Are you looking for jobs, internships, or career events nearby? Standing out in the local job market starts with strong connections, a polished resume, and a professional online presence. With the right tools and strategies, you can navigate your search confidently. Here are some practical ways to find the right job opportunities close to home.
Discover Job Opportunities Through Handshake
As an online Southern Miss student, one of the most valuable (and often overlooked) resources available to you is Handshake, a career management platform connecting students with employers for early career opportunities. Handshake helps you discover on-campus internships, work-study roles, part-time and full-time positions on and off campus, and more. You can tailor your search to fit your goals and find an opportunity in the right location, industry, or job type.
Utilize Tools and Resources from Career Services at USM
USM’s Career Services is here to help you explore career paths, develop job-search skills, and connect with employment opportunities. From interest assessments to resume and cover letter support, interview preparation, and more, Career Services can help you build a personalized plan for success. As an enrolled student, you can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career advisor on Microsoft Teams.
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Career Services Fairs
If you live near the Hattiesburg campus, be sure to attend specialized events like the Business Career Fair and Education Career Fair to connect with employers and explore career opportunities. If you can’t make it to these campus events, Career Services offers a wide range of online resources, including O*NET OnLine — a website for exploring career options, accessing detailed job descriptions, and learning about salary ranges in your field.
Maximize Your Job Search with Social Media and Online Job Boards
Your online presence can be a powerful tool in your job search. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X to stay informed and connected by following local businesses and industry pages. Engaging with content and building connections boosts your credibility and expands your network.
To complement your online presence, turn to job boards that offer targeted listings and useful tools. Platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn can help you find opportunities tailored to your location and preferences. One helpful feature is setting up personalized alerts so new listings are sent directly to your inbox.
Network, Network, Network
Talking to the right people can lead to the right opportunities. Stay connected with alumni, faculty members, and former professors who are open to sharing their wisdom and guidance with you. Career growth often starts with a simple conversation! Whether it’s inviting a nearby professional to a coffee shop or scheduling a quick 15-minute Zoom call via LinkedIn, you might be surprised by how willing people are to share their stories and offer advice.
Heather Glausier, Manager of Career Counseling at Career Services, shares, “It can be difficult for online students to get involved in campus organizations, but community groups and volunteer opportunities are great ways to network. More companies are conducting virtual interviews while evaluating candidates. AI technology can help students enhance their credentials and interview skills, and Career Services offers Big Interview as an online resource to help students prepare for the interview process.”
Not sure where to start? Our recent blog, “CV vs. Resume: Decoding the Job Application Jargon,” offers helpful tips for refining your application materials.
Southern Miss has prepared you for the next step. You’ve Got This!
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