Student Services

[...] Campus Life Student Services Career Development Center

Student Services

At the Career Development Center, we understand that as a student you may change majors and career goals several times during your university experience. Career exploration during your college years is healthy and strategic, allowing you the opportunity to fine-tune what you really want to do in the world.

Upon graduation from Worcester State University, you are welcome to access services the Career Development Center offers at no cost for up to five years following your graduation. Alumni services are offered year round. Check out our alumni page for additional resources.

The Career Development Center offerings available to students include:

You are encouraged to make an appointment with a career advisor for resume and cover letter critiques, assistance with internship/job searching, mock interviews and guidance on graduate school personal statements, and more. We also offer:
Career assessments, including:
STRONG Interest Inventory
Guidance on choosing a major and which path(s) to take
Support with evaluating job offers
Discussion on career changes
Planning for Graduate School
Whether you are pursuing a career that requires an advanced degree, feel you need to know more about your chosen field of study, or want to increase your earning power and competitiveness in the job market, deciding to go to graduate school is a big decision. Give yourself plenty of time to make this decision. It may take up to 2 years to go through the selection, application, standardized testing, and acceptance processes.
Our graduate school planning services include helping you:
Determine if graduate school is right for you immediately after graduation
Find graduate school programs that fit your needs and budget
Prepare your applications
You may make an appointment with a career advisor in Handshake, our online internship and job database/platform. Simply claim your account using your school email and password. Click on Career Development Center/Appointment/Schedule A New Appointment. Then answer the questions about your need(s).
Whether you are exploring multiple majors or searching for information about your chosen field, the What Can I Do with this Major? website will help you connect major disciplines to careers.
Learn about the typical career areas and the types of employers that hire people studying in particular fields, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate. Continue your research on major disciplines and careers through the websites provided.
Get started
Handshake is our free online internship and job database dedicated to help students and alumni make professional connections with employers and be aware of on-campus career development recruiting programs and fairs.
The Handshake system allows you to create and manage your own online professional profile. The information you input will be available to prospective employers who post positions in LancerLink and search for qualified candidates. Please upload your resume/CV (Microsoft Word, PDF, etc.) to support your internship/job searching efforts.
ACCESS handshake – STUDENT/ALUMNI
Note: If you need help with your resume/CV, find our Resume and Cover Letter Guide in the LancerLink Document Library.
The State University Internship Incentive (SUII) Program is a state and university-funded program that provides financial support to students participating in academic internships. Qualifying internships can range from 3 to 12 credits per semester. Scholarships may be available for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Awards will range from $800 to $5000 to cover tuition, fees, and expenses.
In order to qualify, students must meet the following criteria:
Be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the start of the academic year
Be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen eligible under Title IV guidelines
Have a valid 2023–2024 FAFSA on file with the financial aid office
Have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all academic coursework
Be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program of study
Be a degree-seeking student enrolled full-time and has not earned a prior bachelor’s degree
Not be in default with applicable law regarding any Federal or State education loans for attendance at any institution or owes a refund for any previous financial aid received
Meet any additional institutional eligibility or selection criteria, which may include financial need or merit considerations
Students who are completing paid internships can also be considered for the SUIIP scholarship.
Funds are limited and are not guaranteed on a yearly basis.
To learn more about SUIIP and academic internships at Worcester State University, contact the Career Development Center at cdc@worcester.edu.
Are you interested in earning academic credit for your internship experience? The Career Development Center can provide you with support throughout the process. Check out our “Academic vs. Experience Internship Guide” to learn more about the process of applying for academic credit. As part of the process, you will be required to submit a Contract for Undergraduate Internship/Practicum. To ensure you can complete the form on time and register we recommend starting the process early. If you have any questions, connect with your department faculty liaison or set up an appointment with a career advisor to help you get started.

Career Exploration

As you explore how your major connects to career options, Career Development Center staff are available to support you through the process. Thinking about your future career can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. We can help you get started. Check out some of our career exploration resources, and contact the office to schedule an appointment with one of our career advisors.

