Career Success Guide

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UWStout.edu/Career-Services

2026–2027

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Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University

Welcome to the exciting and promising academic year at UW-Stout Polytechnic! We can’t wait to be a part of your journey in discovery, growth, and endless possibilities. At Career Services, we consider it both an honor and privilege to be your career champions! Our dedicated team is eager to connect with you, understand your unique career aspirations, and offer our assistance to help you reach your goals. We are excited to share our comprehensive “Career Success Guide” with you. This guide contains essential information designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate your career journey successfully. From crafing tailored resumes to mastering the art of networking, or from landing interviews to negotiating job offers, we have you covered. Our commitment to utilizing the latest and most effective practices ensures that you receive the highest quality guidance and support. The Career Success Guide is just one piece of the puzzle, complementing various events, video appointments, and face-to-face coaching sessions that we offer. We encourage you to use this guide in conjunction with our personalized support to achieve remarkable outcomes in your career journey. We invite you to connect with our passionate and experienced Career Services team for any inquiries or further assistance related to the information shared in this guide. Your success is our priority, and we are here to provide support throughout your career journey.

We look forward to working with you and celebrating your achievements!

Contact Us

UWStout.edu/Career-Services

103 Administration Building University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic Menomonie, WI 54751

(715) 232-1601 careerservices@uwstout.edu

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2025–2026 Partner Employers Platinum

- Blue Devils Employers in the Career Services Partnership Program aren’t just recruiting at UW Stout Polytechnic; they’re investing in long-term connections with students like you. They choose to partner with us because of Stout’s strong focus on hands-on learning and career preparation. Through this program, employers work directly with Career Services to plan a year-long strategy that keeps them connected to Blue Devils through consistent campus visibility, targeted outreach, and meaningful recruiting events. How Our Partners Impact

Gold

Silver

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Table of Contents Career Services About Us.......................................................................4 Handshake....................................................................5 Cooperative Education & Internship Program....................6 Career Readiness Are You Career Ready?...................................................7 Career Assessment.........................................................8 Personal Values.............................................................10 Career Direction............................................................11 Be Career Ready by Graduation.....................................12 Job Search Documents Co-op, Internship & Job Search Checklist.........................14 Resume Writing............................................................15 Sample Resumes...........................................................17 Sample References.......................................................23 How to Write Skill Statements.........................................24 How to Avoid a Resume Rejection..................................25 Cover & Job Search Letters............................................26 Sample Letters.............................................................27 Using AI in Your Job Search...........................................29 Using AI as a Resume Tool.............................................30 Networking Network Your Way to a Job............................................31 Your 30-Second Introduction.........................................32 LinkedIn Profle Tips......................................................33 Informational Interviews................................................34 Job Shadowing............................................................35

Job Searching Job Searching in Handshake..........................................36 Tailor Your Application..................................................38 Fraudulent Employers & Postings...................................39 Career Conference.......................................................41 Prospecting Job Search Method.....................................42 Email Correspondence.................................................43 International Students...................................................44 Study Abroad & International Opportunities...................45 Students with Disabilities..............................................46 Interviewing How to Prepare for an Interview.....................................47 Make an Impression.....................................................48 Research the Employer..................................................49 Interview Questions.....................................................50 Preparing for Your Virtual Interview................................52 The S.T.A.R. Technique.................................................53 S.T.A.R. Response Examples..........................................54 Interview Assessment...................................................55 Self-Evaluation Form.....................................................56 More on Interviewing....................................................57 The Second Interview/Site Visit......................................58 Ofers & Negotiating Offers & Negotiation Guide..........................................59 Job Search Ethics..........................................................66 Ethical Expectations......................................................67 College to Career.........................................................69 Graduate School Guide to Graduate School Planning................................70 Graduate School Timeline.............................................71 Writing Your Personal Statement....................................72

Where Do Stout Students Get Employed?

For a partial list of employers, check out page 73. Scan the QR code to explore program-specifc employment rates and employers, average salaries, and sample job titles.

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Career Services About Us Career Coaching Career Coaches are available to meet individually with students of all levels, experiences, and interest areas to work through every step of the career development process. Appointments & Ofce Hours In-person and virtual appointments can be scheduled online in Handshake or by calling (715) 232-1601. Ofce hours are Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm. Co-op & Internship Program The Cooperative Education & Internship Program (CEIP) is UW-Stout Polytechnic’s most popular work experience program. Each year over 1,000 students earn credit and gain valuable experience while working in positions. Career Services coordinates CEIP for most students (see more on page 6).

