes.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) has an OOD College2Careers counselor onsite at The University of Akron.
- Students at UA main campus and Wayne College can schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the College2Careers counselor who is onsite at The University of Akron.
- OOD offers the College2Careers partnership with many Ohio public colleges and universities for eligible students with disabilities.
- Learn more about the Ohio College 2 Careers program.
- Connect with Ohio College 2 Careers at The University of Akron.
What we do:
- Provide College2Careers (C2C) virtual Career Development Toolkit
- Provide additional supports for UA students with disabilities
- Career exploration & career counseling
- Assistive technology
- Internships & permanent employment resources
- Connection to an expansive employer partner network
Career Services & Student Employment Career Closet
- UA students can borrow a suit jacket for career fairs, interviews, presentations, networking events, job shadowing opportunities, professional headshots (also available in Career Services), and more.
- Located in Career Services & Student Employment in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union, Room 211.