Worcester State University have long participated in The Washington Center (TWC) Academic Internship Program to gain valuable career-building experiences and advance their studies. Students who participate in the program gain career-building skills and experience in their internship placements. TWC provides an excellent living and learning environment for participants from around the country and throughout the world.
TWC interns:
Live in conveniently located housing
Work at their internship sites 32 hours a week
Take a course of their choice taught by faculty members who are industry experts
Participate in weekly career readiness programming
Credits
Students can earn up to 12 Worcester State University credit hours that usually go toward the student’s major.
Cost and Financial Aid
Various types of financial support packages exist for students, inclusive of TWC and Worcester State scholarships when available and dependent on grade point average/residency.
Massachusetts residents with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher are automatically considered for limited $6,500 state scholarships ($1,300 contingent on use of TWC housing). No additional application is required, and scholarships are first come, first served for the fall, spring, and summer programs.
Students who are interested in applying should contact cdc@worcester.edu to schedule an appointment. If you are interested in learning more about the TWC internship program don’t wait and schedule your appointment. You will want to make sure to have enough time to meet with various campus partners including financial aid, and your department chair, and complete your application before the application deadline.

Student Resource Guides

Affinity Group Career Resources

Racial & Ethnic Minorities

Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) is a first national nonprofit organization for Latinx business professionals and students. Its mission is to empower and develop Latino men and women in finance and accounting at every stage in their careers. The organization offers professional development and college scholarships.
Latinos in Higher Ed. is the first Latinx professional employment site designed for the higher education professionals.
Society of Advancement for Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is an organization dedicated to promoting the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in the STEM fields. The organization provides mentoring programs and lists research opportunities and job opportunities.
Hispanic Alliance for Career Advancement (HACE) is a non-profit dedicated to the employment, development, and advancement of Latinx professionals. The organization offers college scholarships and leadership development academy for university students.
National Association of Hispanic Nurses is the nation’s leading professional society for Latinx nurses. The organization offers student nurses scholarship and mentoring opportunities.
SACNAS (advancing Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science) connects you to career resources and networking to find the right position at a company that will value you, your experiences, and your background.
Hispanic/Latino Professional Association (HLPA) provides job and career information for individuals and job seekers. HLPA publishes and updates career information and opportunities from quality socially conscious organizations who support the Hispanic/Latino Community.
Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting is a national nonprofit organization that focuses on providing professional development workshops and career resources to its members in order to empower and develop leaders for the nation.
United Latino Job Bank I HireLatinos.org seeks to increase diversity in corporate America and federal government.
The Científico Latino Project comes from a drive to increase the pool of minority scientists and professionals by creating a platform where everyone—regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability or immigration status—has equal access to fellowship and scholarship opportunities, and the chance to learn from their peers to becoming successful STEM professionals and other related fields.
As part of the National Urban League, the NUL Jobs Network serves as a job search engine where you can create a profile, post your resume and search through job listings.
National Association of Black Accountants (NABA, Inc.) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for black professionals in the accounting, finance and related business professions. NABA provides education, resources, and meaningful career connections to both professional and student members, including scholarship, student conferences and a career center.
U.S. Black Engineering and Technology Magazine is a publication dedicated to African-American students and professionals in STEM fields. Topics covered include student success and career development.
National Society of Black Engineers is a student-governed nonprofit that supports and promotes the aspirations of students and professionals in engineering and technology. The organization offers conferences, leadership development and job and internship listings.
National Black Nurses Association is a national nonprofit organization for nursing students and professionals. The organization offers scholarships and mentoring opportunities to student nurses.
National Society of Black Engineers is one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the US. Founded in 1975, NSBE supports and promotes the aspirations of collegiate and pre-collegiate students and technical professionals in engineering and technology.
LinkedIn Black/African American Groups:
African American Leadership Program
Black Enterprise Networked
Black Leaders Worldwide
The Black Professionals Network