Our Events Fall Career Conference: September Mock Interviews: October, February Job Shadow: January, June Spring Career Conference: February

Human Sciences Day: April Portfolio Review Day: April On-Campus Interviews

Online Resources We provide students access to top-notch resources in order to explore potential career paths, research organizations, and fnd co-op/internship and full-time opportunities including access to our StoutCloud website. Handshake Our recruiting platform provides employers with the opportunity to post jobs, information sessions, attend career conferences and industry-specifc events, and conduct interviews on campus. Through this system, employers connect with students to provide information about their industry, company, and employment opportunities. See more on page 36. We host events such as career conferences, industry showcases, and networking events, as well as workshops on career development topics like resume and cover letter writing, job and co-op/internship searching, and networking. Employers interview over 1,000 students on campus each year. Career Services coordinates the on-campus interview program. Use Handshake to view and sign up for interviews. Special Events & Workshops

Our Mission

is to educate, engage, and empower students and alumni in navigating career and professional development faculty/staff partnerships. through employer and

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Download Handshake

How to Log in to Handshake 1. Go to myapps.uwstout.edu and select “Handshake” 2. Select “Student Access” 3. Login using your Stout email and password Select Your Privacy Levels Community: You can message students and alumni, receive messages from employers, and browse open jobs and events. Your profle will be visible to employers, students and alumni at all colleges and universities on the Handshake platform. Employer: You can still receive messages from employers, browse open jobs and events, and your profle will be visible to employers, but you won’t be able to message students or alumni from Stout. Private: You’ll be able to browse jobs and register for events, but you cannot message students, alumni, or employers. Your profle will only be visible to employers that you’ve applied for a position. Upload Your Resume Never written one before? See page 15 to get started. Complete Your Profle Hover over the upper lef corner of each box to edit and update each section. PRO TIP: A complete profle helps Handshake tailor job and internship recommendations to your interests, skills, and experience so you receive more relevant opportunities. Schedule a Meeting with Your Career Coach 1. Select “Career Center” in the upper lef 2. Click “Appointments” and follow each prompt 3. You can then pick a date, time, in-person or virtual, and appointment topic Additional Virtual Services • GoinGlobal: Search for positions worldwide and fnd culture guides and visa information. • BigInterview: Step-by-step interview prep sofware, including virtual mock interviews with feedback. • BigResume: Revise your resume using AI, receive immediate feedback, and get scored on key criteria: readability, credibility, format, and ATS ft. • What Can I Do With This Major?: Explore common career paths within your major. 5

Creating an account is easy, and opens up numerous opportunities for students. By registering, you can connect with potential employers, explore job listings, and take advantage of the support offered by the Career Services team. Handshake serves as an online platform where employers seeking to hire students and alumni from UW-Stout Polytechnic post a wide range of opportunities, including on campus, part-time, full-time, internship, co-op, and volunteer positions.

Take the Job Search with You

Scan to download the Handshake app

Cooperative Education & Internship Program (CEIP) What is CEIP? The Cooperative Education & Internship Program (CEIP) integrates career How Do I Find a Co-op or Internship? Use this guide and the Career Services ofce to conduct an effective job search. Evaluation of Work Experiences

Register your co-op/internship at ceip.uwstout.edu

1 Report your position on co-op & internship portal 2 Verify position details 3 Complete online co-op & internship orientation 4 Complete online application & obtain faculty approval 5 Make it ofcial! We will enroll you via Access Stout

related work experience with academic coursework. It is centrally coordinated through the Career Services ofce in cooperation with the academic departments of the university. CEIP supports Stout’s polytechnic designation by providing students the opportunity to experience an active and applied focus on learning in their professional feld. The success of CEIP is based on a framework of collaborative partnerships between employers, students, and the university. Program Benefts • Build your professional network • Apply your knowledge to a real world of work • Gain confdence in your skills and abilities • Build a stronger resume • Strengthen your career readiness skills • Possible position in place before graduating (many students receive a job offer from their employer)

The university and on-site supervisor evaluate the student’s performance while professors assign grades. Long-Range Impact Co-op and internship professors must be included in all phases of planning and completing the work experience to ensure that program requirements are met. Lengthy or multiple experiences usually extend the time required to earn a four-year degree. The experience ofen provides a competitive edge in the job market. 35% of graduates who enroll in CEIP go on to accept a professional position with their co-op or internship employer. Co-op & Internship Partners More than 600 companies and agencies partner with CEIP at UW-Stout Polytechnic. Students may generate a position themselves with help from our ofce.

Co-op Course (SUBJ-X49)

Field Experience Course (SUBJ-X98 OR SUBJ-X97)

Work experience is at least 8 weeks and students enroll in Fall, Spring, and/or Summer Terms

Students do major-related work within the guidelines of their Academic Program

Earn 1 credit per term - course enrollment must be concurrent with work experience

Students work in positions located on-campus, off-campus, in-state, out-of-state, and internationally

Paid (W-2 only)

Unpaid & Paid (i.e. W-2, 1099, Stipend)

32 hours per week / 320+ hours per term

Weekly hours vary / 80+ hours per term

Full-time student status awarded

Student status determined by enrolled credits

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Are You

Career Ready?

