Turn what you learn into what you do.

HCC students can gain real-world experience before graduation — even with limited time or resources. Building your resume through internships, part-time jobs, service learning or campus leadership helps develop skills, explore careers and stand out to employers and transfer schools. HCC Career Development Services connects classroom learning to these opportunities.

Why Experience Matters

• Apply your skills in real-world settings
• Explore industries and job roles
• Build your professional network
• Boost your resume and LinkedIn profile
• Gain references and confidence

Get Started With

• Internships – Paid or unpaid, short-term opportunities to explore your field and gain resume building, real-world experience and expand networking relationships.
• On-Campus Jobs – Build skills and earn while you learn.
• Part-Time Jobs Related to Your Field – work in roles that align with your major. For example:
  • IT student - tech support job
  • Business student - retail or customer service with management exposure
  • Health major - medical office assistant
• Volunteering – Gain experience + give back while growing professionally. Look for roles that let you apply relevant skills (e.g. bookkeeping for a nonprofit if you are an accounting major).
• Job Shadowing – Get a behind-the-scenes look at your career of interest.
• Campus Involvement in Student Leadership – Lead on campus and grow soft skills employers’ value. Participate in Student Government, clubs, the tutoring center, or student publications.
• Class Projects and Capstones – take them seriously and treat them like real-world work. Highlight your role and outcomes on your resume or portfolio.
• Freelancing/Side Projects – create a website, write blogs, tutor online, or code apps – whatever fits your area of study. Build a portfolio to showcase your work.
• Networking – attend industry meetups, join LinkedIn groups, go to guest lectures or career fairs. Ask professors or advisors to connect you with alumni or professionals.
• Job Shadowing/Informational Interview – ask to observe someone in your desired career for a day. Even a 30-minute Zoom chat with a professional can open doors and deepen your understanding.
   

Not sure where to start? We’re here to help. Book a one-on-one session with the Career Development Services Coordinator to explore what kind of experience is right for your goals.