National Association of Asian-American Professionals (NAAAP) is a nonprofit organization that cultivates and empowers Asian & Pacific Islander leaders through leadership development, professional networking, and community service. The organization offers leadership conferences, career fairs and a job board.
The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) is a nonprofit educational and professional organization for Asian and Pacific Islander students and professionals in the field of journalism. The organization offers mentorship opportunities, training programs, scholarships and internship grants.
Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) seeks to empower Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander youth by increasing access to public service opportunities. CAPAL offers public service internships and professional development to students.
Asian American Economic Development Enterprises Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the economic self-help for Asian Americans and others. For 40 years AAEDE has provided training and employment services to thousands of Asian Americans.
LinkedIn Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander Groups:
National Association of Asian American Professionals
Asian American Leadership Network
Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education
Diversity and Inclusion Programs – India & the South Asian Region
NAFOA Academy is an innovative training program for Native youth to prepare and support their early career development.
Society of Advancement for Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is an organization dedicated to promoting the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in the STEM fields. The organization provides mentoring programs and lists research opportunities and job opportunities.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) provides scholarships and internships, workforce development and career resources, national and regional conferences, science fairs, leadership development and other STEM focused programming.
The National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest and more representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities.
American Indian College Fund
The NAFOA Institute provides educational and professional development opportunities and programs for tribal members. NAFOA aims to facilitate a lifetime of learning starting from youth and early career, to mid-career specializations, to executive leadership training.
USA JOBS: Native Americans
Diversity Employers
IM Diversity
Jopwell
Equal Opportunity Publications Diversity and Inclusion job board
National Minority Update
Inroads is dedicated to providing leadership development for ethnically diverse students and assisting those students with gaining internship experience at top North American companies, firms and organizations.
SEO Career recruits and trains high-achieving Black, Hispanic, and Native American college students for challenging summer internships that lead to coveted full-time jobs.
As a non-profit organization the T. Howard Foundation aims to diversify the media and entertainment industry. As part of their internship program students gain access to “networking opportunities, professional development training, scholarships and mentors” on top of a full-time paid summer internship.
Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) offers career preparation and early career development programs to high-achieving students from under-represented backgrounds.
Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences program is a ten week mentored research experience for students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in the biomedical sciences.
Emma Bowen Foundation Fellowship program is dedicated to building diversity in the media and tech industry.
CBS Diversity Institute offers mentorship programs in the arts, focused on writing, directing and sketch comedy.
The IRTS Summer Fellowship Program has played a key role in launching the careers of top media professionals for 50 years. IRTS has provided unparalleled access and education to diverse, aspiring young media professionals from across the country. Throughout the 9-week Fellowship Program, accepted applicants learn industry insights from top executives, mid-level managers at some of our industry’s most dynamic companies, and media professionals only a few years removed from Fellows’ current experiences.
American Association for the Advancement of Science Diverse Voices in Science Journalism Internship is a summer internship program for students interested in journalism as a career and who want to learn about science writing. Experience what it is like to cover the scientific and technological issues that shape our global community. The Internship takes place at the Washington, D.C. headquarters of AAAS’s Science magazine, the largest interdisciplinary journal in the world. The program is a paid, 10-week experience under the guidance of the weekly magazine’s award-winning staff of professional science writers and editors.
MIT Summer Research Program is a paid summer research fellowship in Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, or Linguistics and Philosophy.
UMass Chan Medical School Summer Undergraduate Research Program is a non-credit, ten-week, structured research experience sponsored by UMass Chan Office of Outreach Programs. The program consists of “hands-on” laboratory research with an investigator serving as a mentor, role model and advisor.
Hack Diversity professional development and internship program is for Black and Latinx students interested in careers in the tech industry.
The Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) is a national nonprofit organization that aims to expand opportunities for minority and low-income students to attend law school. The organization offers law school-preparatory programs for students throughout their college career.