Career & Self-Development

Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers want to hire talented college students and graduates who can demonstrate these eight skills, talents, and strengths. Mastering them will make you a competitive candidate for

within and without one’s organization.

Communication

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.

future employment.

Critical Thinking Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information. Equity and Inclusion Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different cultures and backgrounds. Engage in anti oppressive practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism and inequity. Leadership Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals. Professionalism Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace. Teamwork Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities. Technology Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efciencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. 7

Assess Your Career Readiness Professional Competency Self-Assessment Tool: See what professional competencies you need to develop and practice to be career ready and experience workplace success. As you refect on your results, think about how you’ve used these skills in class projects, work experiences, and everyday interactions. Then be ready to communicate them clearly on your resume, in interviews, and when networking with professionals. Employers are placing greater emphasis on skills-based hiring, so being able to show evidence of these competencies is more important than ever. Go to page 24 to learn how to apply them to your resume. Career& Self-Development Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization. [ ] Need to Develop [ ] Currently Developing [ ] Excelling Action words to incorporate into bullet points on your resume: Achieved Dedicated Established Implemented Improved Modifed Updated Ways to develop this competency: • Develop plans and goals for one’s future career • Display curiosity: seek out opportunities to learn • Identify areas for continual growth while pursuing and applying feedback Goal for developing this competency: _____________________________________________________________________________ Communication Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization. [ ] Need to Develop [ ] Currently Developing [ ] Excelling Action words to incorporate into bullet points on your resume: Addressed Authored Collaborated Communicated Documented Informed Negotiated Published Ways to develop this competency: • Develop and deliver a presentation for a class • Check for understanding by asking clarifying questions • Proofread online and written communication to avoid errors Goal for developing this competency: _____________________________________________________________________________ Critical Thinking Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information. [ ] Need to Develop [ ] Currently Developing [ ] Excelling Action words to incorporate into bullet points on your resume: Analyzed Determined Gathered Interpreted Identifed Solved Ways to develop this competency: • Develop an action plan with specifc steps to solve a problem • Brainstorm solutions to a problem before bringing it to a supervisor/professor • Activate your mind: read, do puzzles, write, etc. Goal for developing this competency: _____________________________________________________________________________ Equityand Inclusion Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different cultures and backgrounds. Engage in anti-oppressive practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism and inequity. [ ] Need to Develop [ ] Currently Developing [ ] Excelling Action words to incorporate into bullet points on your resume: Connected Diversifed Encouraged Established Familiarized Interpreted Ways to develop this competency: • Attend an event on campus that encourages you to step outside your comfort zone • Engage in conversation with individuals who have different perspectives than your own • Participate in a study abroad or volunteer experience to broaden your horizons Goal for developing this competency: _____________________________________________________________________________ 8

Leadership Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals. [ ] Need to Develop [ ] Currently Developing [ ] Excelling Action words to incorporate into bullet points on your resume: Chaired Coached Delegated Implemented

Managed

Recommended

Ways to develop this competency: • Take on a leadership role in a group or organization • Demonstrate initiative at your job/internship by taking on additional responsibilities • Motivate team members with a positive attitude and leverage their strengths when delegating work Goal for developing this competency: _____________________________________________________________________________ Professionalism Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace. [ ] Need to Develop [ ] Currently Developing [ ] Excelling Action words to incorporate into bullet points on your resume: Aided Encouraged Initiated Produced Reconciled Streamlined Ways to develop this competency: • Use a planner or calendar to prioritize work/assignments and meet deadlines • Refect on a recent challenge and identify areas of growth and improvement for the future • Review your social media through the eyes of a future employer and determine appropriateness Goal for developing this competency: _____________________________________________________________________________ Teamwork Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities. [ ] Need to Develop [ ] Currently Developing [ ] Excelling Action words to incorporate into bullet points on your resume: Collaborated Contributed Coordinated Facilitated Participated Supported Ways to develop this competency: • Collaborate with others on a class project where responsibility is shared and not divided • Handle difcult conversations in person with respect • Consider others’ perspectives before making a decision Goal for developing this competency: _____________________________________________________________________________ Technology Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efciencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. [ ] Need to Develop [ ] Currently Developing [ ] Excelling Action words to incorporate into bullet points on your resume: Adapted Identifed Improved Manipulated Navigated Utilized Ways to develop this competency: • Utilize ChatGPT to help you refne skill statements on your resume • Leverage LinkedIn Learning to improve your skills for specifc sofware • Read user agreements for an app. What is the data used for? Ethics mentioned? Goal for developing this competency: _____________________________________________________________________________ 9

Personal Values Identifcation & Refection

Values play a crucial role in career satisfaction and the signifcance of work in your life. They drive what truly matters to you and bring clarity to questions like “Why am I pursuing this major?” and “What is the impact or meaning of my actions on my future career?” Refect on these questions early during your time at UW-Stout Polytechnic as they will shape your decision-making, personal life, and future career success. To help you identify your values, please select your top 5. If you need assistance or professional support, consider scheduling an appointment with a Career Coach.

