Soka University’s Career Development Office is here to support your job or internship search. Explore the resources below for guidance on on-campus employment, trusted search platforms, internship databases, and tips for navigating career fairs and avoiding fraudulent postings. We’re here to help you take the next step in your career journey.
Getting a job on campus is a great way to build work experience. Find open positions and apply through the Soka’s HR/Workday portal. Link
NOTE: All first time applicants for on-campus jobs must attend one Career Development Office REQUIRED WORKSHOP on Resumes and Cover Letters, and obtain a Certificate of Completion. Contact the CDO for assistance, and register for the next scheduled workshop.
Internships are a way for you to connect your academic experience with the professional world. They help you develop your skills, gain exposure to work environments, and make you competitive in the job market.
- Start Early: Begin your search well in advance to maximize available opportunities.
- Identify and Research Organizations: Explore companies you’re interested in and check their websites for “Internships” or “Student Programs” pages.
- Leverage University Resources: Engage with the Career Development Office for internship listings and personalized support
- Attend Networking Events and Career Fairs: Participate in these events to meet potential employers and discover internship opportunities.
- Use Online Platforms: Search on professional platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake for internship listings.
- Customize Your Applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter to align with the specific role and organization.
- Network Strategically: Connect with professors, alumni, family, peers, and professionals to learn about unadvertised internships.
- Utilize LinkedIn: Build your network and connect with professionals and alumni in your field of interest.
- Join Professional Organizations: Participate in industry-related associations or groups to access exclusive internship postings and networking opportunities.
- Take Full Advantage of Workshops and Webinars: Attend CDO sessions on resume writing, interviewing, and essential job search skills.
- Consider Cold Outreach: Reach out directly to companies you’re interested in, even if they don’t have internships posted.
- Engage in Volunteer Work: Volunteer in areas related to your field to build experience and connections.
- Utilize programs at SUA that directly support students interested in internships: InternX (for domestic students), and CPT (for international students).
- Add your internship experience to SUA Internship Database – Report and Evaluate your Internship and add it to SUA’s Internship Database. LINK: Internship Confirmation Form /
Handshake – Soka University’s platform for job and internship postings and upcoming events.
Parker Dewey Micro-Internships – Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects allow you to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build your networks.
GoinGlobal (International Jobs/Internships search)
Indeed.com – popular job search engine that aggregates listings from various sources, helping users find employment opportunities across industries and locations.
Idealist.org – A global clearinghouse of nonprofit and volunteering resources, including listings for jobs and internships.
LinkedIn – The premier networking site that allows you to connect with alumni, join groups built around your interests and career aspirations, and reach out to professionals in most fields.
LinkedIn Learning Take courses, earn certifications – all free for SUA students
Job Search by Industry – Links
Non-Profit Sector:
- Orange County, CA based: OneOC – Job Board
- California Association of NonProfits – Career Center and Job Board
- Foundation List: A National Job Board For Nonprofit Organizations, Foundations, Associations, Healthcare, and Educational Institutions (Private Schools, Public Schools & Universities). Job Board
- Work for Good – Job Board
BIG Internships and Fellowships Database – Database of hundreds of prestigious Internships, and Fellowships Programs in these areas/tabs: Finance & Business, Public Health & Medicine, Policy/International Relations, CS/Engineering/Tech, Consulting/Economics, Post Grad Fellowship, Pre-Law, Volunteer, Study Abroad/Foreign Languages, General & Other Programs
SUA Internship Database – Database of internships, jobs, and/or fellowships positions with companies that have previously hired SUA students.
Add your Internship experience to the SAU Internship database!
Report and Evaluate your Internship and add it to SUA’s Internship Database –LINK: Internship Confirmation Form***
Careers within the US Government offer diverse opportunities for both current students and graduates. A degree in Liberal Arts is highly regarded and opens doors to numerous positions across various US Government agencies. These roles are not limited to a specific major or concentration. Agencies actively seek candidates with a broad spectrum of skills and interests. For instance, the US Department of State and USAID hire professionals in fields such as Social Work, Environmental Science, Economics, Finance, Public Health, Education, and Humanitarian Assistance. Similarly, the FBI recruits a wide range of professionals beyond traditional roles like agents, including intelligence analysts, financial experts, scientists, and linguists.
NOTE: although most positions within US Government Agencies require US Citizenship, SOME government agency positions are available for international students or non-citizens. For example: The FBI will hire non-US citizens as Translators/Linguists; California Public Health Department will accept non-US citizen into their career pathway internship programs.
