Student and alumni resources

The Career Services office is here to to help students and alumni reach their career goals. Our staff can assist with resume reviews, mock interviews and other career skill development. Schedule an appointment or stop by for Tuesday walk-in advising today. 

Online resources, including resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, job search resources, information on workshops and events, and more are available below.

Sample Application Packets 

• Accounting
• Finance
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Management
• Marketing
• Technology, Information Systems and Analytics

Resumes

Your resume is a quick snapshot of your skills, education, and experience. It should grab attention in 10-15 seconds and represent your best self. Check out our sample resumes and guidelines to get started.

• Sample undergraduate business resume
• Sample MBA resume
• Resume guidelines
• Action verbs for a strong resume
• Resume tips for federal government positions

Cover letters

A cover letter introduces you and highlights why you’re the right fit. It demonstrates clear, concise writing. Use our guide and sample cover letters for inspiration.

• Cover Letter Guide
• Sample Accounting Cover Letter
• Sample Finance Cover Letter
• Sample Global Supply Chain Cover Letter
• Sample Management Cover Letter
• Sample Marketing Cover Letter
• Sample Technology, Information Systems and Analytics Cover Letter

References

References are separate from your resume and should include people from academic or professional backgrounds. Avoid using family or friends. Format neatly and get permission before listing anyone. See our sample reference list for guidance.

• Sample List of References

Be sure to ask each contact to serve as a reference prior to starting a job search and send a thank you note once you land your job or internship.

Job or Internship Search

Searching for a job can be a time-consuming process that takes effort and effective planning. We advise that you begin your job search at least 3 to 4 months prior to your desired start date. With an active job or internship search, you may have to submit 20 or 30 applications each week even when qualified for the prospective positions. The key to remain positive and optimistic throughout the process.

Handshake

Ilitch School Career Services makes finding job and internship applications easy with Handshake. We ensure that the jobs posted through this system are good opportunities for our business students. Remember that while many companies recruit all year round, some jobs and internships follow specific fall and winter recruiting patterns. 

While applying online is often a necessary part of your job or internship search, there are a number of steps you can take early on to yield the most success. Check out the helpful job search steps below to get started.

1. Start by identifying what type of positions you want and what you are qualified for.
2. Develop a list of target employers to guide your job search. You will likely need to apply outside of this employer list, but having an initial guide is good.
3. Create strong application materials, including your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and elevator pitch.
4. Network to create connections in desired fields and with specific industries and companies. Applying online is only one portion of job searching. You have to actively network as well.
5. Apply! Your application should be tailored to a specific position and company. Be sure to customize your resume and cover letter with keywords from the job description as much as possible.
6. Practice for interviews.
7. Follow-up with a company after your interview. If the company provided you with a timeline in which a decision would be made and that date has passed, it is appropriate to follow-up with a polite phone call or email.

Recruiting Events

The Ilitch School Career Services office hosts many events to help students and alumni succeed in every aspect of their careers. Career events give attendees a chance to learn more about potential job openings, get helpful career tips, network with employers and jumpstart their careers.

In addition to company presentations and meet and greet events, we hold career fairs that provide you with an opportunity to interact with multiple potential employers for an internship or job. These are also the perfect opportunity to develop your professional network.

For a complete and up-to-date list of events, check out the "Events" tab on Handshake. You may also filter events by entering "Mike Ilitch School of Business."

Interview preparation

Preparing for a job or internship interview is crucial to showcase your qualifications and determine if a company is the right fit. Employers often ask a mix of standard and behavioral questions, so practice is essential. Mike Ilitch School of Business students and alumni can access online mock interview tools, training and resources to boost confidence. Additional interview preparation resources include rubrics, guides, and worksheets. After your interview, be sure to send a thank-you note to stand out. Schedule a mock interview with Career Services by emailing ilitchcareers@wayne.edu or calling 313-577-4781.

• Big Interview - free online interview training and practice tool. Login with your WSU access id and password.
• Interview Rubric - National Association of College and Employers (NACE)
• Interviewing Practice Guide
• STAR Interviewing Practice Worksheet

Networking

A powerful tool for job seekers, 60%-80% of jobs are filled through networking. It not only opens doors to job opportunities but also provides insights into industries, companies, and career paths. These connections can lead to referrals, mentorships and job shadowing, all of which enhance professional growth and confidence.

To network effectively, define your target role, identify relevant companies, and use LinkedIn to connect with professionals. Request informational interviews to gain advice and build relationships. A well-crafted elevator pitch can make a lasting impression when meeting employers at campus events.

Explore resources to refine your networking and pitch strategies:

• Elevator Pitch Handout & Worksheet
• LinkedIn Profile Development Guide
• Informational Interviewing Packet

Create an Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief, compelling introduction highlighting who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for—all in about 30 seconds. It’s crucial in networking because it helps you make a strong first impression, communicate your value quickly, and spark meaningful conversations with potential mentors, employers, or connections. A well-crafted elevator pitch can open doors to opportunities that might not have been available otherwise.

