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Many ILRies have been asking the ILR Office of Career Services (OCS) questions about how to effectively find summer opportunities in this ever-changing climate. There are several ways to gain transferrable skills and learn about careers this summer.

Check out the newly launched ILR Career Space in Canvas. If you need one-on-one support, schedule appointments, including same-day sessions, with OCS advisors on CHATTER.

Be sure to check your email regularly for virtual events and workshops as well!

Check on Existing Internships

If you have already accepted an offer, and are unsure about the status of your position, keep in communication with your employer so you are both on the same page. Many are continuing their internships in person, some are shortening experiences, and others are cancelling.

  • Communicate Effectively: Proactively contact your employer to check in and ask about the status of your position. Emphasize that you understand that decisions may not be solidified due to uncertainty.
  • Express Interest in Virtual and Short-Term Options: If your employer is considering canceling the experience or has rescinded the offer, ask about short-term projects on which you could work remotely.

Find Experiences

Broaden your search to include different types of experiences.

  • Micro-Internships (short-term projects in lieu of formal, summer-long internships)

  • Handshake (search “micro-internship”)

  • Parker Dewey (platform to find micro-internships for college students and recent grads)

  • Traditional Search Platforms (in-person and remote opportunities):

  • LinkedIn Jobs

  • Idealist.org (jobs, internships, and volunteer opps at nonprofits)

Develop New Transferable Skills

Enhance your marketability by learning new skills. Below is a list of several tools and resources available to you for free.

  • LinkedIn Learning: Enhance your marketability by learning new skills! When you sign in through Cornell, you have free access to an online library of training videos featuring the latest software, creative, and business skills. Access over 11,000 online courses designed for all experience levels.

  • Cornell Skillport: Whether you're trying to answer a question, learn a new skill, or develop professionally, Skillport lets you quickly locate learning content aligned to your needs.

  • edX: Access 2,500+ online courses from 140 top institutions.

  • Coursera: Build skills with courses, certificates, and degrees online from world-class universities and companies.

  • CornellX: Browse free online courses in a variety of subjects. Cornell University courses can be audited free or you can receive a verified certificate for a small fee.

  • Free certifications: Develop your skills through free online certification programs.

  • InsideSherpa: Build experience and skills with company-backed Virtual Work Experience Programs.

Make Connections

As a part of the Cornell and ILR family, you have access to thousands of alumni doing amazing things. Connecting with them is a vital part of your career development. Check out our tips on effective networking!

  • CUeLINKS: Connect with Cornell alumni and peers to achieve your academic, career, and personal goals.

  • LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in a variety of fields. To search for Cornell alumni, go to the ‘Cornell University’ page and click on ‘Alumni.' Filter by where they work, geographic location, major, and more.

  • The LinkedIn Guys: Learn how to master LinkedIn with step-by-step instruction from former LinkedIn employees.

Research Careers, Occupations, and Salaries

Whether you are just starting to explore careers or you know exactly what you want to do (or anything in between), these resources will help you understand your options.

  • O*NET: Explore hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors. The database is continually updated by surveying a broad range of workers from each occupation.

  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Includes information about what professionals do in specific positions, what kind of training and experience is needed, earnings, and job outlook for hundreds of occupations.

  • Vault: Review VAULT Guides on career fields, interviewing, graduate schools, top employers, and more. Use your Cornell NetID to create your account for full access.

  • Cornell Library Guides: Search for general and ILR-specific jobs and research web sites.

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