List of Values [ ] Achievement

[ ] Faith/Religion

[ ] Predictability

[ ] Financial Rewards

[ ] Prestige/Authority

[ ] Advancement

[ ] Flexible Work/Hours

[ ] Recognition/Praise

[ ] Autonomy

[ ] Friendship

[ ] Risk Taking

[ ] Benefts/Vacation

[ ] Fun Work/Environment

[ ] Tangible Results

[ ] Challenge/Learning

[ ] Health/Well-being

[ ] Travel

[ ] Competition

[ ] Helping Other People

[ ] Working on a Team

[ ] Creating Beauty

[ ] Improving Society/Social Issues

[ ] Working Outdoors

[ ] Creating Knowledge

[ ] Job Security

[ ] Working with Kids (Or Specifc

[ ] Creativity/New Ideas

[ ] Leading Others/Leadership

oPpulation)

[ ] Daily Variety

[ ] Location/Commute

[ ] Working with Physical Things

[ ] Diversity/Culture

[ ] Performing/Art-Entertainment

[ ] Other ____________________

[ ] Entrepreneurship

Refect on the Following Questions: 1. Name a task that when you do it, three hours fy by without you even noticing. What is it about this activity that draws you in?

2.What is one skill or ability you are particularly proud of OR something someone told you you’re good at? How could this be applied to a future career?

3.Think of a job, project or experience you completed. Were you able to see your top values being used? Why or why not?

4.What would be a potential “deal-breaker” in a job? If it were like “___________” I couldn’t be happy there?

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Feeling Overwhelmed When Considering Careers? Consider purpose, abilities, and need. Feeling overwhelmed is common when considering careers. Numerous questions may arise, leaving you confused, questioning your choices, and instilling fear about the future. However, it’s important to alleviate the pressure of having all the answers or fnding the perfect summer internship or job. Navigating Career Choices with Confdence Acknowledging Key Facts: • Your career interests will naturally evolve over time, and you may fnd fulfllment in various career paths. • Life situations and personal/professional circumstances can lead you in new directions.

Understanding Factors That Shape Your Career Direction Purpose | Discovering What Matters to You When considering a career path, refect on your values and aim to fnd a job that aligns with your purpose. Understanding your passions and values can guide you toward a meaningful path that aligns with your sense of fulfllment and purpose in life. Abilities | Embracing Your Strengths Acknowledge your natural or developed abilities, as they ofen provide the confdence needed for success in a job. If there’s a particular interest you have but doubt your capabilities, consulting a Career Coach or mentor can help you explore untapped possibilities. Demand | Exploring Job Demand Exploring job boards early on can provide valuable insights about the opportunities available in your region, helping you align your desired path with market realities. Remember, even if the options seem limited, there are opportunities to get creative.

Abilities What I Am Good At

• Throughout your lifetime, your jobs will change, whether through promotions, lateral moves within an organization, or entirely new paths.

A Good Career Fit

- Therefore, it will be much more important to spend time under standing the different elements that can help move you through your career. The good news is that Career Services is here to help.

Purpose

Demand What The

What I Care

About

World Needs

Find Your Major. Find Your Purpose.

Scan the QR code to visit the Universities of Wisconsin MyMajors website. Take the assessment to help you decide on a major!

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Be Career Ready by Graduation Career readiness is a journey that might not be a linear path. Career Services is here to help you navigate each year at Stout to take the steps necessary to launch you into the next phase of life.

Experience (SOPHOMORE / 2ND YEAR)

Use this year to develop your leadership skills and fnd opportunities to enhance your resume. Employers look at more than just your degree, they value your skills. Experiences will provide you stories to share these skills in interviews and networking situations. • Take an active role in a student organization to develop your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. • Explore options for study abroad and investigate co op or internship opportunities. • Attend career events to learn from employers what experiences are desired to make you more marketable. • Research companies that provide work in your area of interest. • Join LinkedIn to create a professional online presence. Action Items: • Participate in a job shadow event or conduct an informational interview with a professional in a career feld of your interest. • Meet with your Program Director or other faculty member to discuss career options with your major. • Create your resume and meet with a Career Coach. • Attend Career Conference and try out your 30-second introduction. For help creating one, see page 32. • If Graduate School is in your future, think about your educational goals and begin researching colleges.