International Students

International Student’s list of resources, including financial aid, scholarships and visa information.
The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) includes free online writing resources, including resources for English language learners.
NAFSA’s list of financial aid resources for international students.
GoinGlobal helps new and experienced job seekers find opportunities both at home and abroad.
LinkedIn Alumni Finder allows you to search for alumni in your country of origin to build your network and search for opportunities.
My Visa Jobs identifies employment opportunities for foreign nationals who want to live and work in the U.S. and Canada. Search annually updated lists of employers accepting H-1B visa holders. Sort lists by state, industry, or job title. This site also contains information about work authorizations and information about a variety of industries.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services webpage provides information regarding visas and filing for a green card. The site also contains information for working with employers and information regarding the petition process.
E-Verify is an online program run by the U.S. government that is used mostly by employers to check employee records and work eligibility. Search for employers that provide work authorization and sponsorship.

Undocumented/DACA Students

National Immigration Law Center resource about DACA and Employment.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
National Immigration Law Center resource about Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Informed Immigrant provides straightforward information about immigration status, updates on Supreme Court action and understanding your rights.
American Immigration Council has information about obtaining an ITIN, various visa programs, and articles.
Citizen Path provides information about employment rights with DACA.
Immigration Law Help’s list of legal resources in MA.
Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition resources.
Immigrants Rising’s Entrepreneurship Fund provides grants to undocumented entrepreneurs working to create positive social change.
DACA Phase Out overview from Affordable Colleges Online.
Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) is a community of health career-bound undocumented students across the country. PHD investigates and shares information on career pathways for pre-health undocumented students and advocates for more progressive institutional and governmental policies for undocumented students.
Student Immigrant Movement is a MA-based statewide immigrant youth-led organization. They organize youth, ages 13-30, and provide political education, leadership training, guidance, mentorship, and safe healing spaces.
United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation. The nonpartisan network is made up of over 100,000 immigrant youth and allies and 55 affiliate organizations in 26 states. They organize and advocate for the dignity and fair treatment of immigrant youth and families, regardless of immigration status through federal legislation.
My Undocumented Life is a blog founded by an undocumented college student, which highlights resources for students.
Dreamers Roadmap is a free national mobile app that helps undocumented students find scholarships to go to college.
The Dream provides scholarships to highly-qualified DREAMers to help them pay for their college education.
National Immigration Law Center resource on Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities available to students, regardless of immigration status.

Students with Disabilities

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission supports individuals with disabilities in the job search and application process as well as the job accommodation process. Counselors work with job seekers on resumes, interview preparation and making connections with employers. The MRC also supports persons with disabilities in disclosing disabilities to employers and obtaining appropriate job accommodations. The MRC’s NextGen Careers program helps young adults with disabilities between the ages of 18-30 fast track their career journey.
Massachusetts Office on Disability’s (MOD) mission is to ensure that people with disabilities of all ages living or working in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have full and equal participation in all aspects of life.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) advocates for full civil rights for the over 60 million Americans with disabilities by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation.
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
LD Online seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD.
Learning Disabilities Association of America visualizes a World in Which: all individuals with learning disabilities are empowered to thrive and participate fully in society; the incidence of learning disabilities is reduced; and learning disabilities are universally understood and effectively addressed.
AC online: College Resources For Students with Disabilities provides specific information and resources on a variety of different disabilities, helping students learn how to make the transition into the workforce easier, and find out what their legal rights on campus are.
Americans with Disabilities Act is a guide for people with disabilities seeking employment, which gives an overview of workers’ rights related to the ADA.
Massachusetts state Employment Rights of People with Disabilities.
Mass Hire resources for Job Seekers with Disabilities.
Disability Equality Index is where Disability:IN has rated companies on their disability inclusiveness.
This fact sheet compiled by the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission addresses common questions about how the ADA protects applicants with disabilities.
Job Accommodation Network provides lists of appropriate job accommodations organized by disability, limitation, job function or accommodation type.
Learning Disabilities Association of America provides a list of reasonable job accommodations for limitations associated with learning disabilities.
Tips for Applicants with Disabilities Applying for Federal Jobs covers all aspects of the applying career process from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Work Without Limits is a Massachusetts-based organization that helps connect job seekers with disabilities to disability inclusive employers. They also offer online career mentoring and connects college students to internship opportunities in the Boston area.
The Carrol Center for the Blind offers a variety of employment services for people with visual impairment to achieve the goal of employment.
The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) is a recruitment and referral program that connects employers nationwide with college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs.
Lime Connect is a nonprofit organization that is rebranding disability through achievement by connecting high potential university students and professionals – including veterans – who happen to have all types of disabilities for scholarships, internships, The Lime Connect Fellowship Program, and full time careers with corporate partners.
Getting Hired connects skilled professionals to inclusive employers and advocacy organizations in the private and non-profit sectors.
USA Jobs has information for individuals with disabilities interested in working for the federal government.
Equal Opportunities Publications Diversity and Inclusion job board.
American Association of People with Disabilities summer internship program.
American Association for the Advancement of Science Entry Point! Internship program.
Talent Development and Innovation and Sciences Internship.

