Career-Building Resources

Whether you’ve just graduated, are looking for a mid-career boost, or are considering a new direction, the alumni community is here to help. Find and grow your own network by connecting with alumni for personal consultations on URI CareerConnect, and explore the career-building resources compiled by our career advisors.

URI CareerConnect

This online platform open to all URI alumni and students matches alumni based on degree, field, and location. It includes options for experienced professionals to give advice while also allowing those looking for guidance to get advice. Sign up at any time to begin making connections. Learn more with our quick start guides.

Handshake

Handshake is an online platform featuring job postings, potential employers, internships, and volunteer opportunities. Join Handshake here. Need help logging in? Learn more about logging in as an alum or setting up Handshake if you don’t have a single sign-on account.

Tips, Tools, and Examples for the Job Search

  • A resume promotes one’s work experience, skills, and accomplishments. It is often your first introduction to a potential employer and needs to be polished and well-organized. Sections to be considered are: Professional Summary, Experience, Academics, Professional Development, Volunteer Involvement, Leadership Evidence and other unique experiences.

    • Content should be customized to the job of interest – always!
    • A simple layout is an important consideration. Make it easy to read and easy to skim.
    • Length should be 1-2 pages max, unless a science, education, or research CV is required, often 3+ pages.

    RESOURCES:

    WEBINAR PRESENTATIONS:

    LEARNING MODULE:

    Writing the Resume

  • Use these tools to understand the critical information you need to include in a strong cover letter.

    Building the Cover Letter

    CCEE Cover Letter Module

    Sample cover letter

    FAQ

    How to Write a Cover Letter – Indeed Video

  • Be prepared for an interview by understanding the intent behind many common interview questions and preparing your answers in advance.

    The Interview Campaign – Tips to Apply Immediately

    CCEE: Interviewing

    Interviewing: Quick Tip Sheet

  • JOB SEARCH DATABASES:

    Handshake
    Indeed
    USA Jobs (jobs with the federal government)
    RICOMJOB (Rhode Island and southern MA jobs)
    EmployRI
    URI CareerConnect

    RESOURCES:

    Exploring Careers module
    CCEE: Job & Internship Search Module

  • Professional networking can help you learn and can lead to new opportunities. You never know who will become a great connection. Being prepared with an elevator pitch, key questions, and relevant industry knowledge will ensure that you are ready to engage with people you meet in both professional and social settings.

    A great place to start is professional organizations in your field. You can often find networking opportunities online and at conferences. In addition, social media can be a valuable tool. LinkedIn is clearly aimed at professional connections, but don’t forget to follow key companies and organizations on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as well.

    Your fellow URI alumni make valuable professional connections. Be sure to join the URI Alumni LinkedIn group, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and attend alumni networking events. Also, get involved with the Women’s Leadership Council, the Alumni of Color Network, or the Young Alumni Council.

    WEBINAR RECORDING:

    Career RhodeMap: Career Networking

  • Are you unsure where your career path should go, or do you feel unfulfilled in your current role? Now is the time to take stock of your interests, skills, and values to assist in your decision-making.

    Identify how much you want to change. Are you just looking for a new position, or do you want to move to a new company or even a new industry?

    Make a pro/con list. If you’re not sure what change you want to make, an easy starting point is to make a list of things that energize you (pros) and those that frustrate you (cons). Think about your colleagues, commute, work environment, salary, purpose, skills used, learning opportunities, opportunities for advancement, schedule, benefits, and anything else you value in a career.

    Identify professional development opportunities that could help you land a new role.

    RESOURCES:

    O*Net – Offers free interest assessments and a skills profile; you can then explore careers and read about common tasks, other titles, technology used, and more.
    International Personality Item Pool – Free personality assessment.
    MAPP Career Test – Free assessment tool measuring temperament, motivation, and work environment.
    CAREERwise Education – Free assessment that helps identify career cluster areas.

    Free MBTI

  • This thoughtful guide contains a collection of information and resources relevant to decisions and actions the mature audience considers about staying in or returning to the workforce.

    • Current Baby Boomer Landscape
    • Career Plan Framework – Exercise and Advice
    • Career Related Resources for the Baby Boomer Audience
    • Appendix:  Generations Defined