Start Here

Investigate (FRESHMAN / 1ST YEAR)

Now is the time to refect on your interests and goals and engage in career exploration. The earlier you understand these things the more intentional you can be in selecting your major/concentration/minor, getting involved on campus, and set the foundation for your college journey. • Use O*Net Online to explore and research careers. • Review the annual Co-op and Employment reports for salary and employment information on your major. • Join campus clubs/organizations related to your major or interests. Volunteer in the community or take an on campus job. • Explore the Career Success Guide and online resources to assess your career readiness skills (see page 8). Action Items: • Log in to Handshake, complete your profle, learn about opportunities and resources, and explore on campus jobs. • Complete the Personal Values and Career Direction activities on the previous pages of this guide. • Attend at least one Career Services event. • Meet your Career Coach in an individual meeting to discuss career options.

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The average job search takes 6 months, so start early!

Implement (SENIOR / 4TH YEAR)

It’s time to thrive and start the transition from student to UW-Stout Polytechnic alumnus. Employers are recruiting early, so be ready with polished materials, a clear career direction, and examples of your experiences. Preparation now builds your confdence and sets you up for a successful launch afer graduation. • Network with professionals in your targeted industry via Career Conference, LinkedIn or networking groups in the community. • Consider what you want in your next phase of life. Think about where you want to live, the kind of salary and benefts you need, the type of work environment and work schedule you prefer. • Actively apply for positions of interest using Handshake, Indeed.com and other online resources. The average time for a job search is 6 months, so start in the fall. • Continue to be an active member at UW-Stout Polytechnic, building your skills and developing your network. • Complete the First Destination Survey once you know what you are doing afer graduation. Action Items: • Set up automated saved search criteria in Handshake, and other job search engines, to receive weekly job updates. • Meet with a Career Coach to discuss your job search strategy and tailor your resume. • Attend Career Conference and schedule an on campus interview. • Update your LinkedIn profle to show you’re looking for a professional position. Tell everyone you know you are job searching. • Going to Graduate School? Complete graduate school applications in the fall.

Prepare/Focus (JUNIOR / 3RD YEAR)

Now is the time to pull it all together and put your skills and experiences to work. Getting a jump start on tailoring your resume, practice interviewing, or securing an internship ensures you are eliminating some of the pressure you might feel in your senior year. • Refect on your goals, refne if needed, and select activities that help you reach them. • Ask professors, employers, and co-op supervisors to provide letters of recommendation or to serve as a professional reference. • Develop your professional network by interfacing with employers and alumni at Career Conference and other networking events. • Use LinkedIn Learning to hone your networking skills. Action Items: • Practice interviewing with Big Interview or schedule a mock interview with a Career Coach. • Search and apply for a cooperative education/ internship experience. • Create a cover letter for a specifc job application and meet with a Career Coach to review it. • Create a list of professionals you have connected with at Career Conference, students organizations, or other career events. • Going to Graduate School? Research graduate school programs, review entrance requirements and complete any required exams over the summer.

Keep Going!

Career Services is here to help even afer you graduate! Meet with a Career Coach, utilize resources, and more. Once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil.

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Co-op, Internship & Job Search Checklist While it’s true that job searching has become increasingly challenging, it’s important to remember that there has never been a time when a person simply clicks on a website, applies, and instantly secures their frst job.

Job searching requires a lot of work and effort. To optimize your time and energy, follow these steps:

Develop an effective resume and cover letter: [ ] Review resume and cover letter writing materials found in this Career Success Guide or on our website. [ ] Have your resume and cover letter critiqued by a Career Coach. Upload your resume on Handshake: [ ] Login via Tech Toolkit on Career Services StoutCloud site. Network for co-ops, internships, and professional careers: [ ] Let family, relatives, and friends know that you are looking for a co-op, internship, or professional position. [ ] Let faculty and staff know that you are looking. [ ] Attend career conferences to network with employers you met at previous conferences and to fnd “hidden” opportunities. [ ] Review the 5-Year Co-op Report: Contact employers you’ve met through open houses, student organizations, and previous work experience. [ ] Join LinkedIn and other professional social networking sites. [ ] Review Handshake for employer contact information. [ ] Contact Stout Alumni in your major. [ ] Conduct informational interviews. See “Informational Interviewing” in this guide (page 34). [ ] Join professional associations related to your major. [ ] For additional information, review the “Networking” section in this guide (page 31).

Pursue advertised co-ops, internships, and professional positions: Check Handshake for: [ ] GoinGlobal [ ] On-campus interview schedule [ ] Co-op, internship, or job posting [ ] Check StoutCloud Student Resource page for additional resources. Check the following “spidering” job search engines: [ ] Indeed.com [ ] LinkedIn Jobs Prospect for co-ops, internships, and professional positions in desired geographic areas: [ ] See “Networking” (page 31) or “Prospecting” job search method (page 42) in this guide. [ ] Use buzzfle.com/edu to identify organizations you would like to prospect within a desired

Evaluate the interview and follow-up: [ ] Send a thank you letter and follow up with employers you interview with. [ ] See “Cover Letters” and other “Job Search Letters” in this guide (pages 26–28) or on our StoutCloud site for examples. [ ] Review “Offers and Negotiation” in this guide (pages 59–65) or on our StoutCloud site to learn about benefts, salary, and more!

geographic area. Prepare for interviews:

[ ] Review interviewing skills in this

guide (page 47).

