Academic Support
Embarking on your online education journey might feel like a big step, but we're right here by your side. From your application process through graduation, you won’t be alone as our team is there to support you in a variety of ways:
- 1:1 support from an academic advisor who will help guide you through your whole academic career.
- Weekly Live Sessions with faculty members and peers - real-time interactions to answer questions, problem solve and learn supplementary material.
- Virtual discussion boards and chats so you can get support from your classmates throughout the term.
Career Support
Whether you’re starting in a new industry or looking to level up your current career, USD can give you a headstart. Contact an academic advisor for more information on USD’s career development resources, which include:
- The USD Career Development Center Graduate Resources
- On-Campus & Virtual Career Fairs – look for “Virtual” if not close to San Diego
- Resume & cover letter templates, LinkedIn, job search & interview tips
- Recorded Career Development Webinars – view presentations, panels, interviews, career fair preparation, and employer information sessions.
LinkedIn is one of the most well-known professional networking applications. You may already have a profile but wondering how to stand out to recruiters. Below are some tips and tricks to help you land your dream role.
LinkedIn tips and tricks
Your profile is a great space to show off your personality in a professional way. In most cases, potential employers may have already seen your resume and are looking at your LinkedIn profile to learn more about you. Find a balance between adding personal interests and elements while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Use a professional profile picture.
- Highlight a bit of your personality in the header image.
- Do not directly copy/paste your Resume onto your LinkedIn profile! This profile is your chance to add additional information.
- Ask your colleagues to endorse you and provide recommendations on your profile.
- Take a skills assessment to show competency in related subject areas.
In your courses, you often make discussion posts and reply to your peers with meaningful commentary and discussion. When you make posts on LinkedIn, it’s no different!
- Search and connect with previous and current colleagues.
- Follow companies/organizations that interest you!
- Join LinkedIn groups to join private conversations.
- When sharing content with your network, contribute some additional perspective or add meaning to generate discussion.
- Add people you know from the University of San Diego.
There are so many jobs out there – use the tools available on LinkedIn to target your job search for the best fit.
- Search USD’s Alumni Network to see if anyone is currently working at the company – if so, try to connect and learn more.
- Use the job search filters such as “job type, experience level, or date posted” to narrow your search.
- Avoid the “Easy Apply” feature if at all possible. If you see a job you like, go directly to the company’s website and apply through their native system. You are more likely to be noticed this way!
Salary Negotiation
It is recommended that all candidates negotiate their employment offers. Everything is negotiable, however, it is important to note that candidates may risk their offer being rescinded through the negotiation process, albeit that is a rare occurrence.
Candidates should consider the following items for negotiation:
- full benefits package
- vacation days
- office hours
- in-person/hybrid/remote work formats
- alignment with company values/culture
It is important to do research first and come prepared for a negotiation. Students should come prepared knowing what unique value they bring to the organization and the role, continue to show their excitement for working for the employer, and remain polite throughout. Candidates want a win/win outcome, and so do hiring managers. It can be helpful to understand the perspective of the hiring manager when negotiating a starting salary.
SALARY RESOURCES
Below are helpful resources for students to view salary data by similar titles in similar companies by geographic location:
Handshake
USD uses the ‘Handshake’ tool to help students connect with their future employers. On Handshake, you can attend virtual workshops/events, scope out jobs, and learn more about employers.
New to Handshake? No problem! The Handshake Help Center is available to teach you about the basic tools on the platform, as well as, more information about looking for your next job.