FEDERAL, STATE, COUNTY JOB SEARCH RESOURCES
- USAJOBS – The Federal Government’s official employment site
- Pathways for Students & Recent Graduates to Federal Careers (Programs and Internships Info)
- FEDERAL INTERNSHIP PORTAL – The Federal Internship Portal is a centralized platform used by the U.S. federal government to advertise internship opportunities across various departments and agencies. It allows students and recent graduates to explore and apply for internships in fields ranging from public policy and administration to science and technology. The portal helps streamline the application process and provides information on eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and the types of experiences offered within the federal government.
- VIRTUAL Student Federal Service Internships – Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) Internships are a program offered by the U.S. Department of State that provides remote, year-long internship opportunities for students. These internships allow students to work on projects related to various fields such as diplomacy, technology, communications, and international relations. The program is open to U.S. citizens who are enrolled as degree-seeking students in an accredited college or university, and it enables students to gain valuable experience working on real-world issues and projects from anywhere in the world. Applications open on February 1. Interested candidates can apply in the spring for yearlong virtual internships starting in the fall.
- FAQ regarding INTERNSHIPS with US Government agencies (LINK)
- Best Places to Work in Federal Government
- Federal Internship & Entry-Level Roles Finder
- FEDERAL RESUME: To apply for jobs with the US Government you need a “Federal Resume”. Need help creating this document? Check out the Create a Resume and Cover Letter page, and LINK: How to Build a Resume in USAJobs portal.
- Federal Government Career Guides – GoGovernment
- CALIFORNIA STATE Government Agencies
- California Workforce Development Board – Local Workforce Investment Boards
- COUNTY of ORANGE job board
- Orange County Workforce Development
Hiring timeframes can vary widely across different industries, so understanding these timelines is key when planning your job search. In general, larger companies may begin recruiting as early as a year in advance for full-time roles, with their peak hiring season in the fall. Smaller companies and startups, however, tend to hire closer to the actual start date, often within one to three months before the position begins. For internships, many organizations start the hiring process up to six months ahead, especially for summer roles. It’s essential to stay proactive, research industry-specific trends, and be prepared to apply early or at the right moment to maximize your opportunities.
Soka University’s Spring Career Fair (spring semester) and the Networking Happy Hour (fall semester) offer students opportunities to connect with employers and explore potential job and internship openings. Additionally, the CDO hosts information sessions, hiring events, and workshops with potential employers and organizations throughout the year.
To prepare for Career Fairs and Networking events:
Research: Before the event, learn about the organizations attending.
Target Employers: Focus on the companies that align with your interests and goals.
Introduce Yourself: Approach employers, introduce yourself, and mention what excites you about their organization.
Build Connections: Make meaningful contacts to follow up with during your job or internship search.
Beware of Scams. Stay Informed.
The Soka University Career Development Office (CDO) makes every reasonable effort to screen employers and opportunities through our resources to prevent fraudulent postings. However, we cannot guarantee the legitimacy of every employer or job/internship listing. Internet job scams are an increasing issue, and it’s essential to recognize red flags and protect your personal information.
How to Recognize a Scam
Don’t wait until it’s too late! If a job posting or follow-up communication raises any of the following concerns, proceed with caution and alert the CDO:
- Never send money: Any offer that requires upfront payment or financial investment from you is likely a scam.
- Check scam databases: Verify organizations through the Better Business Bureau or Federal Trade Commission to ensure they are legitimate.
- Research the employer: Search the employer’s name along with the word “scam” online to check for any reports of fraudulent activity.
- No interviews? Be wary: Reputable companies always conduct interviews before extending job offers. An offer received via email without an interview is likely fraudulent.
- Verify URLs: Scammers often use fake websites that resemble well-known companies. Double-check the web address for authenticity.
- Unsolicited offers: If you receive an offer for a job or internship you didn’t apply for, it’s probably too good to be true.
- Protect your personal information: Never provide your Social Security number or other personal details before you’ve been formally hired. Share such information only during payroll and tax setup.
- Poor grammar and spelling: Many scam emails contain grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. Be cautious if the communication seems unprofessional.
- Free email accounts: Legitimate companies use corporate email addresses, not free services like Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail. Be cautious if job-related emails come from such accounts.
What to Do if You Suspect Fraud
If you suspect a job or internship posting is fraudulent, do not click any links or provide personal information. Contact the CDO immediately and discontinue communication with the employer.
If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, contact the police. If the incident occurred entirely online, file a report with the U.S. Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).