Interview. [ ] Complete a mock interview with a Career Coach in Career Services or virtually using Big [ ] Research the organization and position via their website. See “Research the Employer” in this guide

(page 49). [ ] Know your worth. Review salary information found

in this guide (page 62).

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Resume Writing

Plan & Prepare

• Schedule an appointment with a Career Coach to assist you. • Review resume writing resources found on the Career Services StoutCloud or the Writing Center. • Explore BigResume and Sidekick within Handshake. • Make a list of all your work, education, student organizations, athletics, volunteer activities, honors, awards, hobbies, military experience, etc. Identify the responsibilities, accomplishments, and skills developed as appropriate for each of these activities. • Determine the position(s) you will target. • Identify the skills, knowledge, and qualities needed for the position(s). From your work, education, and extracurricular history, identify the skills, knowledge, and qualities that are transferable to the position(s) you are targeting. • Make your resume easy to read. It should be symmetrical, balanced, and uncrowded. Use appropriate white space between sections. Keep writing in sections to short bulleted statements. Be uniform and consistent. For example, if a period is at the end of one skill statement, a period should be at the end of all skill statements; if a job title is in boldface, all job titles should be in boldface. • Use action words such as “supervised,” “managed,” or “directed” instead of passive phrases like “responsible for” or “duties included” (see “Action Verbs” on page 24 in this guide). • Use keywords that an employer may search for if they scan your resume electronically. For instance, “SQL Database Programmer”is generally easier to fnd in a resume than “designed and implemented departmental database” or “Manager for Windows engineers, Microsof Corp” instead of “Responsible for a team of cutting edge computer engineers.” See job descriptions on O*NET for keywords for your occupation. • Use emphasis in your Word document version, such as italics, capital letters, bullets, boldface, and underlining for visual appeal and emphasis. • Review the sample resumes in this guide or on our StoutCloud Site. • Determine which format (chronological, functional, or combination) best suits you and your career path. • Limit resume to one page if you’re a current student or recent college grad. Talk to your Career Coach for exceptions. Remember, even if the options seem limited, there are opportunities to get creative. • Absolutely no errors. No typographical errors. No spelling errors. No grammar, syntax, or punctuation errors (pay particular attention to use the correct past and present tense). No errors of fact. • Reproduce your resume on quality paper with a high-quality copier, laser printer, or printing service. • Prepare a cover letter to accompany your resume (See “Job Search Letters” on page 26 in this guide or on our StoutCloud Site).

The purpose of a resume is to win you an interview. It does this by summarizing your education, work experience, and other qualifcations to show the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in the position. Consider developing three versions of your resume: A Print Version Designed with bulleted lists, italicized text, and other highlights, ready to print, mail, or hand to potential contacts and interviewers. A Plain Text Version A plain text fle ready to copy and paste into online forms, post in online resume databases, and submit to employers using “Applicant Tracking” sofware. An Email Version Attached as a PDF. Sometimes Word documents do not export into original formatting, so locking formatting in place via a PDF document is recommended. Create original resumes in Word, but when complete, save and send in PDF.

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What to Put in a Resume

Educational Information List most recent educational institutions you have graduated from or expect to graduate from frst. Indicate your degree, major, minor, and concentrations as well as your date of graduation. Cumulative GPA or GPA in your major is recommended if over a 3.00. Academic honors and other recognition should be included. Teaching candidates should include their area(s) of certifcation. Relevant Courses List selected courses that will help convince the reader of your qualifcation for the job you are seeking. List 4-6 relevant classes that relate to the position. Skills Include a list of your computer, technical, laboratory and/or language skills, relational and collaborative. Experience List signifcant experiences related to the position. This typically includes past employment and can also include military service, co-op, and internship positions and signifcant volunteer roles. Course projects can be added to showcase your experience and skill development (see example on the Sample Advanced Combination Resume, page 19). List your experiences in reverse chronological order or in order of relevance to your work objective. Briefy list your position title, company or organization, city/state, dates of employment, responsibilities, accomplishments, and skills. For every skill, accomplishment, or responsibility described, use the most impressive power verb you can think of (which is also accurate). Use the language of your profession. Teachers and counselors should include student teaching, internship, and practicum experiences. Honors/Professional Development Indicate your awards, involvement in student professional and non-professional organizations, volunteer activities, athletics, and other school and non-school related activities. High school activities may be included if you are a freshman or sophomore seeking a co-op, internship, or other experiential learning opportunity. Leadership Leadership is a valuable skill sought afer by all employers. List any leadership roles you’ve had or experiences you’ve participated in while in college.