Example Elevator Pitch for a College Student:

"Hi, my name is Alex Warrior, and I’m a junior majoring in marketing at Wayne State University. I’m passionate about digital branding and social media strategy, and I’ve gained hands-on experience through my internship, where I helped increase engagement by 30% for a local business. I’m currently looking for opportunities to apply my skills in a larger corporate setting, so I'm extremely interested in learning more about your company. Do you have any advice on breaking into the industry?"

13 ways to network

1. Handshake and LinkedIn

• Optimize your profile: Ensure your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles are up-to-date and professional.
• Participate in events: Attend Handshake recruiting and professional development events.
• Connect with industry professionals: Send personalized connection requests.
• Engage with content: Comment on and share relevant industry posts.
• Join groups: Participate in industry-related LinkedIn groups.
• LinkedIn messaging: Reach out to recruiters, colleagues or alumni in your field.

2. Networking events

• Job fairs: Attend virtual or in-person job fairs to meet recruiters.
• Conferences and seminars: Join industry-specific events to network with professionals.
• Alumni events: Connect with the Ilitch School Alumni Association to network for job leads.
• Meet-ups: Explore local or online meetups in your industry.

3. Informational interviews

• Reach out for coffee chats: Ask for brief, informal meetings with professionals in your field to learn more about their careers and company. 
• Prepare questions: Show genuine interest in their career path and advice, rather than directly asking for a job.

4. Social media

• Twitter/X and Instagram: Follow industry leaders, engage with their posts, and join conversations.
• TikTok/Instagram stories: Participate in discussions on relevant hashtags or even post professional content.
• Facebook groups: Join career-focused or industry-specific Facebook groups to connect with people.

5. Professional associations

• Join a business school association: Become a member of student organizations related to your field (e.g., AMA for marketing, SHRM for HR).
• Attend workshops and webinars: These offer networking opportunities with professionals who share your career interests.

6. Online communities

• Reddit and Discord: Participate in career-related subreddits or Discord communities.
• Slack groups: Many industries have dedicated Slack channels for professional networking.

7. Networking through volunteering

• Join volunteer projects: Volunteer for events or causes related to your field to meet like-minded professionals.
• Nonprofit boards or committees: Involvement in nonprofits can lead to valuable professional connections.

8. Referrals from friends and family

• Leverage personal connections: Let friends and family know you're looking for job opportunities.
• Internal referrals: Employees often refer candidates to their companies, increasing the chance of getting hired.

9. Networking within your company

• Internal job opportunities: Keep track of openings and projects within your current organization.
• Cross-departmental relationships: Build relationships outside your immediate team.

10. Attend industry webinars and podcasts

• Engage with hosts and guests: Follow up with webinar speakers or podcast hosts via social media or email.
• Join live chats: Participate in the Q&A or comment sections to engage with other attendees.

11. Career counselors or coaches

• Ilitch School Career Services: Attend employer-hosted events at the Ilitch School or previous institutions.

12. Cold outreach via email

• Personalized emails: Reach out to professionals in your field with well-crafted, personalized messages.
• Follow up: Keep in touch after the initial contact, maintaining an ongoing conversation.

13. Internships and micro-Internships

• Acquire an internship or micro-Internship: Use internships as a platform to grow your network and gain job leads.

Virtual experience programs

​Ilitch School Career Services offers free virtual work experiences through Forage and Parker Dewey. After completing these programs, you can showcase your skills on LinkedIn and your resume. For help adding these experiences to your resume or for more information, contact Career Services.

Micro-internships

Paid opportunities ranging from 5 to 40 hours that allow you to demonstrate skills, explore careers, and build networks. Create a WSU/Parker Dewey account, complete your profile, review available micro-internship projects and apply for projects of interest. Check back frequently to review and apply for new opportunities. Students may concurrently hold multiple micro-internships.

Virtual experiences

Forage offers self-paced virtual work experience programs designed by top companies like JPMorgan Chase, Citi, and Deloitte. Complete real-world tasks, gain insights, and earn certificates to boost your resume. These programs are risk-free, will not be graded and are open to all students. Create a WSU/Forage account to get started.

Designed to help students gain a better understanding of the diverse and exciting career pathways available, virtual work experience programs also build skills and confidence. The programs take 5-6 hours to complete and you may choose whether to share your work with an employer. As each module is completed, real work samples will be revealed to demonstrate how that company would have approached the task. You will receive a personalized Certificate of Completion that can be added to your resume and LinkedIn profile. Some companies even provide exclusive opportunities like online networking events, competitions, and prioritized internship applications to students who complete their virtual experience program.

Workshops

Attend Career Services workshops throughout the year to be prepared for interviews and other opportunities. Samples of some recorded workshops are available below to assist in your professional career development.

Resume Workshop
Basic Interviewing Workshop
STAR/Behavioral Interviewing Workshop