LGBTQ+ Community

Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization serving LGBT business professionals in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition is an advocacy, education, and community-building organization that works to end discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression.
Human Rights Campaign Equality Index ranks 571 businesses by their corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.
Human Rights Campaign guide for coming out at work.
HRC’s State maps of laws and policies affecting the LGBTQ community.
National Center for Transgender Equality Know Your Rights resource outlines the rights and procedures transgender employees have to address discrimination.
U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission overview of rights of LGBTQ people related to workplace discrimination.
Out & Equal is an LGBTQ workplace advocacy group designed to connect the LGBTQ community through resources, events and support groups.
Pride at Work is a nonprofit organization that represents LGBTQ union members and their allies.
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Science and Technical Professionals is a professional society that educates and advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and all sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, and equality for LGBTQ/SGM health professionals in their work and learning environments.
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM) empowers LGBTQ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy.
NACE Resources for LGBTQ students is a list of resources compiled by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
StartOut’s mission is to increase the number, diversity, and impact of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and amplify their stories to drive the economic empowerment of the community.
Out for Undergrad’s mission is to help high-achieving LGBTQ+ undergraduates reach their full potential. Each year, they invite a diverse class of high-achieving LGBTQ+ students to four unique professional conferences, where they are inspired to pursue ambitious careers.
Out Professionals is the nation’s largest LGBTQ networking organization.
Victory Fund’s Internship programs give the opportunity to gain experience in LGBT political activism, consider career options, strengthen job-related skills and network with leaders in local, state and national politics.
PFLAG Internships consist of graduate and undergraduate full-time and part-time internships available each school semester, and summer, for college and university students or recent graduates.
National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) accepts rolling applications for Fall, Spring and Summer internships for undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Applicants may apply to intern with NCTE’s policy, communications, or development departments for a general internship which will combine all three areas of work, or for a legal internship.

Veteran Students

MA Department of Higher Education Veterans Education page.
LinkedIn Premium discount for Veterans.
LinkedIn Groups:
U.S. Veterans
Military Network
The Value of A Veteran
U.S. Military Veterans Network
My Next Move resources for veterans.
Feds Hire Vets is a site for Federal employment information for Veterans, transitioning military service members, and their families.
Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers.
Student Veterans of America organization is a non-profit organization serving student veterans.
NACE Veterans’ Guide to Developing a Resume provides military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.
Massachusetts Veterans’ Job Programs and Services provides employment and training services to veterans and their families.
National Minority Update lists job opportunities posted by organizations actively recruiting qualified minority, veteran and women candidates.
American Corporate Partners (ACP) connects veterans to career coaches who offer career expertise and guidance to those transitioning into the civilian workforce.
Hiring our Heroes Job Board

Miscellaneous Groups

Transitioning from College to the Workforce as a First-Gen provides an interview with Dr. Matt Lynch.
FirstGEN Fellows is a ten-week summer program in the D.C. area for undergraduate students who are the first in their immediate families to attend an institution of higher education, and who are passionate about pursuing careers in social justice.
I’m First is an online community celebrating first-generation college students.
Council for Opportunity in Education’s mission is to achieve college access and success for low-income students, first generation students and students with disabilities.
College Advising Corps works to increase the number of low-income, first-generation college, and underrepresented high school students who enter and complete higher education.
The NCAA After the Game Career Center is where students can connect with employers who want to hire former college athletes. This free center has job opportunities in various locations, diverse industries, and an array of entry-, mid- and executive-level positions.
NCAA Market is a job board for careers in college athletics.
The Reentry Services Directory was developed by the National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) to help individuals who have been incarcerated and their families find local reentry services. The NRRC has compiled a list of organizations and service providers who can address different reentry needs, including housing, employment, and family reunification.
Career OneStop’s Job Search Help for Ex-Offenders is for anyone with a criminal record. You will find tips, information and resources to help you search for, apply for, and begin a new job.
Mass Legal Help information about CORI rights for job seekers.
Second Change Business Coalition shares organizations with stated openness to justice-impacted applicants.
Honest Jobs is a platform that connects justice-impact individuals with jobs.
AWIS helps women in STEM achieve their full potential through leadership and professional talent development at all career stages.
The Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine (CWSEM) aims to increase the participation and recognition of women in science, engineering, and medicine —including women of color.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Women in Biomedical Careers offers professional/career development tools and resources to improve the knowledge and skills important to short-and long-term goals.
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a not-for-profit educational and service organization that empowers women to succeed and advance in the field of engineering and to be recognized for their life-changing contributions as engineers and leaders.
The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) ADVANCE program strives to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic science, engineering careers, technology, and mathematics in order to contribute to the development of a more diverse STEM workforce. The ADVANCE program offers the opportunity for women in STEM to apply for awards, grants, and fellowships intended to further women’s presence in STEM.