Contact Information At the very top of your resume you should have your name, phone number (record a neutral greeting on your voicemail greeting), and email address. Adding your physical address is optional. Utilize your permanent or current address. Professional Objective or Statement Briefy describe the type of position you seek and the two or three qualities, abilities, or achievements that make you stand out for the position. Focus on the employer’s needs, not yours. Employers prefer candidates who are realistic, focused, and direct. Summary of Qualifcations The “Summary” or “Summary of Qualifcations” can be at the top of the resume below your contact information. It consists of several concise statements (can be bulleted for easier reading) that focus the reader’s attention on the most important job related qualities, achievements, and abilities you have to offer. Those qualities should be the most compelling demonstrations of why they should hire you instead of other candidates. What would make someone the ideal candidate? Look at the job description for the qualities the employer will care about most. This may be the only section fully read by the employer, so it should be exceedingly strong

and convincing to entice the employer to keep reading.

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Sample Chronological Resume

Recommended Users: Those with little or no industry experience. A format to present experience and education in reverse chronological order.

Suggested Formatting Tips Margins: 0.5–1 in. Font: Consistent Font, 10–12 pt. Times, Calibri, Arial

Your name can be larger than the rest of the text Blaze Devil 715-232-0000 | bluedevil@my.uwstout.edu | Fox Lake, WI

List a professional email & phone number with a professional voicemail message. List either your home or campus address/location.

OBJECTIVE

To expand my network in the area of psychology EDUCATION University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic , Menomonie, WI Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology

Graduate: May 202 8

Human Development and Family Studies Minor

GPA: 3.2

RELEVANT COURSEWORK

• Lifespan Human Development

• Social Cognition & Behavior

• Introduction to Families

• Culture & Psychology

WORK EXPERIENCE Front Desk Assistant , University Housing, UW-Stout Polytechnic , Menomonie, WI

September 202 3 -Present

Use a bullet/ symbol for all lists/skill statements & • Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing priorities based on residents’ requests • Provide excellent service to residents through friendly greeting both in -person and over the telephone interactions keep formatting • Practice problem solving skills while working independently and utilize resources when questions arise

consistent. The number of skill statements will vary for each

Summer Camp Counselor

, Independence Scout Reservation, Green Lake, WI

June 202 2 -August 202 3

• Collaborated with team members to prepare camp for summer visitors by unpacking camp store products, taking inventory, and prepping store for opening weekend • Lead scouts in morning flag ceremony by making sure all positions are assigned, correct uniforms are worn, and respect is shown • Engaged with scouts to provide a fun learning environment that promotes new skill development while experiencing independence INVOLVEMENT Headings, dates, etc. should be the same. So if one is in caps, all should be in caps. Member , Tabletop Gaming, UW-Stout Polytechnic , Menomonie, WI December 202 3 -Present Eagle Scout , Troop 54, Scouts BSA, Fox Lake, WI June 202 1 -August 202 1 • Fundraised over $3,000 in cash and donations to create a hiking trail switchback at In The Woods Nature Reserve • Organized and directed 25 volunteers over three days to remove marked trees, survey land for correct slope percentage, dig out trail , lay railroad ties, and lay anti erosion material

section.

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Sample Beginning Combination Resume Recommended Users: Those with some industry experience. A format to present experience and education in reverse chronological order.

Blaze BlueDevil 715.123.1234 | student.email@my.uwstout.edu | 1234 Second Street, Menomonie, WI 55555

Objec ti ve: To obtain an internship in the computer networking fi eld for Summer 2025

EDUCATION University of Wisconsin - Stout Polytechnic, Menomonie, WI Bachelor of Science in Computer and Networking Informa ti on Technology May 202 7 Concentra ti on: Cyber Security Minor: Informa ti on & Communica ti on Technology GPA: 3.85 Academic Excellence Spring 202 4 INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE Cross-Cultural Communica ti on, China - January 202 5 • Visited the ci ti es of Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai to observe and compare cyber security issues TECHNICAL SKILLS • Linux • Network & Security • CCNA Rou ti ng & Switching • CCNA Cyber Ops • PC & MAC RELEVANT COURSEWORK • Network Systems Design • Enterprise Solu ti ons & Uni fi ed Communica ti ons • Cloud Compu ti ng Design, Implementa ti on, & Security • Chancellors Award for

WORK EXPERIENCE Culver’s, Menomonie, WI Shi ft Lead August 202 4 -Present

• Perform managerial func ti ons, such as opening and closing restaurant, making deposits, coun ti ng down drawers and crew member performance evalua ti ons • Trained four new cashiers on cash register machines and customer service protocols • Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with suppliers to ensure ti mely restocking of essen ti al items

Fes ti val Foods, Eau Claire, WI Cashier March 202 2 -August 202 4

• Provided excellent customer services while handling an average of $1,500 worth cash and credit card transac ti ons per shi ft • Worked with a team to cover a variety of roles and shi ft s throughout the store • Maintained cleanliness and organiza ti on of checkout areas to ensure a smooth and e ffi cient customer fl ow CAMPUS AND PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT Women in Technology & Security (WITS) Member, UW-Stout Polytechnic January 202 4 -Present • Par ti cipate in weekly mee ti ngs and professional development events • Volunteer at local community organiza ti on Feed My People

Ski and Snowboard Club Member, UW-Stout Polytechnic September 202 3 -Present

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Sample Advanced Combination Resume Recommended Users: Those with project, co-op/internship, or industry experience. A format to group relevant professional experience and skills. Focused on marketing to a specifc position or feld.

Blaze Devil

1235 Columbus St., Sauk Prairie, WI Ph. (123) 222-3333

student001@my.uwstout.edu

linkedin.com/in/blaze

Professional Sales Highly mo ti vated new graduate with 6 months of Co-op experience in sales and business development, results-driven, solu ti on-oriented nego ti ator with advanced communica ti on and strong rela ti onship-building skills

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS • Demonstrated excellent brand awareness and brand management knowledge throughout enterprise prac ti cum • Strong interna ti onal awareness and globaliza ti on skills proven during study abroad experience (6 months) • Advanced communica ti on skills demonstrated in cross-func ti onal teams consis ti ng of mul ti ple levels of management • Strong market awareness with skills in forecas ti ng to ensure quarterly sales quotas were met • Recognized for cul ti va ti ng most quarterly sales with new member retail store credit card applica ti ons and sales EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic , Menomonie, WI Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administra ti on Minor in Sales and Marke ti ng GPA 3.55 May 202 7 *Dean’s List (4- ti me recipient)* Cer tific a ti ons • Excel (Dec 202 3 ) • Social-Behavioral Con fli ct Interest Training (Sept 202 4 ) • Data Analy ti cs (Dec 202 5 ) TECHNICAL SKILLS • POS Systems • Inventory Control • Microso ft Suite • Organiza ti onal Leadership • Public Speaking • Accoun ti ng • Forecas ti ng • Produc ti on & Opera ti ons Management • Sales Reports • Market Research • Lean Enterprises • E-Commerce SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE Manufacturing Enterprise Prac ti c um Project, Enterprise Resource Planning Prac ti cum, UW-Stout Polytechnic January 202 6 – May 202 6 • Worked in team of 4 to develop a product that could be sourced, manufactured, branded, marketed, and sold locally – assumed the role of marke ti ng and sales manager • Developed brand/theme and developed marke ti ng plan to engage campus and local community members • Developed forecas ti ng model for sales, sourced all products for produc ti on, and set produc ti on schedules • Produced 100 items using mass produc ti on methods and standards, ensuring e ffi ciency • Conducted quality checks, to ensure product was produced according to specks, demonstra ti ng a tt en ti on to detail • Marketed product to target market of college students, faculty & st aff and community members through social media marke ti ng campaign, posters, pre-orders, e-commerce, vendor fair and door-to-door sales Sales Compe titi on Team, UW-Stou t Polytechnic May 202 5 • Competed individually in a regional compe t i t i on to demonstrate outstanding sales skills using a fi c t i onal company and product • Conducted market research to familiarize myself with company, product and poten t i al client • Cul t i vated plan to demonstrate company mission, brand awareness and product goals • Delivered 20-minute sales mee t i ng to cover ini t i al introduc t i on, rapport building, trust development, and researching new prospect’s needs • Won 2 nd place at Northwood Region meet and represented UW-Stout Polytechnic at 202 5 Na t i onal Collegiate Sales Compe t i t i on Management Intern, Enterprise Holdings, Eau Claire, WI June 202 4 – December 202 4 • Completed training program and began overseeing all aspects of business at local branch • Generated car sales and corporate lead accounts • Maintained posi ti ve rela ti onships with ongoing accounts – regular sales calls • Contributed to overall branch pro fi ts with consistent inside sales of op ti onal protec ti on plans • Consistently met and exceeded monthly sales goals • Helped develop and train three new employees LEADERSHIP Treasurer (202 5 -202 6 ), American Marke t i ng Associ at i on, UW-Stout Polytechnic Spring 202 4 – Present Chapter NCAA Athlete, UW-Stout Polytechnic Football Fall 202 3 – Present ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Bartender, Log Jam, Menomonie, WI January 202 4 – May 202 5 Team Member, Kwik Trip, Menomonie, WI and Manitowoc, WI (Seasonal) June 202 1 – September 202 3 • Performed in-depth market research on local marke ti ng trends and product availability • Designed, prototyped, manufactured and sold product outdoor yard game – Kubb • Evaluated fi nal design, tested prototype and performed local market research to obtain feedback from customers

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